https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/images daily 0.75 2014-10-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412784880692-N9U60OZ5058K9TW7DK3H/image-asset.jpeg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412784880692-N9U60OZ5058K9TW7DK3H/image-asset.jpeg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412785077111-ZXY0Y6XP0FLF2ZU3FEDB/IMG_1590.jpg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412605503568-2IRNC1UA4XWYFYE62MDX/IMG_1675.jpg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412605503216-DQGPF9S5OV1PXY597RZF/IMG_1698.jpg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412784953992-097LNI2FAUNRD7BXI64O/image-asset.jpeg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412785033247-I3KRMX4UDD8B1HCPKDKF/IMG_1618.jpg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412956600424-MEPEH3G0ZT4ZKAW5G4VC/IMG_1619.jpg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412956569384-WAYX49HU5J4E6UI8C0DV/IMG_1657.jpg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412956750190-032Q21NMUP8YI8HFB2Z3/image-asset.jpeg Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1412956525678-SO60ZWWZTHQM6ZAJOVBO/IMG_0153.JPG Images https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog daily 1.0 2026-06-08 https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2025/6/14/out-of-somerville-and-listing-in-africa monthly 0.5 2025-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/5ff62a5f-6506-4d85-ba83-6db2de0ad540/IMG_1221.jpg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers - Make it stand out One of the best things about getting away is the chance to forget everything bad happening in the world and just focus on the beautiful things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/b65479de-b0e9-4870-9bf0-31b6d2530d2a/IMG_1726.png Blog - Africa is For List Lovers Just in case you are as ignorant about the geography of Africa as I was, here is a map to help you follow our journey from Cape Town, to Zimbabwe, to Tanzania and finally to Rwanda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/b28dd74d-f7e7-4d84-979d-9f0f528f06d3/IMG_0254.jpg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers The drive down the coast reminded me of California. The mountain, the blues, the greens. Oh my! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1754347640511-KXQLQ7FBUQ5FTYRE02F1/IMG_0304.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1754347665202-U5GBLW0XTXWMHSQPJO3U/IMG_0339.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1754347799632-ZC6STJ24HMP6Z60Q5UHR/IMG_0489.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1754347828116-9MCLNVTT7ITK1WTTE0LS/IMG_0481.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753274237997-5LQ18RZCPK9BGTTGU5NY/IMG_0992.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753274362710-Y4F9VVVI64M4IZZMES6X/IMG_1051.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753274499763-4KX2R3XRE6PDSGGV54UQ/IMG_0726.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753276478652-3BWBYH4L61EYEHVBYCJX/IMG_0905.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753276551680-4PJDK0HAPER1AU3FNALH/IMG_0877.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753276855015-LA7YXYM9D89O0Q1QMK6Q/DSC_3304.jpg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/3cc957ed-fc96-4303-ab34-9b1279f0271d/IMG_1140.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/2156ea80-11c2-4601-9c0a-dffde8f2f4f6/IMG_0537.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers - Make it stand out For the most part, you stay inside your truck on safari. But Peter and I did say “yes” to this early morning walking safari. One of our guides was toting a gun, so I felt almost safe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/914de0f5-40f5-4825-82a6-b77507e3fe82/IMG_0425.jpg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers And I used that same flinging technique when we visited an elephant refuge in Zimbabwe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/c295895e-5310-4680-a2bd-6bf164d3fa7e/IMG_1731.jpg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers Just one of the many animal books I knew and loved as a kid. I was ready to move to Yorkshire (wherever that was) and set up shop as a vet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1754420466976-EL8MHUQ16SCBP4LT4QXS/IMG_7618.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1754420435124-09Q2ZT2J1E44X56WIS19/IMG_1329.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753275815778-3POWXCEBI9TQ3K7HWFO4/IMG_1277.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753275879961-JP5N2ZW0BDLURI859IAT/IMG_1312.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1753275922572-O13TO250NC3UL6D6R3YG/IMG_1323.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/aaf26711-b193-4287-a8a0-60e51a46f7af/IMG_1067.jpeg Blog - Africa is For List Lovers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2024/7/8/from-ville-to-ville-somerville-swinging monthly 0.5 2025-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/e23c7369-3dc4-4e8d-80cb-e3abfd6fe17e/IMG_1717.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/737167e0-9099-4c53-8db0-ace0ecfb3d3c/IMG_1728.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/b0fda947-d3f9-4bba-a7eb-e96dbc97b586/IMG_1713.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/8e97d33a-44f8-44bc-9e85-d43e681d5bfa/IMG_1729.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/77e0e08c-23f4-4f3a-950a-2898821aa4da/IMG_1955.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/96a67f1e-fedf-4163-a0ce-389907dc6750/IMG_1960.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/deb91e4d-0dae-443e-8b1c-3717f5064a69/IMG_8801.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/c8f408fe-665a-4c77-8b12-5c2eeb0098fe/IMG_1724.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/64513465-bd6a-4064-91bc-8b95d2a03ca7/IMG_1884.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/522a4665-9248-4c9c-9db0-089092074ea3/IMG_1854.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/16e71912-e738-4e84-a5d2-f941eb6460bf/IMG_1922.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/a593a277-7c40-4699-9cc1-6fe16bae3a1c/IMG_1924.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/52ce96b8-f8a5-42b2-81f6-34392b4475bc/IMG_1742.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/c783cdb5-1789-4a68-85b3-31edb9914b8e/IMG_1822.jpg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging Walden Pond with Rachel. An absolutely lovely day in every way,. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/11204020-5526-4a7b-be5c-821a678373ba/IMG_1968.jpeg Blog - From Ville to Ville: Somerville Swinging - Make it stand out Do I love living across the street from a misspelled word? The answer is of course not. But I do love looking out the window at all the comings and goings. And of course, the convenience of having all that stuff there in a pinch: priceless. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2023/12/4/8npmp0brdn5qzilz7nb5kde083uqr4 monthly 0.5 2024-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/c3c52eb3-2392-4912-8fe3-6e84d767e644/IMG_1222.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Nashville may have disappointed us in some ways, but one thing that did not disappoint were the sunsets, in all their blazing glory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/3b0b28f6-72b7-451d-8ddd-3fddc5c57e03/IMG_1245.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/552f38b2-e6be-4001-8cbf-d5b85e028213/DSC_0047-Edit.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/e244800f-df3d-4a51-a4ee-ffe549d6b4aa/IMG_1026.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/063690b3-962c-40ab-863a-cdeb79ba4307/PXL_20230908_154941084.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/10c116d7-f97e-4f17-b55d-12d9116e2dda/IMG_1214.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/27c0fbca-8d39-4eb8-b10d-1305ccd2ab54/IMG_1220.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out I’ll miss the tiny mini-murals in tucked-away parts of town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/504f85f6-4af5-4b1f-a79d-e5fb97c4c7ef/IMG_9763_Original.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/3dbaae6b-17de-4d10-845b-3c4266079262/IMG_0699_Original.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/711f773c-1828-4c9d-95b1-3e4c4208b035/IMG_1234.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/36fc89f3-a62f-4088-b2ba-01a07934920d/IMG_1239.png Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Not going to miss these all-too-frequent tornado warnings on my phone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/09a99afd-e4ec-4b2e-a96e-da3ed7a6bf85/IMG_1248.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out I’ll miss all the Little Free Libraries close to our neighborhood. This was one of my faves, hand-painted with a scene from one of my favorite books of all time. Is that old house in Paris available for purchase? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/9d81fbe4-3f96-46b9-b916-c48b129931bc/IMG_1251.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/5734f3c2-dc5e-4032-a4ca-745eab1a9bbb/IMG_7806.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/69b726a2-748e-48a8-b88b-a364a43ec563/IMG_9202_Original.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/d8df6449-e57a-42d5-9048-72760877a417/IMG_0906.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out I’ll miss some of the funky decorations I see when I’m out walking. How did this homeowner know that Pokey was one of my best friends when I was a kid? It was great to see him out and about, protecting Gumby from the cacti. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/bee1fe77-d655-4fed-ab60-41cec1e36b1a/IMG_0937.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/76fab6b3-c509-47e1-b69b-036702583b4f/IMG_5264_Original.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/c49842c0-28e4-4778-a5c7-07321764b460/IMG_8984.jpeg Blog - It’s Not Me, Nashville. It’s You. But Now What? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2023/3/25/1uc6luk97blsltneso9qle927wuvt9 monthly 0.5 2023-04-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1679773898139-1K688X432NYDLXB5CVXX/1925EE4B-8AEC-4E56-A201-63F55143B003.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1679858221310-3GLXTELAMROYSSKQLR5C/IMG_0243.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680031920070-SULX26KVW3FMWCNFP9ST/IMG_0244.jpg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world These are the two travel sides of me. On the one hand, there’s my mom inside of me. She was up for anything, and planning her next trip as soon as she arrived back home. And I’m also my dad: nervous as hell up on that donkey, and clinging on for dear life. But somehow still enjoying the thrill. And looking forward to being back in his own bed always. There. I’ve explained the mysteries of genetics to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/5e61f181-0e13-4780-b162-6360b4bbaf10/IMG_0001.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Horseback riding is a big deal in Argentina. We didn’t ride horses, but these guys were hanging around outside the inn we stayed in on the coast. And they followed us, as if they knew we weren’t horse people and wanted to mess with us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/003c6dcc-99f0-40dd-a12c-d2baf21fdbac/IMG_1236.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out When you do go to Argentina, prepare yourself for the long flight there. And for the possibility that the woman across the aisle on the plane may be flossing her teeth. I kid you not. And the fact that it’s a long, long country. To get from top to bottom, you have to fly. We flew five times inside Argentina just to get to where we needed to go. I worried about that. Believe me, I wished I was Sister Bertrille and could have avoided all that flying around on planes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1679856500448-M78HMQY4603SU5500TYW/IMG_9969.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1679856502165-MQZ4EVLKAPLV6ALTIQLL/IMG_9972.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680032628748-V60NPMOI105MSO01LJ2Q/IMG_0037.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1679946842678-25LBIF9WURJR6PIZF7YS/IMG_9956.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680034621564-MSC30VDR5DF6MLX69LP2/IMG_9957.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680034597818-AA6Q1CAXG8639VVNLQL6/IMG_9952.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680035373035-SOL3TJAX6I4ESA8CCS8Y/IMG_9963.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680035696374-0QXZVC6U1S461C0CA6ZE/IMG_9966.jpg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/90abab27-eea7-484f-adb0-9653745386ba/IMG_9989.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Here is that road to nowhere. I knew you would need to see it for yourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680036961935-NRQVC6FKO4TS02O38MOR/IMG_0065.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680036986668-OELTRPS1KP92HBW72YGE/IMG_0016.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680037131775-6IVJXRN031V81H0NU7R2/IMG_0059.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680465759994-RMXALPHUBK58WPHRQT0P/IMG_0013+2.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/fad63261-a47a-4611-8b16-a7bbacb53db1/IMG_0055+2.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Like father, like son? Don’t they sort of have the same posture? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680121551114-ZHIG37PZJG1ZM46SDTMO/IMG_0221.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680121643978-J1QZAGBOQ69EPMLVWIAR/IMG_9988.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1679859671772-EMMYB6Q26N23L0MHV2WS/6BDC0AC0-0D2E-458C-9C82-72B46B1D97BD.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out “Look at where I ended up.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680037795259-TL445PZMZDUP77BHIY5P/IMG_0120.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680037798575-R1XR1LKY71260XG6FCWK/IMG_0150.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680460222110-A2APAB0YL0E8JF15A8BW/F3B6EA63-5E44-44BE-A76F-53023A201315.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/03eeedb5-7932-4472-95c3-54b01e20c1be/IMG_0167.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Roaming dogs are one thing, but horses just hanging in front yards? This was surprising. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/9f129216-d174-4071-93a8-3dbd90d99463/IMG_1237+2.JPG Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Yes, I know the book is about cats, not dogs, but I kept thinking about it on our walks. A childhood fave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680037687899-9EXBH9I9ANGRVQBSOX88/IMG_0182.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680038213277-Q71ZZWJORS1GMNDVDOCI/IMG_0238.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680037724550-ZLC6610PC423NPHO1JNT/IMG_0190.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1679946486360-U8EXO3KS5LRJS0XQOZ0B/IMG_0215.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680123665523-GRX7DE1YCWJ5CJ0KU6OU/IMG_0178.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1679946221130-I7968THHQ61A1YTB5LPY/IMG_0133.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680123727525-X2RXRVMHLG2XV3X46H0H/IMG_0235.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/89c5e593-c6f5-44e4-9c55-03e5e6a980e0/IMG_0227.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1680293457744-KCLXVXWNPD0DU1CT8V23/F745B2ED-0CF4-4C0C-8295-288A8A76F06F.jpeg Blog - Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina: a big country in a small world - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2022/8/10/4nmcnjfzjzwkcyh1wg7wbus8nts3k0 monthly 0.5 2022-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/8f4b49ac-9024-4d58-ac7a-2532d7ecddd1/712BF785-564D-4556-9132-296992425E29.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out Amsterdam. She never takes a bad photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1663454481655-FX3KO6O6IRPQWBZ1ET9W/IMG_8569.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1663454480141-NUN9ZZPJTS3ORS52KZRC/IMG_8944.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/3b27f454-254f-4547-881e-ada4085ee6fc/young3.jpg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out Young Girl or Old Woman? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/48215143-80c3-4abf-aeb9-c6782fafaa91/3E17D82F-023D-43BE-A723-641DE989E574.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665256609256-98ZDSJLA6XEHPTIY67N9/IMG_9020.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662837794142-Y9LZSBPAY5VC1TA0S117/IMG_9079.