There were 4 German guys at breakfast this morning, probably between the ages of 19 and 22. What astonished me was the amount they all ate. 5 slices of toast, 2 eggs and copious amounts of bacon...EACH! Then there's me - a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice. Rather petite in comparison huh?!
So today we trotted off to Auntie Tini's - i say trotted, but actually it was tram, followed by train, followed by bus. I can honestly say i'm very experienced in the Dutch public transport system now - and my, it's far better than ours. Arrived at Tini's block of flats - all looks the same as i remembered and she greeted us at the door. On arrival we had a little almond cake and a cup of tea. This was followed by another few cups of tea, and some more Dutch delicacies. After this, we went for a long walk behind the town of Bussum and into the woods. Very warm and sunny today - rather nice. Returned to Tini's - drank another cup of tea (must have been a whole pot by now, surely) and chatted about the Dutch family, whilst being given several heirlooms. I was given a very expensive looking bracelet, dating back to the 18th Century or something, and one of Auntie Tini's favourite pieces of artwork, given to her by a friend in Mexico - "Folk Art". Something i'll treasure for years, i'm sure. My mother was given some shoes she couldnt fit her feet into, and a rather hideous sleeveless blue raincoat. Enough said!
After this the three of us caught the bus into Laren and went to the 'Pannekoken' house which i have been to several times before on my travels to Holland and remember fondly. I think we came here with Jan and Papa at some point, so i spent a lot of time reminising over my much loved Grandfather. We sat at a nice table, had some freshly squeezed orange juice (because Auntie Tini insists on eating/drinking fruit before each meal) and had an interesting collection of pancakes. Tini had bacon, apple and raisin. I had bacon, tomato and cheese, and my mum had half the tuna population on hers, accompanied by a few onions and mushrooms. Weird. Despite feeling incredibly full, Tini was adamant we should have pudding, so we shared an 'Oud Laren' - ice cream with hazelnuts and coffee liqeur. I made the mistake of thinking the liqeur might have been fudge sauce...it gives quite a kick! After feeling rather perky we got back on the bus, said farewell and 'Tot Zeins' to Tini and carried on to the station. Turned on my phone to find a text from Adam saying 'Bonjour Madame!' Haha..bless :)
Arrived back in Amsterdam where it had begun to rain, pounded the streets battling our way through piles of tourists (and following behind a very fat American boy with his pile of chips) back to the hotel. Threw myself up the stairs, and onto my bed. I then went in the shower, which for some unknown reason seemed far more powerful than yesterday -so much so, that i actually had fears of drowning whilst being pinned against the wall by this torrential waterfall. Managed to survive and came out looking like a drowned rat, lay on my bed resting my stomach yet contemplating what to consume at tomorrow's breakfast...
Farewell and Goed Nacht!
Love to you all x
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Secret Unsaid
A hidden feeling,
Our silent charm
A secret possession,
Our tightening balm.
Something true,
Yet left unsaid,
We watch it bloom,
The love is fed
And maybe time will be over
Before we’ve said -
Our hidden feeling
Our secret unsaid.
Our silent charm
A secret possession,
Our tightening balm.
Something true,
Yet left unsaid,
We watch it bloom,
The love is fed
And maybe time will be over
Before we’ve said -
Our hidden feeling
Our secret unsaid.
In Search Of Me
To find you was a dream I never thought I’d find
A dream that only comes true in my sleep,
When the blinds are drawn, the night sky consuming me
Unshaken by the fantasies I play
Silently sleeping, Head upon my pillow,
And you’re dancing through my dream,
Smiling hopelessly,
In hope I’d one day make you reality
Take you to the sea,
Watch the boats at dusk, Happy as we could be
So I live my dream hand in hand with thee
And I’m hopelessly happy
That I found me.
A dream that only comes true in my sleep,
When the blinds are drawn, the night sky consuming me
Unshaken by the fantasies I play
Silently sleeping, Head upon my pillow,
And you’re dancing through my dream,
Smiling hopelessly,
In hope I’d one day make you reality
Take you to the sea,
Watch the boats at dusk, Happy as we could be
So I live my dream hand in hand with thee
And I’m hopelessly happy
That I found me.
Friday, 21 August 2009
The Farmer's Son.
He watched the gun
As it shot the farmers son
Hid the bullet in grass and hay
Wiped the gun with the wool of miss may
Walked from the barn
In sweet disarray
Justice will come to him
One day.
As it shot the farmers son
Hid the bullet in grass and hay
Wiped the gun with the wool of miss may
Walked from the barn
In sweet disarray
Justice will come to him
One day.
To The Depths of Insanity...
I sometimes wonder if i'm insane.
My head drives me mad.
Creating things that don't exist -
Playing games and over-reacting.
I can't deny that it hurts
But when i realise i was actually worrying about nothing,
that it was all just in my head....
