On our recent holiday to Germany, we found ourselves in a small town with a unique attraction. Mobile Welt des Ostens in Calau is a showcase of old East German treasures. Vintage cameras, books, clothing, and other articles are spread amongst classic cars, motorbikes, and communist paraphernalia.
As we walked around the exhibition, Marcus' father told stories of the old days in the East, pointing out the model of his first car and explaining the strange way of life under communism and the eye of the Stasi. He was impressed to find such a collection in the middle of nowhere, dedicated solely to the remembrance of DDR times. Nostalgia for East Germany, referred to as Ostalgie, has resulted in the preservation of memory objects and a continued admiration for the aesthetics of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik. Some extend this admiration to the politics. However, I think the fascination for the East is best manifested in exhibitions, films, and even hotels dedicated to remembering life in the DDR.
Amsterdam isn't a very large city, but there are strong neighborhood identities. Over the years, I have come to know the ins and outs of several neighborhoods in Amsterdam, from Weesperbuurt en Plantage and Oostparkbuurt to Oud West and Oud Zuid. Having lived in the West for over two years, I am convinced that it is my favorite place in the city. This belief was further strengthened a few weeks ago when I rode past a new development on my way to work. The 
After two weeks without de Krat (due to holidays), it was such a thrill to hear the doorbell ring on Saturday morning. This week's box of local, organic food contained a bottle of apple juice, a head of lettuce, two ears of corn, a loaf of whole grain bread, fennel, round zucchini, smoked mackerel, plum, apples, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, and a pot of fresh basil. The week ahead will be filled with salads, zucchini bread, plum and fennel compote, and much more goodness.
Weekend Links is a collection of the interesting bits and pieces that I’ve come across on the streets and online. The weekly post is my chance to share with you a few things from the week, in a list compiled during the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as well.
Every year when August comes around, I look forward to my favorite event of the year, 
Since I was little, I have been fascinated with flags and the countries they represent. These 26 handpainted 
A perfect weekend. A visit to the embassy, four books sold and one purchased, tea and appeltaart with a friend in the sun, an outdoor film with Marcus, a lucky escape from the police checking for bike lights, frolicking goats on Saturday morning, coffee and lunch on the Amstel with a great lady, navigating through the crowded canals with ease, watching the evening rain from the comfort of my home, a slow Sunday morning, an afternoon workout, and ending with a beer on a gusty terrace with my favorite Dutchman. Summer, you are too kind.
Weekend Links is a collection of the interesting bits and pieces that I’ve come across on the streets and online. The weekly post is my chance to share with you a few things from the week, in a list compiled during the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as well.
Last weekend found me once again in 
For those travelers always itching for the next adventure, a 
I will never tire of Amsterdam graffiti and all its creativity.
Two stems of lilacs plucked from an empty lot as we walked through Amsterdam West on a Saturday evening.
Weekend Links is a collection of the interesting bits and pieces that I’ve come across on the streets and online. The weekly post is my chance to share with you a few things from the week, in a list compiled during the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as well.
A great combination of strong designs and modified proverbs in 
On Monday, we launched the new 
Weekend Links is a collection of the interesting bits and pieces that I’ve come across on the streets and online. The weekly post is my chance to share with you a few things from the week, in a list compiled during the weekend. I hope you enjoy them as well.
Needing some relief from an overdose of Dutch rain, Marcus and I headed to Germany last week for sun in Berlin and then time swimming and sailing the lakes in the east. Marcus and his father Matthias have sailed together often, but it was my first time and I loved every minute. The combination of water, wind, and sun was invigorating and relaxing.
