Amsterdam Airbnb success

We had our first Airbnb experience in Amsterdam and.... sigh, it was a huge success. The apartment was situated in Oost just off the Amstel River. It was 4 stops on the metro (a 50m walk from the apartment) to Central Station. This is just far enough away from the heavy traffic of tourists that flood the centres walkways, in my opinion. We mostly enjoyed walking home via the side streets and discovering some of the more local gems between the apartment and city centre. Our hosts (who lived in the downstairs apartment) were perfectly reliable and hospital without encroaching on our space. The apartment was so tastefully furnished, original artwork hung on the walls and there were flowers and basic provisions to greet us. I could have happily moved in for a month. There was something special about this apartment that made me happy to be there..... even the steep stairs leading up to the apartment added a sense of charm.

Park hopping in Amsterdam

Park hopping was how we rolled today.  Sarphatipark to Frederiks Plein via Hemonystraat and lastly Oosterpark.

Along the way we found the Albert Cuyp Market which reminded me us little of how the South Melbourne Market was back in the day (can I say.... bad fashion? with authentic fruiterers & fish mongers),  Poptasi Pastry for incredible macaroons (it definitely gets the Z man's vote), the fantastic store Hutspot...barber, concept store, fashion, gallery, cafe and yoga studio....uber cool in that Amsterdamian way... and Lobster House where they serve THE most amazing lobster burgers know to man (really)!!  We also came across some pretty impressive secondhand stores around the Oosterpark region, with room upon room of hidden treasures in every nook and cranny.  

Never having been to Amsterdam before the L.F. took himself off for a wander around the Red Light District while Z and I were at Oosterpark.  A sobering experience....one I was happy to forego! 

Quiet days

It was a quiet day exploring the back streets of Amsterdam today. We were all feeling a little weary.  Along the way I did however fall in love with the clothing label Like This and I found the perfect pair of grey  felted 'clog' slippers here.  xx

I Am...sterdam

3 weeks today until the big departure. The countdown has officially begun.
I took these photos 20 years ago when I was last in Holland. I spent most of my time there in The Hague staying with friends but we did manage one rather eventful trip to Amsterdam. As fun as it was at the time I'm rather thankful we wont be staying at Bob's Youth Hostel this time.

I've made a list of links to help us navigate more than the obvious....coffee houses, Anne Frank's House, Van Gogh Museaum and red light district while exploring this crazy and notoriously colourful town.

Guides:
I amsterdam
NY times travel article 'The Amsterdam of Playgrounds and Pancakes'
Babyccino kids Amsterdam
A day in Amsterdam with LUXE City Guides
36 Hours in Ansterdam, NY Times.
Off the Beaten Track in Amsterdam, Nomadic Matt
Petite Passports Favorites Guide to Amsterdam
All the goodness over at This Girl Lel.
103 weeks: An American expat in Amstaerdam.
A selection of expat blogs on I Amsterdam