I realise that i am,
Quite simply,
Insane.
My head drives me mad.
Creating things that don't exist -
Playing games and over-reacting.
I can't deny that it hurts
But when i realise i was actually worrying about nothing,
that it was all just in my head....
I realise that i am,
Quite simply,
Insane.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Today's Philosophy
Today's philosophy, as overheard being discussed by two women in Starbucks cafe :
''Don't take for granted what you already have"
''Don't take for granted what you already have"
The Amsterdam Journals - Part Two
Well i slept fairly pleasantly, and woke fairly early - 8.15! Had a delightful breakfast at the hotel - a whole range of bread, toast, cereals, bacon, cheese and even my beloved chocolate sprinkles (was brought up on these!) So after this feast we walked all the way into Dam Square, where we went to Madame Tussards and rather insanely some guy insisted i had my picture taken with Barack Obama's waxwork. I awkwardly stood next to 'him', flashed a rather forced smile and hurried myself into the museum before i was asked to stand next to any other lifeless beings. Thinking about it, a museum full of waxworks of famous people is a slightly odd concept..
After wondering around there for an hour or so (and my mother insisting on spending 8 Euro's on the picture of me and Obama) we ate an apple on the steps of a famous monument, went to a huge department store (where i bought Bjorn Borg's knickers and a Riceboy Sleeps album) and then went to the Olde Kerk - an 'old church'. After this we needed re-fuelling so stopped off at the David and Golliath cafe (where i have been many times on my travels to Holland) and shared a sugary pancake and paid collosal amounts for a bottle of water. We then walked back along the streets to the hotel, partaking in plenty of window shopping, and i had a shower.
After feeling rejuvinated, we walked into the nightlife centre and found a very authentic Indonesian restaurant. So authentic we were sat on small cushions on the floor, and there was barely any light...but this added to the cosy, quaint atmosphere of the place, and was rather romantic i found myself thinking. I had a special curry, and beautiful rice. Once the meal was finished we decided we'd go on an evening canal cruise - which took us straight through the red light district. I have never felt so uncomfortable in my life! Certainly an interesting experience though, nevertheless. The canal cruise went on for a total of 90 minutes, and within these 90 minutes i decided that Amsterdam at night-time was possibly one of the most romantic sights i'd seen. So after the cruise, headed back to the hotel, wrote a postcard to Molly, cleaned my teeth and did some squats. I am now lying on my bed, with a quilt that almost suffocates me. Tomorrow we're off to see Auntie Tini - that's if i survive the many modes of public transport it takes to get there! x
After wondering around there for an hour or so (and my mother insisting on spending 8 Euro's on the picture of me and Obama) we ate an apple on the steps of a famous monument, went to a huge department store (where i bought Bjorn Borg's knickers and a Riceboy Sleeps album) and then went to the Olde Kerk - an 'old church'. After this we needed re-fuelling so stopped off at the David and Golliath cafe (where i have been many times on my travels to Holland) and shared a sugary pancake and paid collosal amounts for a bottle of water. We then walked back along the streets to the hotel, partaking in plenty of window shopping, and i had a shower.
After feeling rejuvinated, we walked into the nightlife centre and found a very authentic Indonesian restaurant. So authentic we were sat on small cushions on the floor, and there was barely any light...but this added to the cosy, quaint atmosphere of the place, and was rather romantic i found myself thinking. I had a special curry, and beautiful rice. Once the meal was finished we decided we'd go on an evening canal cruise - which took us straight through the red light district. I have never felt so uncomfortable in my life! Certainly an interesting experience though, nevertheless. The canal cruise went on for a total of 90 minutes, and within these 90 minutes i decided that Amsterdam at night-time was possibly one of the most romantic sights i'd seen. So after the cruise, headed back to the hotel, wrote a postcard to Molly, cleaned my teeth and did some squats. I am now lying on my bed, with a quilt that almost suffocates me. Tomorrow we're off to see Auntie Tini - that's if i survive the many modes of public transport it takes to get there! x
Friday, 14 August 2009
2am Fear.
2am on the clock. It's dark out, but the moon is bright.
The house is still and silent, only the creek of my feet on the floorboards disrupt the calm of the night. I creep to the bathroom and fill my glass. I contemplate whether to turn on the light - a swift but loud click cementes my decision. I stare at my face in the mirror - a blurry version of myself stares right back. My hair is swept across my face. The whites of my eyes plagued by faint red lines. I nod. 'Over-tired' i whisper under my breath. I cautiously tiptoe back into my room, place the glass on the side and seat myself on the edge of my bed. I pick up my diary and hunt for my pen. I begin to write. But i stop. Fear takes hold. I havent checked for spiders. So i place my diary back down, rest the pen on top, heave myself up from my lying position and scout the room for 8 legged-creatures. Rest assured, there are none in sight. I relax, regain my position on the bed, and resume my writing.