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662837792020-AAPVQ1NES5R5ZNI5X83J/IMG_9059.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662837406310-FG2L7VB113E8BP6EPCOM/IMG_9026.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662837407844-MONO4LM2OZI30O2MFH1C/IMG_9030.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662837409049-RW6OATSUIGVYC5WGQX2W/IMG_9029.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662837987298-1WJYG0PC93MALPVP1JZA/IMG_9081.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665090667424-SM39CLK7DDOUJQBESR3M/IMG_9090.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662837990203-AZKZO777Z0SXYHPVR9RA/IMG_9076.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/61be4692-e624-483c-a404-08c6bebeed19/IMG_9110.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665091420792-T2B8GFIMG7EC5LIL4KHZ/IMG_6246.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665091434232-F95Q9LL0RAW6JDM7TG53/IMG_4726+2.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665091449559-EO1LR62QQJZ8WPO36Z4W/IMG_4680.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665091455054-LQRM00RHJNQYH8OPCQUP/IMG_9415.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665257766528-VY9PPO6M55SE0T52V6RR/IMG_9505.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665257768985-A1L0OO1YX53V80N5BGW6/IMG_9526.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665257767945-F2S5MFUYS30M0P8IOMWH/IMG_9524.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/25b77910-6c10-4844-91ce-ab742ce95b73/IMG_9495.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out Nothing like a road-trip for introducing you to places you would never have known about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665951378602-1IAWY9UR8YZKEYMGR95G/IMG_9499.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665951716910-GSOLK53BY3TZWGAD4QA1/IMG_9536.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1665951524240-9ECA5GIFKANK8D5FQK4C/IMG_4968.jpg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662839162387-KZDW265PHAA2FJJO072T/IMG_9211.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1666372415381-K46F7SGBBML0G1RUW681/IMG_9614.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662839163328-XUGZMHHT1I13J09RLMIN/IMG_9185.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1662839164660-VMYGR6MYZA6U8253BFEC/IMG_9278.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/23e8f087-a15d-428b-a1a2-2e6fb9bbf22e/tempImageqGSqHV.jpg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out Didn’t see any 60-something-year-old musicians playing folk guitar or fiddle on Broadway. I think there’s an open niche for me in one of those windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1666745754954-1Q2FMFU4EHJGOTLSI67J/IMG_9644.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1666745756261-ODT9GFUVZ12TAPLKRFTS/IMG_9643.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/15d4e002-039e-458c-adc3-24412f41e641/18952615_10154361122921734_2154494268771206265_n.jpg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out If you come to visit, you can get your photo taken with Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/002bc50f-3228-40c0-b4d2-76cc75d548a9/IMG_9554.jpeg Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out The sculpture comes with this advice: “May this sculpture inspire laughter, playfulness and joy in all who experience it.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/97ab55d6-d96b-426d-bd4a-38d43e78371c/IMG_9562.JPG Blog - On the Road Again: Reunions, Road-trips, and The Rockies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2022/3/25/8ihfqs722sne7uamcpped0k8lr4jt5 monthly 0.5 2022-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/a77847e9-091c-436e-8fe0-3b05dc9a0ea4/C3FC5B30-AF01-4312-A215-30CADFC5835C.jpg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Did you think these tulips were an oldie from my Amsterdam days? Nope. These beauties are Nashville tulips, found at Cheekwood, our lovely botanical gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/c681dd67-d429-44ae-8206-7b363f231301/A11E9FAA-A995-40A3-BB2C-730667CCE23D.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/d6b1cb0c-5537-466a-9a9e-b2d74e92b867/IMG_0459.jpg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out The greatest of all time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1651949759961-DHRNXAI48M6HU9NF5I2M/IMG_8818.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1651949757852-Q249AUPZ4VDB5ROSW17O/IMG_8820.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1650331722707-TJ6SBZBGGCNY3C11C6JB/IMG_8752.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1650331724181-G0QZ5I6HB7NSJIHATERM/IMG_8753.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1652138990553-AZYCPN2Z1HQZP0XU30G6/IMG_8794.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1651950342194-AMFSRD2BV4WT5ROIHIJC/IMG_8800.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1650469501545-0WAXREKAL2XNL4LX5S36/IMG_8758.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1650469500206-EPEIHWYHT754PVQB1YC0/IMG_8756.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/45e05246-97c4-4a83-a168-eba60abd17af/56FD9464-C88E-40ED-AE6A-A24C0A2D4DB4.jpg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/0de67b0c-83a6-42a8-abda-82b2130ce379/BD675DCD-F8A2-4389-BA18-BF0BC0B160F9.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/40aea9e0-ce56-4be1-8bd6-cac1fdf672bd/IMG_8562.jpg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/9b289adc-1473-4c33-a46a-d5e1f868723f/3B9548CF-E7B2-4F58-8267-9272D58833DF.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out I love that there are murals sprinkled among the neighborhoods of Nashville, even on folks’ garages. I think this one is trying to tell me something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/8aa2222b-4b81-4259-a366-3046ed420394/01D9292E-F4EE-4E04-AB2E-6B767210A6A6.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out And in that same neighborhood, the tree on the left - growing straight up off a dead limb- also seemed to be giving me a message about something. Like, It’s never too late for you to learn to stand up straight? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1649437486352-GF99BSSF4ERUX4LBGZ79/IMG_0938.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1649437492357-1YI3VXJTUWSBZS2K87AP/IMG_8683.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/98d86ae9-ba23-4a82-bf5b-a7fe267e3697/C5F5DA33-FA32-42B2-9C3A-EEC35954C811.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/62e25ada-1afc-4b21-9cd7-3e79d59c5705/IMG_8313+2.jpg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Thought this photo was taken in the Netherlands? Think again. We found this bike path along the Cumberland River. No trucks to share the road with, just some sheep. They are employees of The Nashville Chew Crew. I’m not kidding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/42bdf246-300f-4923-821e-af11a2d96dd9/9D755A21-2CD9-424D-9132-698F80FB4C2D.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/cef9c140-4fac-4479-8991-696b7f12c437/2A520B55-8C2E-4478-AED8-DE3D1813B054.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1649438231384-5YKPW5CMZDP3OBFW3M5T/IMG_8599.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1651878973427-SBQS1RW0E1NG6DLQD2XE/IMG_8817.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1649190454470-SQ9QTYRT719GJ4COS67C/IMG_8614.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1649190451233-W8WI7SNWRMQN20A19NZ6/IMG_1389_Original.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1649190452725-JHTLDMPN0JHP4M3VNB0I/IMG_8588.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1187f056-f9a2-44ad-858b-20639d2d6eda/65E714B9-51C1-4B92-ABCB-5350983A363C.jpg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/9f1a4052-7147-4163-8cdd-21efd68a6f93/IMG_8703.jpg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Not birdwatching, but flower watching. Part of the gradual shift into retirement age: the patience for flowers moreso than people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/9dd9d531-37a4-4621-bb80-4b53c449f41b/63EEFB43-EDE1-499D-A17B-304A46976689.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out When I start to complain about Nashville and Tennessee, it helps to go to places like this. Here’s the Harpeth River as seen from the Harpeth River Greenway, a meandering walking and bike path. This helps me forget other things Tennessee is known for these days, like guns and banned books and tornadoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/87265186-8322-499f-ac6f-b73db00a40cc/4998D06E-B307-405D-BB32-1FE49A5C9A9E.jpg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/e8cb9caf-e3c7-4cff-ae2f-05f96f2e28fc/8B05451B-9924-493E-B558-C3F51DD7D352.jpeg Blog - Toddling Around Nashville: Is Time On My Side? - Make it stand out Hard to believe that before we know it, this young man will be in college. And nodding his head politely as I regale him again and again with jukebox stories about how we used to walk around Nashville together. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2021/6/16/oy54ak46wx6832mxftlhgi7y7udvbh monthly 0.5 2021-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1623877730804-XBA8C3OHQ6BFDVW1WLSY/0F2E1495-7C7E-4376-A00B-D3CF6D156FF3.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out I like finding Nashville murals that haven’t yet been overwhelmed by swarms of bachelorettes. This one is in North Nashville, way off the bachelorette-beaten path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629234254647-HZJL0V4JH58JNXGUERUP/IMG_7781.jpg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out The murals aren’t just decorative. They give me important advice just when I need it. And even when I don’t ask. Kind of like Jewish mothers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629321468206-J61W1VCIJ732ZHD3OS5D/IMG_0713+2.JPG Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out Have I complained too much about the crazy weather here? Too bad. Here is some more evidence of the craziness. Photo credit to our next door neighbor Anthony for capturing this fresh hell in our neighborhood one night in July. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629918916850-QCJNLFBODGDBYO80SXBM/PXL_20210725_134629765_Original.jpg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629919658970-SRHI83JIR245LZMPPX0W/IMG_7961.jpg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629921160316-O2IT7G5Q2YF70VXRY3FM/1D5AA772-555E-4A96-AF66-69C23369D8E2.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629921202947-PCHK2EAABXOX4QZ267CG/DF927328-22EF-4DA8-A28F-DF6167B5CEBE.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629921173565-ARVBIB7M7GXHVM9OPKZ2/35082938-A5A2-4B67-AB63-A5D5156C6A78.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629921190542-7KG5SXN80J898AJZZX77/68C69B08-8A31-4F3B-8075-05DF865CE8C4.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629578411884-5383K252FTZELSDBT21T/CC0ADD3A-A20B-47D5-8084-B3B83E60889A.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629754505727-IT1863IVMDB60SY03VA1/3BAE3191-8C1E-488D-BBA7-1D3EFF4531B2.jpg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville The rolling hills of Tennessee really are pretty. The anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers: not so pretty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629578872660-44GWKFHCIXKWFCRVBU9Q/6779DC29-62FA-4B37-A415-53FC7BFAE7B2.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629750904180-8GHDMTDCN7ZRBBFTEV96/DSC_0132.jpg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629578643615-FX6Q7UE7KE3UDCR6TXJO/C54BC6E6-B69D-4231-B51D-63CF41C69CF8.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629578643616-GX11KMQ9AKGZ1ZDK8JAS/2D8515AF-E008-4908-B897-2FADB97B2EA3.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville Thankfully, no one was home at this house to see me snapping away. The top of the house reminded me of the gables at the top of the Amsterdam canal houses. This house is considered old in Nashville, but in Amsterdam, it would be just a teenager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1630097420716-KTHGDYM9WM8VUMQUQEAS/IMG_8055.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1630097976819-GU17AVSDUVQOUOLWDA1E/1E4D3A73-FE8D-41A1-854B-F2793FE5BC71.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1630607106101-8H68XADSEKAQ5O9X7GBA/5C5F60F1-0149-4D4D-82F9-D0BDE3BA021F.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out Here we are at Lorenzo’s Was this before or after I stared at the Mafia guys? My dad loved eating good food at restaurants with his family. I share that love with him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629579039146-GR9KHBWXKHAN1IGQOGAH/EB4F3A7C-525D-4E68-81DD-E9FFFC9866C2.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out Another pandemic cliche: a rabid focus on gardening. Peter has produced some championship tomatoes and basil this summer. Tony Soprano would enjoy them. I sure do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1630528999238-7O7XNTS0EZZDNCPOPP07/johannes-vermeer-young-woman-with-jug-of-water-at-the-window-about-1663_u-l-pgvkhg0.jpg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - I think if I could wear this get-up on my next plane trip, I could breathe a little easier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629755215817-BA3EGCZ8LJDPEDDQI28F/IMG_6481.JPG Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out No one kept up with her large brood of former students and parents and teacher colleagues like Carol did. She was a master. at that, as she was at everything she touched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1629921756075-RO93I1BNQAD5046L07SC/A2BA7E0E-3A2B-4EA1-AD15-488DFDCA8EFF.jpeg Blog - Get Some Gone: Tiptoeing In and Out of Nashville - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2020/12/19/tnk2907qz2p6t2l6srkj56i7v3vq0s monthly 0.5 2021-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608415792694-GLGUIH82DBP2SX6OJUX4/8423FF6A-5CC8-4F87-973E-75D9DC1E0886.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World Nothing says Merry Christmas, Nashville like a giant cowboy boot. Am I right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608591899837-KE1AKJERP2MQA00GQ4TV/C40BD2B8-65ED-44DE-8FB8-2E4FCEC7869B.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World In case you didn’t catch the reference in the title, it’s from this Coen Brothers movie. I don’t remember much about it, other than that I peeked out at all the violence through almost-squeezed-shut eyes. In addition to the violence, the frightening image of psycho Javier Bardem’s page-boy haircut will haunt your dreams. It definitely wins the Oscar for scariest haircut in a movie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609886733462-6YL8PCW2Z66GWORRHORT/917B49CE-AC6E-4F52-8CD2-81004AF84BB4.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World This is the Union Station Hotel. It used to be a train station. I’d love for trains to run again to and from Nashville, once we can travel again. I used to joke, when we lived in Amsterdam, that I had so many great ideas for the city. I collected them so I’d be ready for the invitation to sit down with the mayor and advise her. For some reason, that invitation never came. After only a year, I’m already prepared to offer up my services to the mayor of Nashville. In such a short time, I’m brimming with ideas for how to fix this place up. Too bad no one is listening, other than a few of you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609886410879-DDW5Y8EA8C2NZN51B4OQ/9D482771-72DA-479C-8ECA-B0C9487CE5C1.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609886412623-R5FO8UWEMC9T6GFAGFQ0/DBBB288D-C9E1-4E76-93F9-2EEBA4F35AA7.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610139082252-RXJYR3VSA6HVU6GI8N0G/1CC49358-ECC9-4DF3-A81D-44D0DD98AA40.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609902552747-N4J2H5FOSW64LU9XS8OQ/41E5C4FE-2120-409E-821E-D6385C833631.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609885816837-R2VXR4QCN4RJTOQMCZ6B/5ABB7E89-FD96-4AC5-ABB9-71E72365961B.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World I love this sign at a used bookstore near our house. Thank you, James Baldwin. I couldn’t agree more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592132893-2SN9PM9MH4X6CCOBO4LE/9F6588B3-5991-4C3B-AD2A-EFA4B30AB423.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592150466-DF37UOU8OANAR1F9YHLN/C8D44FBA-4BA4-4FA2-9EB5-2B23F00CEDC0.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609794112058-4Z730LNDUM657LXKCDS0/E68461B1-691E-4605-8878-F96DE15746E3.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592272459-VP2TWF2FJPOER9ZI7TCE/60A463CD-3F82-4389-A5A9-7F5818BBAAE4.