I Do Love Amsterdam , It's True

Sonata:

This graffiti on a loo door sums up what I feel about Amsterdam . After all , what's not to love ?

The market in Cuypstraat selling everything from cutprice flipflops and fresh sardines to wooden toys and Thai silk . Bazar , the best place for a cheap and delicious lunch . Chicken kebabs , salad and tabouleh , 11 Euros with a beer .

Wandering back up the Prinsengracht as the Friday summer evening boat "promenade" hots up . Little rose-smothered galleries and mural-clad cafes

Supper with Youngest Daughter in Duende , eating our weight in authentic tapas , chistorras and all . Strolling back along the canals in the evening sun , meeting old friends along the way .

Or Saturday in the Farmer's Market by the Noorderkerk . Sourdough bread and fresh herbs , Breton pancakes and crunchy apples .

And organic buttermilk by the glass from this cheese stall

Vintage clothes , antiques and klezmer music .


Roses everywhere in the Jordaan .

And the Slut Walk .... Well, admittedly , that was an accident . While I fully support the cause , I really needed to get to the station but somehow got caught up and swept along by the joyous banner-waving , scantily clad mob . I even had my photo taken by a press photographer , for Heaven's sake ! "Mary Whitehouse Thinks Again ?" before I could pop out the other side and rush up the street to meet Y.D. for a coffee in 1Klas , a very stylish cafe on platform 1 , complete with palm trees and a white parrot .

I showed Y.D. the photos I'd managed to grab of the demo .

"Oh look , there's Mario's friend ... oh , and Jennifer ... and What'shername " And no she wasn't pointing out young women friends . Jennifer's 6 foot 6 tall in gold wedge heels , a beard and an impressive decollete . Y.D.'s gone native .