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Birds of Amstel
The river has a large heart, she just gives and gives. Her path determined, she runs her course, yet yields. Alongside her banks: bounties – trees, grass, shrubs, dragonflies. I watch rowboats, cycles, runners, skaters, an unruly kid way ahead of her guardian on a space scooter, her mischievous gurgling laughter infecting the air. I…
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My Name is Khan Korean Restaurant
We had some delicious Korean food at Khan Amsterdam. This is a matter-of-fact joint, with decor that spells neighbor’s barbeque picnic rather than evening dinner restaurant. I found it charming in its no-fuss approach. A bit away from the center and the more popular De Pijp, located in Nederhoven, Khan is a bit off the…
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Stirring Metaphors in a Glass
In a world that expects wine be a glass of Amstel. On Christmas eve we took a stroll through our favorite street Utrechtsestraat. If you walk along from Hutspot to Rembrandtplein you will trek through this darling of a stretch, which has delightful stores, quaint eating joints, cafes, and bars. It was all dressed up for the…
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The Boho Life at Hutspot
Hutspot is one of the coolest spaces I have discovered in Amsterdam. It is a chilled-out creative area spread over two levels, in which you can work, lounge, shop, get a haircut, grab a coffee or a snack. It’s biggest plus point is its easy-going vibe. With multiple seating arrangements and a non-conformist atmosphere it…
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We must Feast: Vaals trip learning
The biggest learning, which 2017 brought for me, was that things often do not go as planned, and that is a gift. As an INTJ – MBTI profile I am a goal-oriented person. I make lists. I systematically work towards tackling the topics on my list. I diligently mark them off, one by one, in order,…
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First Snow: Winter is here
Yesterday, we had the first snow of the season, it came down in light flurries and then a storm, covering everything in a blanket. We were driving when it started and drove through and past the winter wonderland, which surrounded us. The photographs are a study in contrasts, the indoor warmth of home and our…
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Teaching the Ghazal in Class
Last week I was subbing at the Vrije Universteit for the Genre, Literature and Analysis class for the Bachelor First Year course. I was teaching the villanelle and ghazal, which involved aspects of the forms as well as close reading. I found myself in a room full of bright, intelligent, engaged, and wise students. They…
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Art when Dark: Museum Night 2017
Is it art viewing? Is it a nightclub? Should we dance? Let’s grab a drink! Wanna hang out? Oh look, that’s a Rothko! This year the Museum Night in Amsterdam was outstanding. The transformation that the museums underwent was fascinating, dramatically turning from once strict sterile environments to wild psychedelic night clubs. We combined the…
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Autumn Moments in Amsterdam, 2017 Edition
Fall, leaves, fall By Emily Bronte Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away; Lengthen night and shorten day; Every leaf speaks bliss to me Fluttering from the autumn tree. I shall smile when wreaths of snow Blossom where the rose should grow; I shall sing when night’s decay Ushers in a drearier day. (Source: Poetry Foundation)…