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609794170572-73AT3KXAEK6A3ODMW6YY/E95B53F2-1F6F-46CB-B193-94EC079B56CB.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609794135362-J6C10X88XSNTC09RBTIV/4C0CBF5B-3D7A-42DE-B578-C9E44FA4E2C9.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592937111-6T2I3D7ARE5ZKVBUG913/2B16F350-B148-4CA5-8319-06F6D6A980BC.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World Thankfully, it’s not all about the decorations here in Nashville. I also occasionally stumbled upon signs of real holiday spirit, too. At this church, the service was blasted from the loudspeakers, as congregants celebrated from inside their cars. They honked along, I guess, when the spirit moved them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592936982-LWTAUWUOOFOTID4SKSZH/E0C46241-9DD7-4CE2-AA9C-F62394796CEE.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World I don’t know who they are, or where they were going, but maybe it was a good omen at holiday time? On the other hand, this being Nashville, there’s a good chance these weren’t nuns at all, but just a bachelorette party out on the town. One never knows here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610727258185-A0UHQB8RTTBZQ7HVT2OX/6B33AD0F-5992-473B-B665-A82F4AEC30A7.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World So many churches here. Some have been repurposed, like this former church that is now the Darkhorse Theatre Company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610727722362-6AY4FJKZT6X7C71LGOA8/20885B21-7DE9-41BF-BE77-AF751F16CEFA.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World I sometimes ignore the signs saying “Private Property” and run up the hill on the campus of this religious school. They may have wanted to rethink their White House association over the past few months. Then again, probably not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592592781-D2CKTE7TXD3E93SYVHMB/7DE37F77-F427-49E5-8DFA-9D21E194CDB2.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610140338246-GBXS6W8KMJ55DS6H16LK/43C2EB45-BCDD-48B4-A079-83B4EBA8934C.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592670548-H7RRNZYDWNT476KKZALK/94A3B4C8-32D1-49D8-BA2D-6755A86ED265.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610140496294-JOQUEJ0F133BA7FXPKZN/17A01BD3-56A1-42EE-9FDE-BC04E7EF0BBE.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610727415168-EW7AJ744YCFJNA9C0W1J/4B185C27-3823-471A-AC1C-92C9CE2395BC.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610727415471-F96XFUMGXRLI8X5SZF3M/77686F13-9D3E-4FC2-B9F9-66652FCC43B0.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610727419931-GIYIEASGCSQPELNEEA65/C919D5D2-89B4-4E28-8C5D-6188ABA3298E.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610728103502-F8NVKY1W9TYA98K18HM0/EE12E5A9-5DCC-454C-8DA7-50456E6BF72D.jpg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1609949036265-8IJTPYP0VSXYK5LVFQS4/A701F080-5B60-496D-A56B-F966B363E717.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1610676434209-YAVV524B1D50DHWFE99P/image.jpg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592788235-B4ICWY9S2M6GZWO1DF4J/1D5A1703-D977-45D5-BBB2-895EBA8D750E.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World My high school/college friend came to town to visit her sister and we all caught up on a walk. In years to come, I hope I look back at these photos and celebrate the courage it took for all of us to get through this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1608592806378-XILAN4NQEEPTMP7DPGRS/3623FE3A-8048-48B6-A6AC-2EC986026A92.jpeg Blog - No Country for Old Women: Finding My Place In My New World https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2020/10/11/jmzert9li90th5eq9mgjr1g63hmkxo monthly 0.5 2020-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1602464642791-306ZBIBX8YMZ3HAEPTR7/5300D741-26AA-45B0-B554-B82F6DD0C9CD.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603570921152-K044E4B1CTKCDBCEPUQP/EEEC204F-5AB3-436F-A4FB-9A8F787CA17A.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603570935577-OTS4LD7ETH8JP3EWK6VA/37C386B2-28BC-4EE1-92AF-D322F8C4D029.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603571696317-0TAQPHQ2BMYG3UDT6PK9/420B6A7F-B2AC-465A-890A-BF68431DB776.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1604077372214-BA54QRPR4OO73AZJUEDE/035875B3-6E5F-4B94-A781-4833A3459E04.jpg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets Here’s a shot of a largely-deserted downtown Nashville. The streets were gussied up with lots of signs announcing the presidential debate. Although tourists were sparse, there were some. Most wore their masks like necklaces around their necks. I felt a little sorry for Nashville. It had been looking forward to this prom (the debate) for almost a year. The actual event was a dud. No crowds of staffers and reporters eating hot chicken and listening to country music. Just a few hearty folks cheering on the candidates as they rushed from their cars into Belmont University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603241122091-TFB36UDZ3M95JFVYW6KH/3B60D2CF-447A-4259-BA78-6809670E565B.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603241167883-0JBTEMPQQVEQC5VUZQB7/138FBF84-A9A7-4B47-9D86-A5F903AC2D1C.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets Even Charlotte supports Joe and Kamala. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603572915925-VW7BUJL66JOBTCXT12YZ/2A371DE8-97F5-4C65-B0DC-153511B60A0F.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603241331275-6MSR2P4G0792I7FMIC7D/F5FA9790-EA41-4695-89B3-0931AD29D873.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603241355693-M82UXDAZ7Z9GE5U1UFVS/44E5540E-6696-4BFA-BE27-8F4F899568A3.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603241204758-5Q1Y6I09YQ353WISR6RH/A009B35A-02BB-46F1-841F-1A79BD851852.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1604077247760-W38Z8L79LI4BQVO9XRJO/8C3656CF-5815-483C-966C-3DD5A1F35502.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets It doesn’t get more All-American than this display beside the white picket fence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603573202680-DYKO189S6RK8FRQF6TK6/CDB71918-5DD4-4FF8-BA9B-9852DE4CC4AA.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603573238704-IJGYIL43BLMWENWZULZ8/BF6DB753-6BA1-44C3-839D-72E25C5ECF37.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603805501243-4W87QCEU1NAPCZ628QKP/576B1D9F-68D4-4129-83E5-FB8442C91D4E.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets This is me in August when we had a tornado warning. The alert told us to grab bicycle helmets and go to an interior room without windows. In our house, this bathroom is that safe spot. You may find me here on Election Night as well. In case you were wondering, no tornado actually touched down that day. I hope we get that lucky on Election Day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603828277006-7ZWFXQO1PQDZ3KL8FSSB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets For those of you who need to know, he was about as long as my pinky finger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603827712910-MYJQBIWCOHT44RLUG8ZK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603825979810-DUIK2KTOI6XQNP5HZBQA/02C7E631-4B18-4474-AC6A-1453B40E35B6.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603825979844-YZDD418R6MU1YJYAWIYJ/FB575AED-8AFE-471D-8FA4-415FB9250DB8.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603742235354-PT9W2SXPA7NG6GCPIWPK/691931A8-F3B0-4049-A5C7-7B09716C1C17.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets I know Casey would have supported Joe and Kamala. I wonder what he really thought about Hillary. It’s hard to tell from this photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603575204115-89CFIXK9OMNHB2WHWQQU/707F1654-B597-4F63-BC6C-6BAE16943552.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets Most bikes here belong to kids. Do you think they would ride with me? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603575257001-E3JAJTHCV3RZK5TAA6UY/D8044356-F5A8-45C4-AA11-7D58ADC70F39.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets Delft tile in Nashville. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603806155997-ZD6RH5DCMC1LEKX88CHE/D1A6031E-56C4-4D36-BED2-C1374874C95D.jpg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets What about garden-variety yard work says Vermeer is needed for the job? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603650015472-IP3SO49KH4EZ28HDK6O4/5059F1CF-7BF1-439A-B585-0716A2BAD23F.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603650041516-MTKDQ8E3C47U184TG9HM/88BF1F75-D5AF-4C21-AB07-3E5A09D82C94.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603996355145-NNJTUOLFVYQWFIZ7UACM/C9CBD1C7-4FB7-44A7-B656-45B0D7835CB0.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603996392630-UZOAGEIEKXCH7CO3I3Z4/77D37B39-2508-4916-9904-A3873A4595A8.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603996494781-V5V2E2GF0SQ8TFTAU6V7/08C36454-DCC3-4B92-99A9-AFC112A40F42.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603635786917-5VMAR1N7CNGPH188097E/0D08757E-72E2-47EE-B3E9-E294A99A5E25.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603911067560-1ERWX9XD45IJTRD2UHY2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets I wasn’t going to include a photo, but I didn’t think you’d believe me without proof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603996268392-TBYXX8J34A4RT03YZ3NG/DC70C89A-8920-4B2E-AF09-4222DA61C930.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets This neighbor is telling me all about her garden. I wonder if the Passion Vines are my relatives? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603744569249-9W0SZH412PBI66VNKO7H/7CDA44BD-F1EF-4B99-A5F8-6FB2DC8CCA95.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603744596856-4BZEJYUHMDC67CLOB9LD/299F3168-ABE6-4F5F-BB66-0D9DF8266347.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603744593331-P9AEUZH016MGWVI940CJ/AAEE3D24-9FC3-440A-85D1-4628AF719D44.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603744920783-49Z2ES85NBC1KTZWFNLU/3C247365-5133-401E-A0C6-18B2DA3765E3.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603654429404-T2TSIVID76ZNZU19SJTM/2541AE3E-D00F-49B6-ADCD-E49096178BCC.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603653739269-P44II22LBBIVIV7GNS79/4D1FE366-7892-4913-853E-80B753DEA84C.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603653740177-P8S3GHCVQELSIJMF44UT/93AD6E8B-F4A6-4F92-A2AC-B376A81A7B7D.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603743368601-C3JSYFMS218FM8N9FRJH/64D75A5A-06E1-4863-9E66-8F16FB522AF2.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603743391708-HVAFNP4FYQQYHQVH0KA2/DC4DBF8A-60D5-4E86-AEDC-B9D14C9BDD0D.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603743416718-LU4201EP6PMFG9DAS2CX/4DC7969A-19DA-4EC6-BE2A-049E3685AA98.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603827135767-9ZI8GUA0O0JUOGTNANW5/653341A4-9811-4837-A40C-78AEB40D48AB.jpg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1604067461345-S92AC12W3JAMRX97C4AV/24F9E722-116E-4008-B8F3-2BD358319773.jpg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603826525590-8QS4E83R3NLVSBUXZRB6/E878B4E4-94FC-4D80-8B78-5581EE804A91.jpg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603826589991-X7KJIV621FQLAVSLU68O/8E470BF1-B37D-42A1-AB2D-E24479CFC6DB.jpg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603745059830-ZDLSNJPKQZXZYZRYMUWG/19DA7A35-6806-4DE6-B72C-87058A694F7B.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603745223914-6IHXIQF5HNQV3IW9HR99/D0EC6955-21A1-49A4-8946-27D0A9A271DF.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603745222958-J0NTLAWMWJ95VR1JWP5V/06E3F4C4-46EB-4165-9E2F-3D1650CDEBC0.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603745237910-PA5UJI8RSQT6R8FLI6YR/8A435B23-290F-48B0-BCB0-130BEFF87E81.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1603745240387-OOVS5KNT4CG6WQUXVB4W/C2BE7220-F7C5-47DF-8285-37DE7CB30395.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1604077163502-0C9E5IS2SS87EW4MIT7M/C1DA7EBD-BA4D-412E-88D1-3FE47DD5362D.jpeg Blog - Happy Nashvilleversary: And to Think That I Saw It on Nashville’s Streets https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2020/7/19/7g3rlmopjdsqf03svqw16uh8h7b5lk monthly 0.5 2020-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1595185964429-0A7GNV2KEU605TXHGD5B/4825AAEB-7D1C-4772-BEA8-D22AAB77EABF.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes Apparently a dust storm coming in from the Sahara Desert was the secret ingredient in some spectacular sunsets we enjoyed here at the end of June. The news about the dust led Peter to remark that we were “commanded to tell the Passover story, not live the Passover story.” Indeed. For my non-Jewish readers, just google “Passover plagues” and you will understand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596486556272-VMCONJHFPDLNEO5GIPTC/B0DF2FBB-E747-4D03-933A-BE584AC3C5B6.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes As luck would have it, my parents met at a weekend for singles at The Concord, a resort in the Catskills. They were lucky enough to find each other, and then to have the money and time to travel all over the world. I love this photo of them. So young and glamorous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596989835013-3L8M0FO3QOHDTQ2ELE3E/C1CF8481-D24F-45DB-A267-AAFDAFFAFA1A.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1595968873581-FEZLO35VZSQWEF3OU98S/A5415D55-DF82-488A-B428-B3119E8DED57.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes Last summer, we sent updates about Peter’s battle and his progress under the name Team Drucker. Rachel had this necklace made when Peter recovered. Here it is on top of the beautiful jewelry box he bought for my birthday when we were in Modena, Italy, before all our luck evaporated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596830586866-MXS0LTSO5ZC3QQQZ5KBE/94BCB502-4321-420D-AA83-133DCFD76809.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes O.K., it’s not Italy, but this early a.m. trip to Cheekwood Gardens in Nashville had some darn pretty views. We talk a lot about our past trips and try to imagine a time when we will be exploring the world again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596484088326-U1BE7CKO3V7XADGL9JW4/1A73E43F-1307-41C4-9843-DAA143B8834B.jpg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes While the world of this blog has indeed shrunk, there is a lot to see from our own backyard. I wasn’t sure if this fluffy mass that arose over my neighbor’s house was a cloud, a nuclear explosion, or an invading alien spaceship. In 2020, no disastrous possibility is off the table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596485750350-E0HW7LIOX7ED2L5JRTLG/EC194CFD-307E-4018-B092-5EB8A78CEA0E.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes Lots more time to enjoy New Yorker cartoons these days. This one was on the money. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596484204238-HV4E2VFV5RH7I4ABDVGQ/06C1F63D-6DB2-444B-9281-E74752CEFD2D.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes Centennial Park, Nashville. There are few mask wearers at the park, but if I go early enough, I can practically have the place to myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596484262216-EEE4BKW171BWIZ7ECDTY/6E3984DE-D0D1-4CB9-8889-2D4722E6FB5A.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596484315401-L8D5A1QIO5AMYRY0HI6D/74BC7CAA-9679-4AFB-A6B4-26EB1253EFF3.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596744997099-3K1DM8SUJLLC5FT2FL90/A6783100-95BC-4456-ACFA-357921DB177B.png Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes - “In my old school…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596749952292-KZ76EA5GZWN5FZ3UUO6J/8F5D7E3D-BB30-46CF-B063-844606799616.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes We miss you, friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1595188084782-XOYZB9Q1FNDL8AOROICE/DAE17F15-9982-465F-ACFA-17C493410CA0.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes Father’s Day 2020. L’chaim! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596914784189-92ZU9TLKNZPGRQ9NTG5Z/F3D7271A-3139-427A-9268-2E6DE603B259.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes I almost leapt across the lawn when I first saw this bagel stand, only to see the “Sold Out” sign as I grew close. The following week, we arrived when the market opened so I didn’t have to face that crushing disappointment again. Mission accomplished. The bagels are pretty darn good, as were the baby cinnamon babka rolls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596914833225-8YHA65S2KO6Z63UDB6Z7/2CA47399-1ADC-492A-8DB5-D4B7B5694EF1.