One year ago today...

We woke up on Christmas morning, 2009, and started hauling our suitcases down our narrow set of Dutch stairs. A cab was waiting outside in the snow and we couldn't believe our year abroad had come to an end. Stuart (our orange cat) was hiding in his favorite place, at the top of our closet. He didn't want to leave. He loved Amsterdam, and even though we bitched about it often, we loved it too. We were excited to return to California to our friends, families and "normal" life, but we had an amazing year in The Netherlands and were sad to see it end.

Today I'm missing Amsterdam

I think it's something about the winter time because that's when we both arrived and departed from Amsterdam, or maybe it's that I'm seeing my Netherlands friends post pictures of the first big snow over there, but today I'm missing it.

I'm missing the olliebollen, the snow covered bikes, and the half frozen canals. Basically I'm missing the magic of that city that we called home for all of 2009. What I'm not missing is how much my hands used to hurt when I had to take my gloves off to lock up my bike, but for now, I'll just focus on the happy things.

A perfect day in Amsterdam

Connecting with friends in Holland

Since this was the first time I was able to visit Amsterdam since we moved back to California in December 2009, my main goal was visiting friends. First we took a little train trip out to Alkmaar to visit Ruby. She got to meet my baby-on-the-way, and I got to meer her new baby (already born) Amber. So cute!




Then later on we went to dinner with Crystal, Lauren, Roger and flat Torrey.


Flat Torrey loved the Indian food! (Not too sure if flat Stanley is also into ethnic cuisine.)


And later she washed down the curry goodness with a virgin mojito. What a night!

The next time my husband gives me a hard time about french fries...

An adequate stand-in???

Last week Dave went to Amsterdam without me. He had a workshop he was running and I was swamped with finals, so I missed out. My friends threw a Cinco de Mayo party and the good ole sombrero made an appearance. I wish I could have been there!

A little taste of Amsterdam

One of our favorite places to eat in Amsterdam was Maoz, an amazing falafel place. We decided to hunt one down in New York so we could relive some happy Holland memories.

I miss my Amsterdam girlfriends!

Apparently I went out last night in Amsterdam and had a wild and crazy time!


*That's me... the paper doll... in case you didn't recognize me.
 

Little memories of Amsterdam

Before we left Amsterdam our dear friend Jenn gave us a really awesome gift... two little Dutch bikes; his and hers (you can tell from the step through). They are now parked on our bookshelves and every time they catch my eye I think about biking around the city. So many happy memories!

California or bust

This picture was taken last spring at Keukenhof when the tulips were starting to bloom. I thought it was so random to see this sign there, and now it's so fitting. Goodbye Holland! Back to California we go.

It's been fun, Amsterdam

On our last day in Amsterdam we reflect... it's been an exciting year full of adventures and struggles, and in the end we had an amazing time that we will never forget. What a way to spend our first year of marriage!

Amsterdam will always hold a special little place in our hearts.

Our final oliebollen in the snow

Packing

5 suitcases packed, 1 to go.

Goodbye Stella

I said goodbye to my bike Stella today, with her snow filled basket and all. She was a good little Dutch bike and she will be missed. Luckily I know the woman who bought her so I'll be able to keep track of her many adventures yet to come.

Yes, he rode his bike in the snow... he loved it

In the picture above that is my husband riding his bike to the swimming pool so he could go for a swim. He was very excited at the thought of riding in the snow and the thought that the pool would be empty because no one else in their right mind would ride there in the snow.

The picture below is our cute Amsterdam apartment with falling snow. I think it will be the thing I am going to miss 2nd most, after my friends of course, when we leave here at the end of the week.

Holy SNOW!

Only one more week...

...left in Amsterdam. I can almost taste the burrito.
 

We woke up to a snowy Amsterdam this morning!

There was snow out the back window...


Snow on the cars...


Even snow on the bikes!