Falling in Love with Amsterdam

There have been ups and downs, shocks and surprises, frustrations and confusion, but I am now beginning to love our new life Amsterdam.

There are lots of amazing things about living here. 

Here are the top 5.

1. The Landscape

Five minutes from our house, we have a windmill, beautiful countryside and the river Amstel (above). Two minutes from our house we have a canal, with grasses growing either side and herons and ducks hanging out. There are two parks in less than 200 yards from our house. One has a skateboard track, a playground and a massive field (below). The other has a little play area and sandpit. Our street feels safe and is not busy. We are still only a 20 minute tram or cycle ride from the centre of town. 

2. The Cycle Paths

My journey to take the kids to school is a 5 minute cycle ride. What I didn't realise was that there are cycle paths where cars are not allowed. There is a whole network of cycle paths which get you there more quickly than you can driving. 

It's so wonderful to be able to fit exercise into my daily life with the children as I'm cycling everywhere now. Being outside and having fresh air, even in the winter is making me feel healthier than ever. My skin is clearer and I generally feel great. 

3. Independent Shops

Unlike our local high street in the UK, there are few empty shops, no betting shops and no charity shops.  There are no big retail out of town outlets. High streets are bustling and thriving. You can buy top quality fruit and vegetables from a grocers, fish from a fishmongers and you buy nails and glue from an iron mongers. A bit more cycling around to get what you need, but once you've figured out where to find what you need it is pretty good. You can buy fresh flowers cheaply and they last two weeks.

There are many more independent shops, particularly food specialists which sell amazing bread, cheese and fruit and vegetables. 

4. Regular calendar events

There's always something around the corner to look forward to. Winter starts with the lovely lantern festival, St Martins. Then there is the arrival of Sinterklaas and his helpers in November, which finishes on 6th December. This is followed by Xmas and there is a light festival running for December and January. Amsterdam is lit up at night by light installments.   Next week, we'll be picking Tulips in Dam square. 

5. C&A!