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes Every Saturday in June and July, I headed to Green Door Farm in Nashville to pick up the flower share Ben and Rachel gave me for Mother’s Day. That was the best Mother’s Day gift ever. I got beautiful flowers every week, and the excuse to visit this farm in the city, but a world away. It was a tiny travel I always looked forward to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596485982153-IJVZCZ1JRVJ0S0CGL6RF/AB786DA4-EAE6-4BE3-A340-A02AC32E729E.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes Here’s another tiny travel discovery: Baked on 8th, a sweet little bakery in town. I miss the pop-up conversations I would have back-in-the-day with store and cafe owners. Now, I pull up in my car, and out comes a masked avenger with baked goods. She places them in the trunk of the car and I pull out without her story. At least I have the scones and cookies to talk to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596915436336-XMGURTUP2CIOITJSSEOD/BAFC124C-2D16-4EB5-B816-15CD53F3D54F.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes I discovered this treehouse on a recent walk. It made me think back on the treehouse I wanted when I was a kid. After reading The Swiss Family Robinson, I was ready to build one in Trenton, N.J. I was really disappointed when my parents said no. For some reason, they also shot down my proposal to clean out the garage so we could fit a pony in there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1596485684140-CXXXWYFOH1FASPFI2J8A/1114DEF9-2F80-4469-81B3-5FE7D58E2516.jpeg Blog - A Little Bit of Luck: What a Difference a Year Makes Many moons ago. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2020/5/16/home-sweet-home-derechos-wake-lows-and-thunder-oh-my monthly 0.5 2020-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1589661386486-83PCRWA9D84N182UX854/654D5133-D6B9-4DDD-B3E7-D244B1A6710B.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! Does your life feel upside down? Even the traffic signs share your pain here in Nashville. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590082624873-5AQ74W6AWV6PYCW2TPSF/E736A036-2ECB-44A1-8BE5-A1C6EF3BEC16.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! I hope those aren’t bullet holes in the sign. You just never know. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590009248987-T4UWDWWL1GQAFEMDB45I/40D42268-EF73-4AAE-A308-4AA2106C6D29.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590177512816-XN1G9FAXT4FIUZTAM05U/C5EEBD4F-3FE9-4C64-AD48-30B07D03F6D7.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1589835202135-GOOXUQO2ASOH8T8OS3SF/BB44B304-2F02-4EDC-8840-8F81CFCB1BF7.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! The morning after the derecho - and you are not alone if you think it sounds like something you would order as a side with your fish tacos - there was a lot of this going on in our neck of the woods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590009969144-J6OM1PY0VLLE85MA94UA/A504D5A0-F4F6-4956-9941-92EB4A4F72C2.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590527187007-ITN5ICU8O5771DP3U5QR/84D00C00-B964-4893-A813-3BF00BE941F8.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! - My weather guru has that rare combination of scientific knowledge and a sarcastic way with words that make me admire him even during the worst of weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590176882863-HFOF1CYBXBQ39GSBHW4R/F81E352D-4B90-4F6A-81A4-C83E17A903D9.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! Sometimes I think I’m not really that old. Then I look at old-timey photos from my childhood and I realize, wow, you are ancient. I’m sad for all the kids who won’t get to go to camp this summer. It was so much a part of my childhood. Note that my mom cut my bangs. I could use her help with them now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590082745351-V62RLA4BCBI9YXSE14MQ/6BEA08CB-1E3A-4257-BA8F-8EBD7B85F41E.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590082692737-B73OQGAED6HSSO47W5IG/5D544169-327E-4AE4-9C48-DCB98578C5D1.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590082716469-66K5ROYB94GEZNG4KIZA/9A4419BE-A749-47BD-93EF-0999BB48C134.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590082724622-B13OGXGMU8OEPXYRVN3K/684A9457-0502-48B2-B602-75393F4E28C9.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590082888319-VFG5HCPWAS4FNUZEHE5V/6DB01626-F055-4313-A78A-20AE1F8352DD.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590362605407-KAC0Y5EJWB0J3ESCGTAM/87C6DA0D-CD8E-4A01-86F9-ECA1BB6A0BE0.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590692115832-EYJ01LTR24ZJW70XMFZW/A67021A8-C076-4449-ABCB-3AC5BBABBADF.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590692144477-T725N149N55SMA9U9S94/F5A54508-932E-44D0-971F-07172D4F0ECB.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590692164821-3XXL5XS6GTN2O3KFJCEZ/1B94C873-BC11-4EC3-8CFD-3F74AF180035.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590698917240-3EJ35WP8NRXJ71J2F26O/DB3F9840-AB4A-46C1-B853-55C32A39F340.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590009403434-CFA1PBUE2S71LIRZOK47/85A7C251-FFAA-449B-AD3B-C95CC6958ECB.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590009325923-O4N21UVE1P33BAWB0PGK/40E01A01-EA49-481B-A7E4-A0464054BA66.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590270309223-KQXA8WGRAW8NMXT059GR/9D1E02F2-A7D1-401A-9C0D-6027C5617974.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! I thought it was unusual to find a cactus in Nashville, but a neighbor found me staring and explained (from a big, safe distance) this variety is native to Middle Tennessee. He told me it will be covered in yellow flowers in a few weeks, so now I have something to look forward to besides what to have for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590270319058-R2JMS19U6EMSUHYD4G12/27FB72C2-3D8D-4D7C-BB01-BD6254DD7B52.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! He also told me this bottle tree - made by his father, a welder - was used in “parts of Africa” to ward off evil spirits. Not that I didn’t believe him, but I did Google it as soon as I got home. The idea is thought to have originated in the Congo. They are very popular in the South. I’m hoping those bottles can also branch out from their evil spirit job to help ward off the virus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590528028483-CHG4JIFLGZ8XFXXAQQU5/08A6B292-6BFF-4D8E-B5FC-500E58503D39.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! Here’s our own private gardener. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590691508312-79QMFR4VGWBDHDNJ2RKF/F8D46416-1F7E-4DEA-BCFD-D4AB48AB14E6.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! I love this little bit of San Francisco color I found in Nashville. How can I be expected to find out what’s doing in the houses around town when everyone keeps their shades down? I miss spying into people’s living rooms, like I did so often in Amsterdam. Open up those pearly gates and your shades so I can see what kind of reading, baking, and Netflixing is going on in there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590691080440-N67XZ43Q4V6W5LQFRLQZ/B473C4A6-E545-4FC1-83CD-75238052F637.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1590527939705-8LAEM4X36ZL8FFBRM77M/F339F082-831E-4D84-8640-D46365249553.jpeg Blog - Home Sweet Home: Derechos, Yesterdreams, and Counterlives, Oh My! One of our best trips ever: to the Dolomites in Italy. Someday, we’ll be back. Until then, we have our yesterdreams. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2020/3/19/well-bless-your-heart-one-day-at-a-time-in-nashville monthly 0.5 2020-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1584643164790-MPPY69KVVF2F6M4KIM2N/7DD4D176-59EE-42BA-B397-9A208A1E03DB.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville Doughnuts from Five Daughters Bakery. Photo taken back in the days when I was out and about. In those good ‘ole days, a big decision was what flavors to buy after my spin class. That was a lifetime ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1584738250449-5I560GP4MAFW0XTS0IGN/94CA3BDA-9580-454D-A7F2-854EA4C9D93D.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville At The Grilled Cheeserie, you will find yourself surrounded by grilled cheese options. When you are trying to take one day at a time, food decisions - buying it, eating it, deciding how long you have to wait until you can move onto the next meal without embarrassing yourself - loom large. I look forward to getting back to this place to do more grilled cheese research. Can you blame me? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1584832825243-KYT4982C9QOP9JZH9BUO/59218668-6EDE-4F4A-A6EA-3B5E3F77BEBC.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville I kept thinking this was what was about to happen to our Nashville home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585423557220-HOWC9UDAD6BT968IQBH3/IMG_6168.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville I remember when I joked about Nashville’s very own version of The Parthenon and how we didn’t have to leave home in order to feel like we were traveling to Europe. Little did I know how handy it would be to have her here, now that travel is a distant memory for all of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1584994194860-VFTW5AHHRFZT05W1XQK0/789E0B50-0AB6-463E-9181-37F2CA83108B.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville Rachel with Amy Winehouse and James Brown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1584994138096-Q0CWPQRC601CU0FHVO5A/AC59A8E9-CCAC-4A52-B4E9-DB7684B8D479.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville With two of my heroes: Otis Redding and Joni Mitchell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585260337423-X3DUSGHQMO0C9HY5EEFD/IMG_6132.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville Even the bathrooms here have gorgeous murals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1584994406173-WB5KG6S4XKV6RLYZOOZ9/8804EACF-B2C8-46BD-9C2C-71BB54E72CBE.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585315933823-7546JU4DLRX57AURO1OX/IMG_6160.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville I think this type of tree is known as a Weeping Cherry Tree. It tells the story of how I’m feeling these days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585923678681-XEC474OSGSA9NZG5096H/64735C41-5E25-4C85-81EF-14FB5227D60E.jpg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville Here’s my beautiful mom. We used to joke about how when she took us into New York City, none of us could keep up with her. I guess she was used to a different pace when she was alone and not dragging along three little kids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585690455500-XGFTGEIPW31ASVO2GH3R/0E3BF946-487D-4C9A-B7BA-C3137FC3BB24.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585687114680-8CRI7KESR425GTXM7U2C/76F4D5EB-9715-422C-83D5-494661BEEC65.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585687194005-KJ8NSWE1WSAZ5J6NB7WD/CCC700EC-B7AE-4608-9E1E-EAE3E0CB41EE.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585857675711-49LAI4KUZ45BIMNX59OK/E79E1AB4-4413-4ABC-A8AF-0F1CE65F17A7.jpg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville I also noticed this collection of bumper stickers on a nearby car. Not sure I want to know what the one on the top right corner is all about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585423935599-6Q2PSG86PALPURGUZVUS/IMG_5942.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville I told you I was going to take your mind off your troubles. This photo of a young barbecue master was taken B.C. (Before Covid) during a food tour of East Nashville I took with some Amsterdam friends. The enthusiasm this guy had for brisket was contagious (in the best sense of the word, not the current sense). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585315965230-Y5DNPNSPTKMUA7EO9CGW/IMG_6154.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585423214635-Y5K1T0UXQAYEVWVPCR17/IMG_6043.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville Kindness is…staying home! I found this mural in the Germantown neighborhood. This was B.T. (before the tornado). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585422905892-3QRQWUPK7BM65FOBAMAT/C8D3F2BB-9FB5-4F69-B8A2-9A027AD76CB6.jpg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1585422994898-QVXYD5D8I3NM9Q1J3ATP/IMG_6164.jpeg Blog - My Own Private Pandemic: Lessons From Nashville Spotted this week: my own private Amsterdam in Nashville. Hope to see y’all on something other than my iPad screen soon. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2019/12/23/k43brzc7qieshz4yl3lfxf68uxwtuo monthly 0.5 2020-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1577484916652-S5O284T168W7BPWCUTL2/7C4BE780-1FDC-4E4F-A648-7157313B580B.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578008141296-INIDKIBUB8HMM03738WN/E1703A1E-EA2C-47BE-90FD-FD855F5008AE_1_201_a.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town Here I am in the 60’s at sleep-away camp. That’s me, second from the left, with my best camp friend, Pearl. I still feel like this nine-year-old, most days. I wish I knew where Pearl is and what she’s doing. Is she still the fastest one around at Capture the Flag? Does she remember me as fondly as I remember her? And why is everyone in our bunk so disheveled looking? Was that just how everyone looked in the 60’s? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578008493350-9HVNX3CQ4Q48IG8YVTHR/IMG_5830.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town I celebrated my first bday in Nashville at the delicious and stylish restaurant Lyra. Apologies for taking the photo post-feast. Missing from the photo are baba ganoush, fattoush salad, and other food that was as delicious as it was fun to pronounce. Our Amsterdam friends Darlene and Rob, who now call N.J. home, drove down to spend a few days with us. Making those kind of dear friendships in my 50’s was an unexpected but deeply-appreciated gift of living abroad. It’s not easy to make new friends when you are old. But it’s sure worth the effort it takes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578355171530-GGBKPFBE4U1AZSGKI8WD/IMG_5824.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town Longtime friend Doug was visiting his wife’s family in Tennessee and drove three hours to have lunch with Peter and me. That seemed impossible to me for several reasons. For one, if we drove that far in the Netherlands, we’d be in a different country not in the same state. For another, who would drive that far back and forth in one day just to see me? Good friends will make this drive in a heartbeat for you. We rewarded him with a trip to the best breakfast in our hood, at Big Bad Breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578355186685-WB7776QKUE6FYPRX41D2/IMG_0164.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town A friend since high school, Tom was in Nashville to visit his daughter Sheridan Gates. Like so many young people here, she is hoping to make it big in the Nashville music scene. Her name alone ensures a bright future in the biz, but she also has the voice to go along with the name. I’m betting my biscuits she will succeed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578010421722-B6SFPX9313LMTB83DXGZ/IMG_5759.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1579213131567-JLY5VXON7WTD0OO47MUA/IMG_5656.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town Is this the sort of activity at the local Community Center that’s in my Nashville future? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578011005759-FZDXAO3K4P44Q02FOMGD/IMG_5752.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town It’s not quite Vondelpark, but Centennial Park scratches my itch for a nice place to run and also watch the duck families. I remember writing early on in Amsterdam about how many of my expat friends were obsessed with watching the baby ducks in the park. This is what happens to empty-nesters when your kids live far away. You look at ducklings fondly and pretend they are your kids. And hope no one notices you doing this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578529530738-CWPNYBUHJD6LMT85YH45/IMG_5850.