Saturday, November 6, 2010

Europe: Part 1

Since my Simon passed away, things haven't been easy and of course, my writing has suffered tremendously. 
I can't remember the last time I wrote a word towards my novel.  Sigh.
But, I'm slowly making my way back to the joy I used to feel for writing.  It didn't hurt that I took 2 weeks off in October to do a mini tour of Europe. 

I started my trip in Amsterdam and then on to Italy---> Florence, Venice & Rome ---> ending my tour in Paris. 
Five cities in two weeks = never again.  I'm too old for this shit but it was wonderful, nonetheless.

Amsterdam
I was a bit skeptical about going to Amsterdam only because I heard so many varying things about it over the years. 
I pictured a floating city with a bunch of weed-induced zombies having orgies. 
However, all skepticism went out the window the moment I laid eyes on it.

It's stunning.


I never thought a big city could be this relaxing....and no, I wasn't smoking!  I was sober.  And relaxed.  Imagine that?
I'm already thinking about my next trip there--that's how much I loved it.

What was my most favourite thing to do in Amsterdam?
Ask men for directions to The Red Light District.  They all blushed and claimed not to know where it was.  Ha! 

One of the best ways to relax in Amsterdam (other than smoking) is by taking a boat ride along the many canals.  It's also the best way to see the city.
I took two canal tours while I was there (4 days) and took some of the best photos of my life with my crappy little camera.







Can you see the world's narrowest house?

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If you're a fan of The Diary of Anne Frank, a trip to Amsterdam isn't complete without seeing her home, now a museum.



It was very special to see and hear the surroundings that Anne described in her book.  I'll never forget this.
However, I was torn on taking photos as it made me feel insensitive, for lack of a better word.  It's difficult to describe the feeling.



This is my favourite picture because it was taken on my last day. I sat on that bench for a couple of hours and ate my lunch while enjoying the sun:

Check out my video--even the pigeons are relaxed in Amsterdam!




Next blog post: ITALIA!





5 comments:

Elysium said...

I loved Amsterdam as well, it is really beautiful at Christmas time, would love to go back again perhaps in the Spring.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous pics!

Amsterdam is a place I wished I'd visited when I lived in the UK for ten years.

Oh well, one never knows what's around the next corner.

Enjoyed the post :)

PS. Sorry to hear about Simon.

Jai Joshi said...

What lovely pics!

I've never visited Amsterdam but I've been to The Hague and that was a lovely city. I'd go back to the Netherlands in a heartbeat.

I can't wait to see your pics of Italy!

I'm sorry to hear of the rough time you've been having but I'm very glad that you're working through it and are coming back to your love for writing.

Jai

ModernDayStoryteller said...

The world's narrowest house is insane. Who lives there?

So glad you took time off Sheri, and what a way to do it. Amsterdam is a city I've always been curious to visit. After reading your blog, even more so. So glad you enjoyed yourself. I look forward to the Italia update!

The Uneasy Writer said...

Jennifer:
Xmas in Amsterdam...I must try that sometime. ;)

WENDY!!!! Thx for stopping by. I missed you! Hope things are going well.

Jai & Karen:
get your butts to Amsteram ASAP. You would love it.

Will post Italia pics this weekend!