The house is still and silent, only the creek of my feet on the floorboards disrupt the calm of the night. I creep to the bathroom and fill my glass. I contemplate whether to turn on the light - a swift but loud click cementes my decision. I stare at my face in the mirror - a blurry version of myself stares right back. My hair is swept across my face. The whites of my eyes plagued by faint red lines. I nod. 'Over-tired' i whisper under my breath. I cautiously tiptoe back into my room, place the glass on the side and seat myself on the edge of my bed. I pick up my diary and hunt for my pen. I begin to write. But i stop. Fear takes hold. I havent checked for spiders. So i place my diary back down, rest the pen on top, heave myself up from my lying position and scout the room for 8 legged-creatures. Rest assured, there are none in sight. I relax, regain my position on the bed, and resume my writing.
Thursday, 13 August 2009
The Amsterdam Journals - Part One
Day One.
I'm going to keep a journal of my time in Amsterdam, much the same as the one i did when i was a mere 9 years old, on a previous visit to the city. It feels like home here. Well, not exactly home, but it certainly feels like a place i belong - my heritage. I haven't been here for 4 years, and my gosh, i'm seeing it from a whole different perspective. Everyone is so different..unique..confident to be who they are, and that's a comfort to me. So, within 10 minutes of being here i've already said 'Thank You' instead of 'Dank U', seen a guy weeing on a street corner, had a near miss with a tram, smelt a whiff of marijuana and exposed my bra to half the population of the city (not on purpose you understand...malfunctioning clothes..). But, the hotel (chosen by myself) is lovely - in a quiet street but near to the canals, restaurants, museums and cafes. Tonight we went to the main 'hub' of the nightlife and found ourselves a quaint little Italian restaurant. We sat outside like true Europeans, and were played to by a local accordian player. After our meal we wondered along the little streets, careful not to get knocked over by trams, cars and cyclists. It seems that zebra crossings are ignored by everyone but the pedestrians. There are some interesting people walking around, and i'm sure i saw two famous dutch musicians. Either that or they just liked to wear eccentric clothes, and pose for photos with random strangers.
I'm going to keep a journal of my time in Amsterdam, much the same as the one i did when i was a mere 9 years old, on a previous visit to the city. It feels like home here. Well, not exactly home, but it certainly feels like a place i belong - my heritage. I haven't been here for 4 years, and my gosh, i'm seeing it from a whole different perspective. Everyone is so different..unique..confident to be who they are, and that's a comfort to me. So, within 10 minutes of being here i've already said 'Thank You' instead of 'Dank U', seen a guy weeing on a street corner, had a near miss with a tram, smelt a whiff of marijuana and exposed my bra to half the population of the city (not on purpose you understand...malfunctioning clothes..). But, the hotel (chosen by myself) is lovely - in a quiet street but near to the canals, restaurants, museums and cafes. Tonight we went to the main 'hub' of the nightlife and found ourselves a quaint little Italian restaurant. We sat outside like true Europeans, and were played to by a local accordian player. After our meal we wondered along the little streets, careful not to get knocked over by trams, cars and cyclists. It seems that zebra crossings are ignored by everyone but the pedestrians. There are some interesting people walking around, and i'm sure i saw two famous dutch musicians. Either that or they just liked to wear eccentric clothes, and pose for photos with random strangers.
I'm now back in the hotel, checking out my bed, and the dutch must be very tall people because this cover swamps me. Nevertheless, it's beautifully comfortable, and i'm now contemplating whether i should risk sending a text. I fear it may get lost somewhere in the European phone transmitters, but i'll give it a shot anyhow..
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Big Knitted Jumper
I would like a big knitted jumper.
A huge one would do.
Something I can lose myself in.
Something that distorts the shape of my body -
Makes my legs look really small,
And my height very short.
I don’t mind a bit of colour
I even like large pockets
Pockets where I can hide scribbled notes,
Little poems and a pack of polo’s,
I would like a big knitted jumper,
Something to keep me warm at night
Something smaller than a dressing gown
But less restricting than a hoodie
I would like a big knitted jumper
But nothing too loud and garish -
A jumper I could sit with on the sofa -
The company of a good book and a cup of cocoa.
A huge one would do.
Something I can lose myself in.
Something that distorts the shape of my body -
Makes my legs look really small,
And my height very short.
I don’t mind a bit of colour
I even like large pockets
Pockets where I can hide scribbled notes,
Little poems and a pack of polo’s,
I would like a big knitted jumper,
Something to keep me warm at night
Something smaller than a dressing gown
But less restricting than a hoodie
I would like a big knitted jumper
But nothing too loud and garish -
A jumper I could sit with on the sofa -
The company of a good book and a cup of cocoa.
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