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town Our tall skinny is the second from the right. As of this writing, we have no shades on the window. Our lives are an open book, just like in Amsterdam, where so many people live without window-dressings. It’s not that we are trying to retain some parts of our Dutch lifestyle. It’s just that the shades we ordered haven’t arrived yet. I’m sure our neighbors are very confused about these crazy Americans who lived in Amsterdam who don’t cover up. Sorry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1577485083559-YRYV8U2GBWVJ3H6RTDJS/19EDF415-3BC3-4CF2-B001-C62A806E2648.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1579212667234-SLI80L4S17WQ9KU7IKKD/IMG_5657.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town I saw this cyclist when I was out for a run on Thanksgiving and thought, so there are cyclists here! Then I realized it was Ben. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578011347500-H7OD5TSOCNS1Y0SXL28O/IMG_5818.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town Bernie got more banner space than Santa in this backyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578096047540-MIQ2WM1RLA4TZITQSU1E/C6C1098E-D310-446A-86A8-623CF9DED489.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town We went “downtown” to hear music when Rachel was here with a friend. At 3 in the afternoon. The music joints were hopping even at that hour. And nothing says, “I’m ready to party” like my thick Irish wool sweater, does it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1579214060219-AWIHOL7Q1P16Y9WFEELU/IMG_5842.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town If you sometimes need a little something to go with your coffee, Nashville has a lot to offer in the donut department, too. A prime spot, Five Daughters Bakery, opened a branch next to the indoor cycling studio I go to near our house. I discovered if you joke enough times about how a donut should appear on your bike on your birthday, it just might happen. These babies will quickly undo any positive effects from your workout, and are well-worth it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578095845476-YAR5JWY7XFCUOG9TRNOJ/IMG_5672.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town I’m especially drawn to Humphreys Street Coffee, which gives 100% of its profits to programs to help students in the community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578011807192-AIATDJZKUZJI6GIYZTWR/IMG_5787.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town This photo was taken after lunch, but before the nap we all took after the food coma set in. These guys are only in their 50’s so that’s why they still look so great. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578011834378-CG79H4WUELNU4K63ZPS7/IMG_5792.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town You might think after such an enormous lunch, you would be done eating for the day. You would be wrong. Dinner that very night was at Husk, inside this gorgeous house. No photos of the food. Trust me, though. It was worth getting off the couch for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1579213571585-HQJ19G4S7K98MZV7O5PQ/IMG_5651.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town I love seeing so many murals around town. And have I mentioned how nice it is to see so much of the sun during the winter? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578951219913-RNHGHT7UJ42UDRNQWO1E/14C02960-5A8E-4231-9675-6D11BC23B53A.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town The smiles say it all. Just so wonderful for Peter’s dad to see Peter up and at ‘em in Nashville. We took a walk on the pedestrian bridge downtown that takes you over the Cumberland River. It’s a really pleasant walk, but you have to watch out for the electric scooters. We thought we left tourists on wheels behind when we left Amsterdam, but they are breeding like bedbugs in a used mattress in Nashville. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1579123041140-TCOVB82X3I1AVG5Q3RLB/Adjustments.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town Saw this at the Eric Carle exhibit at the Frist Museum here. We may not have as many museums here as we did in Amsterdam, but this one is a keeper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1578529654659-EHERWJ5ZYLKUZP6AOWHH/IMG_0168.jpeg Blog - I'm a Wanderer: Getting My Bearings in A New Town https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2019/7/5/things-i-like-things-i-love-tot-ziens-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2019-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1562423273582-TDQ7O0182OPDX8DIDEI5/IMG_4603.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad Loved this store in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572993286700-RTC5EHYL1SA95DFN5OZO/IMG_4945.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad Obligatory bike shot. This one was taken at “our canal” - the canal near our apartment where I walked Casey every day. The bike sums up how I felt after dealing with all the details of packing up and moving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1562423411082-WM5RWIOQH7WCTH7HVT9M/IMG_4798.jpg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572994669091-ZUJCFXSG8V356NYP0VCS/IMG_4882.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad I highly recommend a trip Up North to Texel. Quiet, and supremely picturesque, although very windy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1562424485703-J45LJ1YO3UOAXZ8OOZEY/IMG_4905.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad It’s a strange feeling knowing the people you are used to seeing every week will no longer live a short walk or bike ride away. I practiced not thinking about that part of the move. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1562425085608-TSOBDN2WIZWQW600QM04/d556890f-ad62-40d1-8ef9-8819fba4c97d.jpg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572388880573-4KI7KMKFX3ZCSZKQFBRE/IMG_4925+2.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572388963840-D15JCW4DPHWRNFQW7M5U/55afb6cc-f93b-4043-865f-8011debba871.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572389461211-DKLQC7ML9GST7876HZ5X/IMG_4952.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad Farewell, Salmon Royale! I’ll miss you desperately. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572389691945-9R64PQAW3NK4RBJILA01/IMG_4910.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572389687859-8GXNXZKEX5CYIZND9TTY/IMG_4911.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572389239718-ODRHR68SCWBMPRCVOBRT/IMG_4947.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572389339002-38SI7GVJZLJRVUZTZ6JM/IMG_4970.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad What’s not to love about a city where you don’t own a car and can get around with your bike, your feet, or the tram? I loved our street, except when the construction noise and debris interfered, which was almost always towards the end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572994022024-8X8RHPKVH6326YA13X2O/IMG_5408.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad First night in Nashville, October 1. First plate of brisket as Nashville natives. When in Rome….P.S. Those are not pancakes on our plates. Those are cornbread hoecakes. Dorothy, we are not in Amsterdam anymore! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572994016512-E8D0D0C39AO4V7U6EBWT/IMG_5411.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad Health food, Nashville style, on our second night in town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1572996192034-KRG8SW8BKOTH5UP1XGID/IMG_5559.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad Not all the murals in Nashville are for millennials. Here’s one I can relate to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1573514149926-PQFCXZ2NVKYNJEZ0U3IU/IMG_5471.jpg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad This mural, a few blocks from our house, is talkin’ to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1573515687499-146XY4MJH3DX785N6FRG/IMG_5075.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad Thinking back to this trip helped me through some dark days. If you look on the right, you can spot Peter taking some photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1573515724264-IJNV09Q175EHX0MRJ7M1/IMG_5012.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad If you have the chance to get to Montreux, Switzerland take it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1573943967210-O0ARGO6QRLHLWBLT2JVV/IMG_5478.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad Rachel came to visit in October. We’ve got our own Parthenon here, so who needs Greece? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1574035241093-IRNO05BFF1AE0KJ4XNSS/IMG_5618.jpeg Blog - Things I Like, Things I Love: Tot Ziens, Amsterdam and Try Not to Get Too Sad Lots of silver linings in these clouds. This is a sunset view from the backyard of our house in Nashville. Come see for yourself! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2019/5/23/d92np2wui3vcmococqw8t62iqxwglx monthly 0.5 2019-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558793385129-V0YPUL8TCZPG9WKSNCME/fcb943c7-2c35-4e10-b1df-670046216f73.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey Casey Drucker Vine. Photo credit: Eefa Doyle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1559313716535-SITEWR2ES5JXWZ2E9DMO/unnamed-2.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey Photo credit: Ben Drucker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558793659645-LLATZ9CLKL4JNC3LTNBI/IMG_1675.jpeg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey This was taken soon after we moved here, at the canal near our apartment. It became our go-to place for walks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558794787953-ZBC4VBETLK2UO4A00P9S/IMG_0459.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey Photo credit: Peter Drucker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558793546759-HJV7CLQI3A71HH82DZOQ/IMG_1404.jpeg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey The essay that got it all started. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1559219534483-79BD8F017O1NTNLNAWYS/IMG_1335.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey The dog name survey - created by Ben - also tells you a lot about how Ben’s mind is organized. He was 10 years old at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1559313760750-0QHGQVTBAMSUD5Z7ICZ5/unnamed.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey Photo credit: Ben Drucker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558793774840-AHW3ELZ58HX6SEBWCUDR/Photo1.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1559220327036-0TAQA21EGVRN6BYJXG9A/IMG_1869.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey This was the first time he met this gal at the park. He had a way with the young Dutch ladies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558794456399-8TJYCWJ5EEX0RFWH6RQI/IMG_0209.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey An expat dog has to be very good at goodbyes. Only one dog in the group still calls Amsterdam home. One other has passed away. The others have repatriated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558794483129-F8MJSAHZLRKTEDF29PP1/IMG_4065.jpeg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558794732186-BYIE1ZBIRQNOQZ282Z6A/IMG_0210.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey Just four short years ago, Casey ran the Doggy Marathon with me. It wasn’t 26 miles, but it was over 2 miles. He ate himself silly with the treats that were at the finish line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558795487289-8OTSYN4NY27MPLWAK41P/IMG_7461.jpeg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey Casey even learned some Dutch. I called him “Meneer” (sir) and like all good Dutch dog owners, praised him by saying, “Goed zo” (roughly, “well done”). When people spoke to him in Dutch, I think he understood better than I do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558794652209-CYV1F8A4I2OQFBACQRMU/IMG_3113.jpeg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey Whenever Ben or Rachel came to visit, Casey got a surge of energy. So did I. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1558794508398-121H079DA0AWTYAFPC96/IMG_0276.jpg Blog - Casey Vine’s Amsterdam: Vaarwel, Casey https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2019/4/26/last-one-home-is-a-rotten-egg-enjoying-some-lasts-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2019-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556290701476-O0ZNKFP373L5K5QP5E03/IMG_4439.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts Last time to visit the cherry blossoms at the Amsterdamse Bos, the park/forest just outside of Amsterdam. This was a spectacular year. Or do I say that every year? Maybe it just looked like the best because I knew it was the last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556641488330-JRY5TI5RIGXFC4UUMYNL/IMG_4628.jpg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts The questions about kindergarten began before the ink on my preschool diploma was even dry. My older and much more informed sister Jennifer (on the left) didn’t let on that kindergarten was no bed of roses. She let me come to that sad realization on my own. By the way, you might think putting graduation gowns on preschoolers is excessive. To my European readers, remember this is the U.S. Nothing is considered excessive when it comes to the education of our precious darlings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556727871979-NQQEN5JYF96JA6PWKNRP/IMG_4548.jpg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts Last and best Spring in Amsterdam ever. Or was it just the last? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556642633819-P95N70EYXEXDMFRA2DLV/IMG_4578.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556727969451-W2KFVU6T434KAPBF9K88/IMG_4630.jpg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556642675444-UHCR0HGGK5QQ2AZ3GDFN/IMG_4579.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556642543968-3S50PVC6LROEKNUZL8FX/IMG_4540.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556802214201-LW1S1NZGXEG7JVR04UJJ/IMG_0064.jpg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts I saw this cartoon in the New Yorker. Perfect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556805157946-3ID1NQOZ90FF0O8GP7DE/IMG_4503.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556805222815-MC1GLDVK75U0MYSEACF5/IMG_4479.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556805268521-S1OMGUWN6CKEKLKFU1OJ/IMG_4485.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556805577842-58R8HCLW15GXWLOYF0NQ/IMG_4455.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556805807622-WU31G269AF4B4XUGEKLB/IMG_4469.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts Nothing says hipster like a restaurant that serves only coffee and porridge. I may have to open one in Nashville if one doesn’t already exist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556807611355-O19MAGSTBBJOOCDGDAIH/IMG_4460.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556806646559-9BXMSTRMCAZ23GWAMYRB/IMG_4480.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts We saw many of the “stumbling stones” that originated in Berlin and are now in other European cities, including Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556806737919-RD85ERZ3SBBORGNRSV6H/IMG_4482.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts This memorial - in the middle of a neighborhood - is very powerful. It was designed to show how ordinary Germans had to have known their Jewish neighbors were being taken away. It represents how Jews had to leave in a hurry and the violence of their capture. Once they were gone, the dining set would probably have been auctioned off to neighbors. Our guide explained that monuments like this have made Germans confront the part their own families may have played in the Holocaust. The graffiti is not part of the sculpture and makes me furious. There is plenty of wall space for graffiti in Berlin. Stay off the art that’s already there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556806694486-9038XGPPQ4IARNA82GWJ/IMG_4481.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts The grand Reform Synagogue was restored after a fire nearly destroyed it during the war. Unfortunately, it is no longer an active synagogue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556806773152-5NB7UFHI5GAMQULP5UMG/IMG_4487.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts This mural - with a smiling Anne Frank - was painted by a street artist from London in conjunction with the Anne Frank Zenter in Berlin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556803338247-3ATN3445I1163RZ14Y1L/IMG_4581.