Amazing Amsterdam

Last Friday, we awoke before 5am, all three of us still suffering from our colds, to catch a plane to Amsterdam. My prayer, on arrival, was that I could just make it through the weekend with my eyes open, and absorb/appreciate everything at a later date.

But after a nap and some fun in the sun at Vondel Park, we were refreshed enough to push through the stuffy heads and body aches.

First of all, we picked the coolest hotel in the world - Hotel Heemskerk...

It is a small hotel, more like a bed and breakfast really, in a beautiful and slightly less trodden area of Amsterdam - Museumplein.

Norman grew up in the building and bought it when he turned 30ish. He put a decade of work into it, turning it into a true masterpiece! The place is so well organized with meticulous attention to detail, yet Norman is super laid back and so spontaneous with his guests that we immediately felt like we were visiting a relative.


He kept many authentic aspects of the building, like the woodwork and original (!!) stained glass windows. Then he added his own touches, one of my favorite being lavish, richly-colored wallpaper from the Hermitage Museum.

We always started our day in the garden with breakfast (eggs, meat, cheese, pastries...) Most days also ended with us in the garden chatting with Norman while Lucas pulled his Thomas suitcase or played with his cars.

By far our best food experience on the trip was at Sogni del Sud, a recommendation of Norman's. It was a little Italian joint with one chef and one waiter. There was no menu. We got to try some of everything Nico happened to dream up that day! This is a picture of all of the antipasti we were served. You'd be surprised how much more you can eat when they don't fill you up with bread at the start.
Lucas refused a spoonful of the sweet custard Nico was working on for dessert, but he hogged all of the calamari. And a first for Chris and me (I am afraid this is bizarre and maybe even offensive to some) - horse carpaccio! It was delicious. How could we refuse when we were swept up in the love and passion of a true Italian chef?

Even with the burden of single-handedly feeding a restaurant full of people, Nico never lost his composure or stopped having fun. Except for when he temporarily lost the cake. I think I was the only one who witnessed his wiry frame zipping from one possible hiding place to another. The look on his face was not exasperation. It was sheer terror.

Lucas was climbing down from his chair after the first course and we were trying not to cry about leaving prematurely, until...

Divine intervention - Nico brought out a Ferrari! We were at the restaurant for three hours!