AMSTERDAM

With “Aneth au Pastis”

A friend, a very dear friend, whom I miss and find again in my fondest memories.

This time, after several unkept promises, I finally decide to visit her.

Her flat country, which will become mine for a few days, warmly welcomed.

There she is, growing impatient. My legendary lateness still does not suit her, that disastrous signature that will become my urban legend.

The funny thing is that I am usually on time in Canada. The time difference must have set my internal clock right.

Anyway, that is not the subject. Today we are going to talk about Amsterdam the generous. A delightful city, and a country, Holland, with a strong and happy identity.

As Annet would say: “SILENCE!”

We began, of course, with a good gin and tonic. For the occasion, she had bought my favourite gin, “Monkey 47”. Thank you, my “Aneth au Pastis”. After a good drink following my late arrival, we went to bed so we could begin visiting Amsterdam the next day and enjoy one of the city’s joys. But before sleep, time for some training.

The bicycle

Anyone visiting Amsterdam must try that instrument of torture, the Dutch bicycle, although I later come to enjoy riding it.

“Le Bycicle”, as Annet would say with a very Dutch accent. J’ADORE!

Closing that parenthesis, making a fool of myself. We moved on into the night, finally waking to a good coffee, with frothy milk for Annet, black for me.

The visit to Amsterdam the generous could finally begin, with the best possible guide.

Along your quays and canals, oh Amsterdam, I will visit you…

So yes, Amsterdam is magnificent, and if you need a break, do not miss the “Foodhallen” and one of the city’s many gin bars.

 

 

 

 

 

Not forgetting that we are in the city of “Jenever”

An ancestor or old cousin of gin, this Dutch drink made from juniper berries is dry, as I like my gin, and strong in character, as I like my people.

An ancestral drink with a strong personality.

Although Jenever is not only Dutch and has enjoyed success in Belgium and throughout Europe, gin-loving Holland continues to distil it in the original way.

 

 

Let yourself be tempted by this adventure, not far from the red-light district, on a unique stroll. You will certainly find a change of scenery. If you meet “Madame Tolerance”, do not forget to greet her for me.

Too often reduced to prostitution and cannabis sold freely in those now very popular “Coffee Shops”, Amsterdam the generous has a joyful mess to offer, very well organised.

By that I mean that Amsterdam knows how to organise and offer the “out of the ordinary”, and I like that.

To return to my stroll, I would say that Amsterdam is even more sensual in the company of someone you love.

 

We are now in the land of Gouda and windmills. Our visit continues not far from Amsterdam, where, among the tourist meanderings, I will discover authentic Holland thanks to my friend Annet.

Tradition and delicious food accompany our steps through the distant outskirts of Amsterdam. A delight.

 

 

 

 

From the history of Gouda to the “Sabots d’Hélène” (a song by Georges Brassens), we could not leave the seaside without tasting the famous “Hollandse Nieuwe” (soused herring).

So here I am, tasting this delicious dish, far from the beaten track, in the little fish shop, away from tourists steering themselves towards too many well-organised waterfronts…

 

Thank you, Annet

 

 

 

 

 

This northern part of Holland is rich in beauty, one of a kind, a wonderful discovery.

I therefore recommend leaving the city centre to visit these wonders, in Volendam, the Zaanse Schans and throughout Northern Holland.

Goodbye, my beautiful Annet. We will meet again soon. I leave you to your beautiful country and will see you very soon in Nice, the city of your heart.

Thank you for these beautiful memories and your welcome

Unable to get out of this country, completely lost around Rotterdam, I could already see myself arriving in Calais very late, where my friend Julie, just like Annet, could reproach me for my urban legend.

I must leave Holland, reach Belgium and drive to Calais to take my ferry and reach England.

But now here I am, lost in Belgium, not knowing how to reach France. I am losing a little patience, but the end of the tunnel is not far.

Julie, I’M COMING!!!

To be continued: London