Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Aren't I slack?

Yep.

The last few weeks we have had several lovely guests come visit us back to back, since their departure we have also been making wonderful new friends, finally completed furnishing our flat* and I have taken a more serious approach to developing my academic/professional life.

So I have been slack with AMSTERDAMNED but it was crucial that this little introvert cut down on some social interaction and "enjoyed solitude" when she could find it.

* Of course we could always use more pretty decorative things :)

Monday, July 6, 2009

Cycling Trips: To Bloemendaal aan Zee and back

Cycling in the Netherlands is fantastic because it is so flat, you can go for long stretches without the exhaustion. This weekend we rode with some friends to Bloemendaal ann Zee and back. I definitely recommend this trip if you're visiting Amsterdam for a week or more, or living here.

Details:
Amsterdam -> Haarlem -> Bloemendal aan Zee
Distance: Roughly 20 km each direction.
Level: Easy but long.
Perks: Taking a rest in Haarlem for a broodje and a beer. The beach is surprisingly lovely (even for someone with Sydney beach standards :)). Going by Schipol and watching the planes fly over you.

Photos courtesy of our guest Tony

Leaving Amsterdam

Stopover in Haarlem for a beer and a broodje


Bloemendaal aan Zee

Zandvoort


The long ride home