Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Happy Face

After all the cutting back and scrubbing of last weekend it was time to let go of grumpiness and don a happy face. The best antidote sometimes is to get away from it all.



It's been tricky for the both of us recently to get some time off from work and I'm just glad that we managed to this time. With not much time to plan we headed off somewhere not too far away, in fact only a forty five minute plane ride - Amsterdam. 

I've been to this city several times before but it's been twelve years since my last visit and six years of so since Gaz last visited. Despite both being here before, Gaz and I have never visited together and I've almost forgotten how pretty this city is.



It's even prettier than how I remember it to be and it's almost a new experience all over again. This is something I can rarely say about other places.



Here's a few more random scenes we've spotted on our relaxed and aimless walks around the place today:


A little plant stall, not bad prices either. Still too early for tulips in bloom though
Charming!
I spot some nice plants there!
A front 'garden' for a residential apartment by the canal, lovely!
I don't know why I like this photo, I just do


  


Chill out time continues! We'll try to squeeze in a visit to Hortus Botanicus whilst we're in this charming city.

Mark :-)

26 comments :

  1. Charming scenes, the bike face is so fun. It's a fun city to visit so enjoy your time off, you earned it with that last post!

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    1. Thanks Shirley! It's a little city with so much to do!

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  2. One of my favorite cities. It was live at first sight when arrived. The people are so sweet and the city is so clean and beautiful.

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    1. Couldn't agree more :) even with its hedonistic streak you couldn't deny the elegance of the place

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  3. I can't believe you're visiting somewhere I'm somewhat familiar with! ;) Enjoy the break!

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  4. Even though I grew up in Europe, I've been away for so long that I tend to forget how quickly you can travel to a completely different place. I'm glad you were able to get away for a few days.

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    1. So true Gerhard, completely different world in just an hour :))

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  5. It's been too many years since I was there. I'm envious!

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  6. I´ve never been there but everybody says it's a beautiful city. I can see it is by your pictures :) I'm glad you had some time for vacation!

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    1. It's only almost just as quick from Madrid Lisa :)

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  7. Glad you were both able to get away and enjoy a bit of relaxation! You both work so hard and you deserve a respite! Hope you have a great time!

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  8. What fun! Thanks for taking us along.

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    1. A pleasure Loree! Kind of reminds me of Portland too as the family we were sat with on our way to yours last year were just coming back from here.

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  9. Good for you for taking a break! I love Amsterdam, and seeing your photos makes me realize how much I miss brick buildings - and biking as a cultural trait rather than a geared up subculture. Feeling a bit divided at the moment...

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    1. Might be time to explore the idea of going back to the old continent again Anna? :)

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  10. 31 years ago last week I was there on my honeymoon *goes misty eyed* :) Have a fab time!

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    1. Oh my, that's cool to know Michelle! Perhaps time to visit again soon :))

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  11. I've heard so much about Amsterdam...nice to get this mini-tour.

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  12. How lovely, when you see pics of Amsterdam you rarely see plants other than tulips. A lovely trip thanks for sharing x

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  13. A lovely place. Years ago I went there and sampled lots of the delights not seen in any other European city.

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