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts - Now https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556728097900-1YY0TLLVB9QADFE2B3EC/IMG_4092.JPG Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts - Then (Four-ish years ago) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556729602079-WZABTZCDWERVHLJMDUZL/IMG_1962.jpg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556728588440-HA9RX3KOP17C7FXZT4S1/IMG_1961.jpg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556728853503-NI0M0L00OB30CL2GCQLR/IMG_4587.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts We spent the first part of our last King’s Day browsing through the city-wide street sales. Sometimes it looks like folks just tossed a bunch of stuff from their closet onto the street and put it up for sale. Are those coats for sale? The car? Who knows! They stake out good spots a week or so in advance using chalk to mark their territory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556728883457-MFXQ1OXVDALZDVCX2BAI/IMG_4589.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts My favorite part of King’s Day is the music, played mostly by kids. They earn a lot of coins for their efforts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556728918541-MNUPE3VY2R4DJ5IBF35M/IMG_4590.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts Those who can’t play music don’t have to worry. You can earn money by setting up all kinds of booths, like this tomato smashing activity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556728956749-EHBW7A6OL70HSL9YVVI0/IMG_4595.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts It’s not nearly as cute when adults play their instruments. These hearty souls weren’t going to let a little rain, an inability to carry a tune, or a total lack of rhythm, dampen their King’s Day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556729025850-48OZYM0TNB4E1T8T7UA9/IMG_4598.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts Anything goes on King’s Day. This merman seemed perfectly happy to sit out in the rain and enjoy the attention of his admirers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556729162322-47SXX46IF35ONK8QA692/IMG_4624.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts After the long car ride and a walk, this enterprising Dutch man with his poffertjes, or mini-pancakes, arose like a mirage in the desert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556898141486-AY3LAW3QR8JA6BZS9C4Z/IMG_0060.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts We represent several phases of the American expat experience. Lisa, on the left, has lived here for something like 17 years. I don’t know how she survives the constant cycle of making and saying goodbye to friends. And Margaret, on the right, has already moved back to the U.S. but was here for a visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556729247158-X313OVTMM138XXIRCAPM/IMG_4611.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts It really is gorgeous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556807508025-WZY9B501Z80LGQHB2HLC/IMG_4636.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1556729376458-1NYU62TCLTNCZ0RG6JSG/IMG_4619.jpg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts I took this duck family reunion in Kinderdijk as a sign that we are doing the right thing. Family. That’s a good reason to give all this up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1557592093924-KW1XOJQ7G2FRG6R3LU8V/fullsizeoutput_29e1.jpeg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1557592356668-OTO47EMJEAK4BG8ZDA68/AwmS%25IoRTiSHFUAci5s%2BfQ.jpg Blog - Last One Home is a Rotten Egg: Enjoying Some Lasts and Firsts https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2019/3/5/sharing-my-secrets-a-few-of-my-favorite-amsterdam-nooks monthly 0.5 2019-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553449078594-0H41VJ38MIE8P3H8PYOS/7Iu34aa1QIunzCqRCKROdA.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553449829682-KSIDII9ZPOCLLA9AAYD9/IMG_3057.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential Sarphatipark in de Pijp. Go there. During WW II the park was renamed because Samel Sarphati was Jewish. The name was restored in 1945. At least that part of the story has a happy ending. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553449921965-1GLKAYCJDC6BENSRSA3P/IMG_4130.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential It’s amazing how quickly you can feel like you are in the countryside, even inside the city limits of Amsterdam. I found this little animal farm in the corner of Rembrandt Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553450004060-LCVAUMJHQVE2E2L6R1I0/IMG_3702.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential Erasmuspark is in Amsterdam West. It’s worth the trip, and I promise the West isn’t so wild anymore. It has been discovered by families, and old folks like me. You really don’t need to be Admiral Perry to go there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553449972634-WJ14R9FIAI784QOF8UU8/IMG_4270.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential I caught up with an explosion of crocuses in Frederik Hendrikplantsoen on a crazy late winter afternoon when spring came unexpectedly early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553449877498-7AK028P7NOWPW2UIKVC2/IMG_3599.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential This park, De Braak, is not actually in Amsterdam. It’s in neighboring Amstelveen. I caught it in all its splendor one day this Fall. Don’t miss this park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551888940238-4TL39Z3XSZ36NK0GDC6O/IMG_3705.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential I found this in the Bos en Lommer neighborhood. This is the definition of whimsical. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551889032175-A3K06SNNCWDQ8KFI3JIS/IMG_4116.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential I found this modern version of traditional Dutch/Delft blue tiles in the neighbor known as De Baarsjes. It’s hip and happening there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551889168517-EG2NXTWQAZRCYVD88ZBC/IMG_3077.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential This colorful sign telling you to, “Get Off Your Bike” is also in De Baarsjes. I assume the Dutch ignore it just like they do the more mundane ones in our neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551889357540-R1EU0FTB530EPMENYSG1/IMG_3446.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential Nelson Mandela keeps a watch over Oost, Amsterdam’s East side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551889534474-AZTJWY2Q96QDQ1A1XY6S/IMG_1935.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551889560196-DLNG28WRKVMMERK8NSWJ/IMG_1933.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553540923484-BVUTT8L0AA843X617GV9/IMG_0173.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential After you hit World of Food, you can find Nelson Mandelapark. And work off all that Liberian food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553541179425-553D7GQ4BXWFUWL0Q3PU/IMG_3512.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553705160216-HGVS9CRWV02YCS9X0BSE/IMG_3050.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential Prinseneiland from the water, on a boat ride. I love the way Dutch architects mix in the new with the old. The modern brown house is flanked by two traditional Dutch homes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553705273616-4WT6J0I9CDVYZWPBVVRB/IMG_1585.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553705333369-U732Z5RSYU0NZQ9XE8E1/IMG_1583.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553705289300-LB9L3IC294SE5GW77KET/IMG_1588.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551985374762-3ETA5UQIXT2OE87BPHKO/IMG_3377.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551984748046-N9SN63L8M4OYWI8HB77U/OjEp%25%2BwtTF%2BzVlNOLi49gw.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551985088521-5EBTA0MFE7RQZWGS9NU9/j3XmfsT4Q9KJJ%2B95BCsWMA.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551985040285-FIB8W58LI59C29IFHKXW/g8RYOZ7JTNyXP0NnCzzhDQ.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551985275464-A3AUNDZO3SF2JXQVV1UE/fullsizeoutput_27f0.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551985434619-VZ9SHMYTUCT2HGWFP2B7/ixVTj2V0RDmV8ghYEP22Zw.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1551985540561-CKBI1X51GC9LYGMQ3DH3/3qfQ540OQbamrrS%25SUovDw.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553793747303-5EDJUOB55OX6PJBD920C/IMG_3489.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553793664829-8B7OOTXYR85VNVQ3XP03/IMG_5966.jpeg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553706861236-NVUFTQCF9VGUQ6QXKTJE/39716_1558889177921_7338715_n.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553706872738-F8VGD1YJLF0UCY98HX6L/IMG_4344.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1553707153287-PE47FUWS5963WFETXEP4/IMG_4364.jpg Blog - Sharing My Secrets Before I Go: Amsterdam Confidential https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2019/1/15/happy-birthday-to-me-and-the-gift-that-never-disappoints-italy monthly 0.5 2019-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549032612707-IK3KZA38U5VUR07KHW62/bkkdxH6ORk64w0BzJqs6cA.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints Positano. Pretty as a picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1548594962958-EC2SH4J57XHD6YL7OF32/pb%2BbzyxxRMKtbYf2HHOsIg.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints The Italians like to stroll. In the lazy hours before dinner, they walk without a seeming purpose or destination. I think it may be to build up an appetite for yet another big meal. The porticoes were full of families during the pre-dinner hour. Here is what they look like during dinner time. Dinner is sacred in Italy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1548775036884-TMRAZWG0DFEU01H455SN/QM%2BMudA2SjGRZis0F1h9cw.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints In a city where the university is so important, it’s no surprise that education is revered. The population of Bologna is very educated, and book stores abound. That adoration for the power of education reached new heights in Bologna. Some law professors’ graves were raised to the sky, so everyone would have to look at up them. You’ve got to love a place that takes such good care of its teachers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1548776086909-ERVFDUL28YRJGF7V9EEL/ypeNl69cQpaGd2TAfAltVw.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1548776169961-TSC5WQ1ISTFR1CKW3XUO/whqmGC%2BVREaYWFFoABGeQA.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1548776261948-VHGQ3BNPZOIY412BUI0M/PDTsQm1VROOohbDDoyIRKg.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1548776354676-K4IBPI75BLCG3DM73XL2/4RLzTCZbSJ2r9xQOL363qg.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1548776568547-VH8OUDFNBWSAXJ0ODF40/IMG_3849.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1548776722840-H2XLCXCH8IGRMT1CNQCT/vcFFtDEwSfS74aada7goXA.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549036149948-ZYJJSLJCQGHE3F6FVEDI/cMVhc3f8TAipEN%2B0LH1XEQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints This Eataly was so huge there were free bikes you could hop on to help you see all the sights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549035637837-R2UAAERAUKRI35YW2J9R/acvg10SJS0GYrNrJmvqbQA.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints In addition to the bikes, there were several other ways to work up an appetite, including this mini-golf course, and an indoor volleyball court. Or you could just work up an appetite by eating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549036089543-BRYGO6FEEOIYVCQUSO8J/gpsvLQbqTRqK0DjkukaR3A.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints Gelato University! I’ve finally found a course of study worthy of a PhD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549035961141-22OHCF5QBFZMLLB84653/gttQR1GzTSKLJmPLWFl8Qw.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints Here’s the star of the show in most Bolognese restaurants: tagliatelle bolognese. It was out of this world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549292486383-VB2WFSCRN66WO1TN1TG3/ViYrUwLnTFCXmDVaXQ2vKQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549292301621-76DBX71N7Z7VI7HNM4V4/SSbGxNflQw2wDQHXTiHZfQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549468277993-41MGU7HVA1GGVV0HRPIG/WSap%2Bnm%2BQRaADlclMAUU7A.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints The Church of Osteria Francescana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549292782965-ZCFQONBOYOM87UB0Q817/3xfibAjhT2S83JuDSoGgDg.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549292821978-CLYJ6G1G9EXI1GHDK6DR/w8v5HU2cTWuN271r%2B2%253gQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549292843422-CBNP6ABKSMFIL5PFK3R6/rPpaZSIpSBiQecdIJSzhtQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549294651803-RKWW525IO7IGJWZQQUG6/2qYLvxtLR3GDbeMxd5U%2B4w.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints The workers work in teams so they can get to know each other’s rhythms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549294685925-OK1TXN75V191O83YJSMK/KlGanlBURiua9wxQM8QEbw.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints Each wheel of cheese, called a baby, is lovingly swaddled in muslin, and periodically unwrapped and re-swaddled so it stays round. The wheel is stamped with the date it’s produced, so the owner can keep careful track of the age. So I actually got to meet a room full of wheels of parmigiano that share my birthdate. Very exciting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549294751131-BMDDCJ8WEFT6BEVFT8XQ/fullsizeoutput_2662.jpeg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints The cows eat a special high quality diet - they are Italian, after all - to help keep the Parmigiano Reggiano the best of the best. This cheese has nothing in common with the stuff we used to shake from the green container. Although - truth be told - I ate a lot of that back in the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549294776201-HUZID95XX0R5V2J65L97/KAQB2xQJTGOT7pXiGTSloA.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints A robot is used to turn the wheels of cheese that are left to dry on tall shelves. It also dusts the shelves. Very useful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549295264451-EX5G9RN3CCHZ9XJEAEG5/wANMEyZDSLK5y3eAJNnA3A.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints We saw Pierce Brosnan’s vinegar in barrels, aging nicely. Just like he is. Apparently, he paid a visit to the villa, and was so captivated, he had to have his own balsamic vinegar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549295296928-FPKNV9MXV62JKHYSVQH4/yx%2Bt7qOIQ9izl9nxVxZfdQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints The owner of the Villa kindly allowed us to look around his home, which was built by his grandfather in the gorgeous Art Deco style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549470128115-NFM36UHXUOIXIH9VU1YK/sWnz80JsRRK%2BrvGq410mag.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints Found my house in Modena. I could be very happy here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549295487481-EZBF6UHRLAJXLHCFLB2J/30qhi6SeQ%25aRMAj2XO3H8g.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints Vesuvius looming large in the distance. The weather was brisk, but this meant there were fewer visitors. This helped me imagine what the city must have looked like centuries ago, before tourists bearing iPhones flowed in. And I’m hearing the lyrics from Pompeii: “But if you close your eyes/Does it almost feel like/Nothing changed at all?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549295604857-W4ELCHHJY83POB55ZTWE/fullsizeoutput_26cf.jpeg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints The clouds made for some ominous shadows. Just like the lyrics in the song: “Grey clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549295647116-NMHB5CUXHB5SPTBLZLQY/jhqn4qRmS5%2B3F2%2BYV0Wcsw.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints Here is an example of the vivid paint and murals still visible in some of the ruins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549640607009-XDUCBKF5R6YDKZMFATX8/KennpqdbSYGAuFkjKI6iXQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints It’s all about the views in Sorrento. I loved the blues and greens. My only regret is that it wasn’t warm enough to get in there and swim. Next time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549295810802-GESOAOAWALV0YLTKDC6J/kVaefWhhRcKlz9KnRb1gSA.