An Autumn in Amsterdam

With December (!!!) just around the corner, I've been reflecting on how we spent our first fall in The Netherlands.  Despite being in a partial lockdown for the majority of our time here, I think we've done a 'Dam good job exploring our new city.
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​After flipping through my camera roll, the below photo groupings offer a fair assessment of our go-to activities.  I may have taken some liberties with what qualifies as a "verb" in today's post, but let's just chalk that up to the language barrier, okay?!

Grammar aside, since moving to Amsterdam, Jack and I have been very busy with the following:​
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1. Museum-ing

Thus far, we've been to Heineken Experience, Moco Museum, Amsterdam Museum, and Rijksmuseum.  A few weeks into our stay, museums closed due to a corona spike, but they've since reopened. 

​Next up on our list includes Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and obviously: Madame Tussaud's.

2. Halloween-ing

Though a far cry from the Halloween party we hosted in Chicago last year, we made the most of this year's opportunity to celebrate.  Jack's job held a (virtual) "Halloween Happy Hour" where we exposed our nerdy sides.  I humbly present to you Hermione, feat: Mandrake. 

At least our "Half Blood Prince" cocktail won us a bakery gift card for our troubles!

3. Eating VERY well

Sadly, restaurants and bars have been closed for dine-in (including terraces) for almost the entirety of our time here.  Luckily, we've identified some truly amazing takeaway options.  Although we enjoy cooking in throughout the week, we've established a steady weekend rotation of authentic Italian pizza and pastas, fresh seafood, sushi, and/or poke bowls.  Terrifyingly, we have all these options within a 3 minute walk.

The lobster dinner in the first photo was for our wedding anniversary, on Oct. 22nd. The bibs were an especially nice touch...

4. Tourist-ing

For better or worse, I discovered that I'm OBSESSED with Dutch herring.  It's fishy, briney, delicious, and I can't get enough of it.  However, even though I now consider myself a herring aficionado, I haven't been bold enough to try the traditional "drop the whole fish down your throat in one gulp" move.  Although the fishmonger outside our apartment basically knows me by name, I'm not sure I'll EVER get there!

5. Nesting

I'm now the proud owner of FIVE house plants, including one unexpectedly large Elephant Ear.  Due to my new "hobby," I'm proud to say we've successfully mastered the art of biking with alarmingly large things in our baskets, which makes us feel like quite the locals. 

In addition to hanging balcony lights, another part of our "nesting" has involved deep diving into the European wine game.  We're now regulars at both Dutch and British online wine tastings, and I'm realizing I don't miss my Trader Joe's wines quite as much as I thought I would....

6. Gawking

Amsterdam is gorgeous, 'nuff said.  A bike ride isn't complete without me veering off the path to snap a photo.  Below are some recent photos of the city showing off.

7. Celebrating

Somebody had their first birthday abroad!  Although this wasn't the Bruges getaway Jack hoped he'd enjoy for his big 2-9, he still planned quite a fun day for himself.  Despite it being a blustery Saturday, we biked to Noord-Holland and caught a ferry to two breweries (Walhalla and Oedipus) for takeaway beers. 

Jack also enjoyed a 3-course tasting menu from Amsterdam restaurant Bar Alt, plus a local beer pairing.  On his actual birthday (Tuesday), we stuffed our faces with pasta from our beloved Gustatio.  He blew the candles out on a tiramisu, we toasted over a wine tasting from Shiraz, and then he still kicked my butt in chess, per usual.

8. Giving Thanks

Our first Thanksgiving abroad was a roaring success.  I am SO grateful we chose an apartment with a (nearly) full-size oven, as I gave it quite the workout. 

​A special shoutout to Kelly's Expat Store for arming us with some important essentials we couldn't have found elsewhere: Jet Puffed Marshmallows, Stove Top Stuffing, and McCormick Gravy packets.  Although we subbed ham for turkey, we truly were able to replicate a full American feast. 

We also are so thankful that our families bumped up their eating schedules so we could enjoy our Thanksgiving meals together, despite the time and distance.  It honestly felt like we were all in the same room!  So, another special shoutout to Zoom for being the real MVP of 2020.  

9. Biking

 I don't know HOW I made it 27 full years without this being my primary mode of transportation.  Unless I get too busy with work,  I am absolutely loving that most every day here involves a bike ride.  

​Today we took our longest ride yet, almost 14 miles (23 kilometers) in full. We spent much of it cruising around Amsterdamse Bos, a forest preserve that was beyond beautiful.  Of course, we ended our voyage with food -- glühwein and frankfurters.  And yes, I snuck in a herring on our way home.

Though we are BEYOND itching to take one of the MANY trips we've planned -- most especially the multi-city French wine one -- I truly feel so happy and grateful to be here.  

I'm already excited to think of what our winter recap will hold!  For one thing, it'll document the arrival of our 6-foot live Christmas tree next weekend, which I'm sure will be an adventure in itself.  Please don't ask where I plan to put it....

Tot ziens!
- Lou