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints I see Sophia Loren and Enrico Caruso, I think. Who is the first guy? Robert DeNiro? John Lennon? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549295950359-BSOZ4V9J16X9P3FML8VG/L40SemWNTZW%2BVKYDY%25ZBmA.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints The crowds were lined up for this puppet show. It’s unclear why Marge and Maggie Simpson are included with the rest of the cast of characters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549296020424-H0BZOEUXTSYAZPZJKV8A/J1328iNUTom6iTe1cP1xyQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints I was in citrus heaven while in Southern Italy. I loved that I could squeeze my own juice for breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549639725010-IE2BARJWRRORASVE6VMD/SZcaIic9SHSesVPidBSt8w.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints Happy birthday to me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549296388335-SCW37UA8W61VFTZK5AS8/PArDbA0qS9m8X2gvtdDvcg.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549296453009-UGSZXGXFFLHBCCEGE33V/Uyoky%2BIiSsu5cB4WwRlmWQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints The blues! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549296215849-8SY7OEUM1FCEQI2V0UFN/axeXujIuQW%2BWpoJT6CJKCg.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549296588865-3ST3GAKFVZN7ENWNBXL6/6Nn7byCFQj%2BYOpUt9XyRPw.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549296878924-TC4PUIIYK1B8HQ54D9UZ/fullsizeoutput_26d2.jpeg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549296634610-SDQ1DT1GSJKIW72UP6D8/dGMuUjK0TZm5XHmsYPruEQ.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1549803180795-6YTTXSHRK2RR7XOZ7IDS/IMG_4153.jpg Blog - Italy: the Gift That Never Disappoints https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2018/11/7/tuscanation-stepping-into-my-comfort-zone-in-tuscany monthly 0.5 2018-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1541580126865-Y1OWHDESKNSH35J98WH1/IMG_3197.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone Connecting with my roots (grapevines) in San Gimignano, Tuscany. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542374446627-GUG9RJQHSRG94KRTX4NC/IMG_3113.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542374435466-FMPP5PZCG5M8BSQJAK9K/IMG_3111.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542375083977-FHHSZ32BG12UVL0UOP8Y/IMG_3135.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542375241603-2WQHBONHTNJE4BGPY4HS/IMG_3132.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542375091441-SQW1R7WF8IGVVILNWVOU/IMG_3140.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542375047856-8V5LF68BIE9AP622NGSA/IMG_3122.JPG Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542456614321-9GTZ2LT7BL5NWC0116GU/IMG_3141.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542456637355-K1K3K9BHJ5YIOHOFNCA1/IMG_3142.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542375998262-IXCGMLGUNZ3H6MQP9MY2/IMG_8397.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone Imagine a world in which your sister tells you she will be in Florence, and you can go join for a few days. We are beyond lucky to be living this life. Plus there were two more mouths to help out with the bottles of wine, since I don’t pull my weight in that department any more. I know some of my friends from the ancient days will find that news surprising. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542375936975-12RETZW3D8XS44MJCVGA/IMG_3152.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone Another advantage to traveling with others is you can finally get a photo of the two of you together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542461575972-9ZJKE2I97PZ84A1E1UIF/IMG_3174.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone You can tell it’s early morning in San Gimignano because of the scant numbers on the steps of the church in the piazza. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542459682487-5JNTX8ELXKWCIP4RM6RR/IMG_3191.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone We took a long walk to get this shot of San Gimignano in the distance. We wished there were walking paths, since we had to share the road with cars and trucks. I don’t know how anyone has the stomach to bike these hills, but we saw plenty of cyclists. God bless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542459745606-BPWGBJ5FAMNONE9OGV93/IMG_3208.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone Obligatory laundry shot. Why is it someone else’s clothes drying on a line look so picturesque? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542468822050-2AK8YZ11AKSPCSQAU6QD/IMG_3215.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone Sorry to partially block your view of the hills with our bodies. Notice I am wearing Tuscan colors so I blend in. Sort of. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542468390441-KW94XH1QXZKN19XM57GG/IMG_3219.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone They did film a scene in Volterra, complete with a faux medieval square right inside the actual medieval square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542468177883-YP0J3LXX1WK7JZUH4866/IMG_3235.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone As per my usual routine, I searched for and found my home. Here it is, complete with a rooftop patio overlooking the Volterra hills. Come visit me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542468336506-OHQYMIIJUU6NHPB99MPS/IMG_3220.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone The blue was music to our eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542541881590-366U7UDWCLITH6GI6WQJ/IMG_3237-1.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone This is ribbolita, the Tuscan vegetable and bread soup that is comfort in a bowl. I tried it several times in our five day journey. It truly does stick to your ribs. But no worries. I was always hungry again by dinner time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542554378847-2PKIUI40LNANTLUOM05P/IMG_3264.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542554561264-71XU1NO4JZZIJN4N8XOU/IMG_3261.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542554412972-AW5454SAJUACIHQ7QQBA/IMG_3265.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone I found an Italian version of a Van Gogh painting on one of the city walls in Pienza. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542554151768-CV8FLTMRIDI41GSL1CE7/IMG_3294.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone A bench with a view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542554228873-P235R3MLS48UDV7A9L3C/IMG_3298.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone This is a school. Can you imagine the lucky students and teachers who get this view from the classroom windows everyday? I wouldn’t be able to get much work done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542556418304-H4ZATZ3PG9T4TE6ZBBFE/IMG_3307.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone This was just the starter, a bruschetta party on the plate. It was all down (or up) hill from there, depending on your attitude towards food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542556622256-N3M5JRWD4E58ID9I2YXG/IMG_3306.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone I didn’t use a filter on that sky. That was the color. Unreal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542556561388-IGKZ7EAKUK58WWLQY83W/IMG_3305.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone It’s hard to be unhappy when you look out over those hills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542717576757-CL5XFB9RO6P0VIMWZO91/MVIMG_20180924_155739.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone I recently saw this photo for the first time. My dad, at age 11, is holding up his sister Ruthie, while my grandmother Sadie looks right at us. I love thinking about what he was like as a little boy. Was he wise and funny even then? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1542639655843-OEGGFZ2KL6D7UO5N7XBH/Nashville_%28movie_poster%29.jpg Blog - From Tuscany to Tennessee: Stepping Into and Out of My Comfort Zone I https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2018/9/18/happy-amsterdamiversary-to-me monthly 0.5 2018-10-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1537452453479-SC1PDHSL0P92HI2KMMO5/IMG_3076.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539350904777-NL984LCVTJHBHQPMSBWO/IMG_3430.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned So far, I’m using Year 5 to find more undiscovered (by me, anyway) spots in Amsterdam. Stay tuned for a post about those discoveries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538573351420-JSZUSE9Z520I9NB0HHLJ/IMG_2884.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Here are Casey and I at Newark Airport before departing for our big adventure. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539759893951-CYC6VNHTS03KO9U1HCHE/IMG_3457.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Here am I (on the left) looking like a little kid in my very favorite photo of my sister Jennifer, my brother John, and me. The backstory is there was a giant fight pre-photo about which sister would get to put her arm around John. My mom decided it should be Jennifer since she is the oldest. At the last minute, just before the photographer snapped the photo, I reached out to hold his foot. Victory! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538746508934-84RMVWJA9XX81F5J6STR/IMG_3336.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538662272652-6QEEATEMOIM8G2DAP9PQ/IMG_3324.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539524655258-H4MLBM5ECF5OGX7XY80F/IMG_0138.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Feel free to ooh and aah over these two American kids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538662070670-UF7AX0EX4R45BFE82SG7/IMG_3326.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538662029298-WTW158KO8V07A5VI327M/IMG_3335.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538747086172-QK2IW95FUFNMOJIF89GI/IMG_3328.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538747157703-H3IPIPFC53970FEW3X3E/IMG_3095.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539094148845-ORDLAY0M4H7KRT7XV3G1/IMG_3345.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Katja and her husband run The Nuthouse. They sell nuts and dried fruit, and give out free samples. What could be better? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539094164786-DYYJ5AHP93I1Z7JMTMC9/IMG_3349.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Martin makes his own cheese at his farm. I haven’t had any that weren’t delicious. Once, on a visit to my U.S. doctor post-Amsterdam move, she told me to watch my cheese intake. Like that was ever going to happen while I was living here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539094182120-JGMGB8XBJBZQF12FCKJA/IMG_3352.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned While I made a point of asking for everyone’s name for the blog, I couldn’t remember what The Raspberry Lady said. That’s because she will always be The Raspberry Lady to me. If you visit the stand, treat yo self to all manner of raspberry jams and desserts. Just don’t forget the jams can’t go in your carry-on luggage. We made that mistake once and I almost sobbed when I saw the security agent confiscate our beloved jar. This is a tragedy that I will never forget. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539177315806-X74KZP2BIKMAOMLH26WM/IMG_3417.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539177342697-FEYHWUS4JKRO8LXUFVXG/IMG_3419.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538747350677-232JL219I2LK29G2ZYP2/IMG_3334.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned This is Zeynep, who runs the dry cleaner/tailor shop in our neighborhood. She moved to Amsterdam from Turkey when she was a child. She has been one of my very favorite Dutch teachers and pals. Dry cleaning is much more expensive here than in the U.S. Then again, the bill comes with a free Dutch lesson, and many smiles, so maybe it’s not all that expensive after all. It’s all part of an expat’s ongoing Pros and Cons list. Maybe dry cleaning is expensive, but wine and beer is cheaper. Priorities, people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1538747335483-GUV93LNUWBW59CNGQGRZ/IMG_3341.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Sean came to Amsterdam from Australia and is the owner of Small World Catering, home to the best sandwich in Amsterdam. It’s a teeny little place, and Sean fills it up with his booming Australian voice and his spot-on sarcastic sense of humor. When I’m craving one of those sandwiches, and some humor - which even the Dutch would probably admit is not their specialty - I head to Small World. Sean caters both to the locals, with his Aussie-accented Dutch, and the tourists. I always leave with a smile on my face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539350737118-BXMQZJDYJZU8NEL4U8IZ/IMG_2140.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Here’s an example of Dutch honesty in the world of advertising at a nearby shop. I haven’t seen this approach in the U.S.: shaming me into coming in to buy some new clothes. And say what you will about me, but I really don’t think Rachel Drucker could look better. Do you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539437710680-QXOJIGJ4X0182US1JI26/IMG_3072.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Here’s an example of The Bad. I notice that lots of folks park in the handicapped zone. That’s because they are always in a rush to get to important things like a breakfast date with their friends. Is this a Dutch thing or a people thing? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539437751959-KYC4CLXUOBUPRXRH8UAG/IMG_3432.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned And here’s The Ugly: I notice people are often too busy to put their garbage and recycling into the bin, so they leave it propped outside so the birds can pick it apart and leave it strewn all over. Or they manage to throw the glass bottles against the recycling container (maybe tossing as they ride their bikes?) so there are glass shards all over the ground, just waiting to attack Casey. Who is too busy to put a bottle into a slot? Dutch people? Or just people? I will give the Dutch ingenuity credit for the fake grass and flowers surrounding some of the bins. As soon as those went in around the ‘hood, there was less trash. Brilliant! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539437880043-8HDRE9GRO3IWDE22PZ8Z/IMG_3409.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned But there is a lot of The Good: how could you not notice sights like this as you make your way around town? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539526621739-LY98Y5ZRCCZKXIIE0NDN/IMG_1978.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned When it comes to visitors, I aim to please. If you have a burning desire, I’ll make it happen. What happens in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam, Tess. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539600080313-OHHRF4ZMOSUGNCTH9MAF/IMG_3047.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539600104063-VCSH5GVF0XV1P81CYYD1/IMG_2994.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539600202692-EJPCJIRUMTUJSEOWQKGE/IMG_2068.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539606143365-T2O97NWPC8JQUMXO4C1Z/IMG_3426.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned At a recent going-away party for a dear friend, I was introduced to this quote. Beautifully said. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1539526366358-PKPYV66T1T18LSW4WFYA/IMG_2071.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Me: Peripheral Pals and Lessons Learned Summer skies in Vondelpark near our apartment. I think I’ll notice things like this wherever we are, even when I leave my rose-colored glasses behind. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2018/8/14/fjord-envy-finding-my-way-in-norway monthly 0.5 2018-08-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534256677517-J0A8JVPNHZXEQ9IH9LA0/IMG_2608.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534868018334-ZGAWE9EDBKHODD9RCDCP/IMG_2605.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Peter also had a hankering for Norway. It's really a photographer's dream, what with the mountains and the waterfalls, and the clouds thrown in for atmosphere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534947533278-3HQTQP0GJEN7KJR7UFFN/IMG_2497.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534947595853-XOFK8VZ5S612POSD4VNF/IMG_2503.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway We arrived unfashionably early to the hipster foodhall. So did these gals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534947850626-V4E01LHMUS2NJTNB38U9/IMG_2532.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway No such thing as global warming, you say? Oslo suffered through record-breaking heat this spring and summer. Luckily, they have that waterfront to jump into. Either these swimmers are a lot thicker-skinned than we are, or the water is a lot warmer than you would have thought. The new construction in this area looks like it was finished five minutes ago. In some parts of the city, it looks like hipster Brooklyn was just plunked down smack into Oslo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534948608002-7HJRTVFIM1VGVL5Q40PD/IMG_2488.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Why isn’t there a statue like this in Amsterdam? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535636397947-LPWMKU6IHE9BS74F2U4F/IMG_2753.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Mother and child, in Bergen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534948663975-9QLE33K3ROSVWJG0CN0Y/IMG_2490.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway And then there’s Maude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534948629606-S6E1FYG4UD8LB2Z5DX4C/IMG_2525.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway These are not technically statues, but I’ll include them here. These teddy bears are part of an art installation called #huglife. The bears are meant to bring “warmth, happiness, and innocence” into the big, bad city of Oslo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535544687484-SUMX1HSSSO2WJ4U6CDGP/IMG_2918.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535544688556-VQY4NXCJIPZDUKKK13ES/images.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535478107434-B95CK5SSDT5PKXJ4UF5Y/IMG_3018.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Henry Kissinger was the second most famous graduate of George Washington High School, in NYC, after that beauty on the right: my mom. I sure didn't look like that in high school. That's my grandmother on the left, looking proud. My mom would be the first to tell you George Washington wasn't exactly the crème de la crème of NYC high schools, but in those days it was fine. I wonder if Henry (or another alum, Harry Belafonte) would agree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535032853287-LSOUEG4SJ9Y8YEV7U4L2/IMG_2500.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway More street art in Oslo. And also how I feel when I try to sound Dutch whilst speaking Dutch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535033839540-JXJX2QBDSBEXQRF4W1UW/IMG_2556.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535035173807-LHXB7PIJAZ19CGB2F32V/IMG_2685.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway A river runs through the property, and it’s known for its excellent trout fishing. We didn’t try our hand at it, but we did eat fish almost every night while in Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535035429943-4ISJ7KM1PCLFP1BVL43K/IMG_2687.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway When I first saw these Nepali prayer flags and didn’t yet know about the owner’s connection to Nepal, I thought it was an example of what Rachel and her friend Nancy have christened “namaste bullshit”. It’s a catch-all for the overuse of yoga lingo, and pseudo-spiritual stuff. I love that phrase so much and was just waiting for the right moment to work it into a blog. Namaste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535036240648-IMPYC8DJ7LTS9JN266JV/IMG_2576.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway The view with breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535036385837-Z1CMSVY4ANM1KHOEH2OQ/IMG_2628.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Some of the Swedish chef’s handiwork. All of the berries are from the lodge’s gardens and the bushes that grow wild in the area. He sheepishly put the plates down in front of us and apologized for getting carried away and making such a large portion. He predicted we couldn’t possibly finish it. Challenge accepted, Swedish tattoo guy. I’m sure you know how this story ended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535119304547-7DC9VJ3PD3QUW6BXAGC9/IMG_2601.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway We had the whole mountain top to ourselves for a picnic lunch. Those sheepskin (or reindeer?) rugs are everywhere in Norway. It makes for a comfy seat after a long hike. The only problem is getting up afterwards to take the long hike back home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535119703357-MVXKMLNUBQNW5JY5IVFK/IMG_2662.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway It was so kind of the clouds to pose for a photo while we were riding home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535545281054-TLBLRTLACM0044YCCRGE/download.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway - You can channel your inner Sal when you are in Norway. There were blueberries and raspberries on the hiking trails. What could be better? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535120531037-THAIVGWTU8ILJBHIC42L/IMG_2707.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535637617103-DKKTX3DI2KB59SUG0IPR/unspecified-3.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535212187285-IIMQ31M3RBTQEL99X7PX/unspecified.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Photo by Peter Drucker. Love this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535212293191-JSMZVKJGL8RJBAHX0HOM/IMG_2743.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535194709589-QEJ0I90LCKXUR8AL71S0/IMG_2767.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535194918577-ZIDC56V4SD6P0154BHRH/IMG_2794.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535194725668-LY1PKEC76F6DN5647P2Z/IMG_2775.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535194738901-42SN5QKVSNYG0F8H1WJD/IMG_2784.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535194755808-8ODENIBHD6KP5LE9CONV/IMG_2795.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535194795174-KL09SQCUPEFOP9X1F14N/IMG_2793.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535296422175-P7N1CKPIC5J6672R2DZT/IMG_2722.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway I was also glad to know the Norwegians have fond memories of Obama. I think for a Norwegian to name a goat after you is very high praise indeed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535299202572-B98NFE2BMP45O1YM8SLK/IMG_2819.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Despite the unprecedented heat in Norway this summer, cold weather is on the horizon. You can't forget that when you see the thick sweaters for sale everywhere. Even the trees were wearing sweaters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535364756953-DSEJ7GYW4UKAOCO2LG4Q/IMG_2878.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Here she is. Believe it or not, our ship was like a tiny Dutch cup of coffee compared to some of the jumbo-sized ships we saw on our travels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535454774329-0R5D84OFEQZ2AEE3E4CP/IMG_2907.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535454782475-HB230WQNA3WFPUMC65AM/IMG_2906.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535455486238-68EJIU8I57GPYPBMILJL/IMG_2890.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Oh, Skillingsboller, where have you been all my life? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535209935759-GYYIRI26VNSE5T10J10S/IMG_2922.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Sister and brother. I miss mine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535210090838-JDKTY7XQRK1FJ958A5IE/IMG_2802.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway At first I wasn’t sure what I was looking at when we happened upon this statue. It is indeed a statue of a homeless man, and allegedly the most photographed statue in Bergen (although I’m not sure how you would measure that). The plaque in front says, Ingen er bare det du ser (“Nobody is only what you see.”). This statue commemorates a different Norwegian citizen, not the wealthy, nor the happy ones we read about. Norway topped the list of happiest nations last year, and slipped a bit to 2nd place in 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535485241566-OKKTI9I0S6U9EONRQXZN/IMG_2891.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway If I walked down the streets of Bergen dressed in one of these, would it help me fit in? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1535543961245-SPF0JW32R6Z055D2VQY9/DSC_2605.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway Where there is a rainbow, there is always hope. Photo credit for this beauty to Peter. And thank you to the town of Ålesund for providing the scenery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1534947131913-TU5CSSI7GFZ72OFZKUHJ/IMG_2521.jpg Blog - Fjord Frenzy: Finding My Way in Norway In a country with so much bounty (mountains, fjords, cinnamon rolls), who knew there was also the perfect job just waiting there for me? I do realize I'll have to do something about my pants before my first day on the job. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2018/7/18/remembrance-of-things-past-retracing-my-steps-in-brittany monthly 0.5 2018-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532606465675-KR6L5N1YV9ZCMPPY6CPF/IMG_2185.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532269345667-FF8TDCHNLYG9PI0BWQNV/IMG_2460.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany Through the wonders of the internet, I was able to find the ad my father saw in the back of the Princeton Alumni magazine that resulted in my happy summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532364647061-6NWMS0T3GBBPDQNQ9ZY1/IMG_2293.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany This wide beach, Plage de Rochebonne, in our home base of Saint-Malo was a place for families to play soccer, and at sunset, for everyone to gather. At low tide, the beach was wide enough for everyone to have their own little slice of heaven. At high tide, the beach disappeared and the waves reached all the way up to the wall where Rachel was sitting and reading. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532365396395-IT0QZMVMM33SVVHKF6TV/IMG_2374.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany High tide. And the steps you had to climb down to reach the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532184924595-RZV71QTXQVWGVG3TZU40/IMG_2344.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany These mansions overlooking the beach look like reproductions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532184944078-4T5U65UEDDV5OVLN7PH5/IMG_2349.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany This house looked like it had survived the war. When I travel, I like to pick out my home in the area. I chose this one. I liked the little tower room overlooking the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532434606382-7LLO0WVX7ZB46NUVKE4E/IMG_2367.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532096847467-9VZC7Z6C7MMELJ6RX5Q0/IMG_6923.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany Here’s a copy of the snapshot of the village of Perros-Guirec circa 1976. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532605642978-HX1NWDIDP9YNOPQQ4LH4/IMG_2191.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany And here it is in July 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532614018750-BWB13FD7P5C2673DQMG9/IMG_2476.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany And here is that 16-year-old. We took a ferry from somewhere to somewhere else in Brittany. I lopped off my long curly hair for the summer, opting for what I thought of at the time as a sophisticated bob. Mon dieu! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532342607900-HCPXX57IL94ZJ6EQ6AF8/IMG_2195.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany I know she still has a long ways to go, but seeing this gal walk along the trail - when only a year ago she was in a wheelchair - made me so grateful. Hoping for many hikes with you and without any knee pain in the future, Rae. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532362961091-FW3D00K9G75WV8WI2FUV/IMG_2215.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany I found it only fitting that in the motherland of good wine, one rock formation shows a perfect bottle of wine, tipped and ready for drinking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532363064088-1DFKUA7984KB10WWEQZK/9LjnLhvQ.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany Photo credit to Peter. Is it a turtle's face? What say you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532363746919-LYATROP2SI82CNHLF6NF/IxbWZTRA.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany When you are done staring at the rocks, you can just take in the colors of the water. Photo credit to Peter. Beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532435233816-OAYT23CQFYD1ZZERXHUW/IMG_2370.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany Some sort of deconstructed apple tarte-tatin. Is there any problem that salted caramel can’t cure? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532435463622-Z7GGZP4G6GDZEBUY11VI/IMG_2337.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany And the ultimate fancy comfort food: crème brûlée. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532435679486-E0QP96FYB18JEUPXP10L/IMG_2363.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532519624055-73HZM8Z7N1DRCBZCQPYD/IMG_2312.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany One of the oldest (or the oldest?) house in Brittany. It’s now home to a lovely flower shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532519661602-SKJ6UCJI4UQZLHI0TEZD/IMG_2308.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany Here’s an updated house. I think neither bright yellow house paint, nor Phillips was around in medieval times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532520309699-A30PWOG5ZARAFO2UIGRR/IMG_2297.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532520286303-3TYOLGUOYOF39YVGGIWF/IMG_2302.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532521592098-T5BCFMFU78VWAG7DB4PL/IMG_2329-1.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany There were lots of stands selling all kinds of oysters. If you couldn’t wait to get into town and hit a restaurant, you could hunker down on the beach with some treats from the market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532521558991-MOYTM8ZUMFWXA3N3X46H/IMG_2326-1.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany You can get a good view of the many oyster farms at low tide. We learned all about the different kinds of oysters from our guide, and all of that information quickly went in one ear and out the other. All I can tell you is they tasted like when you get jumbled up in a ocean wave and swallow some water. Just that salty and fresh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532523606864-NH80SCTPAA4HCBP8C1XN/IMG_2373.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany This couple came out for a stroll before the Bastille Day fireworks. I hope this will be Peter and me someday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532525837808-QGMU635HK74YRV0XW69S/IMG_2413.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany Look who I ran into in the Luxembourg Gardens the morning after the big win. And then while working on this post, the poem about her by Emma Lazarus showed up in my Poem of the Day email. Here's a line I like, although it's less famous than the "Give me your tired, your poor.." one. "From her beacon-hand. Glows world-wide welcome." We're not exactly living up to that promise in the U.S. these days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532608753583-T4FTG1JOX4KHE4SVDWC9/IMG_2411.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany I also ran into a very moving exhibit at the Pantheon about the late Simone Veil. The first woman president of the European Parliament and the French Health Minister responsible for the right to choose an abortion in France, she and her husband were recently buried at the Pantheon. She is also a Holocaust survivor and the exhibit told about her efforts to keep her story and the story of her family alive by telling and retelling it. After the recent waves of anti-semitic attacks in France, it was particularly significant to see Simone Veil recognized for her accomplishments, with the ultimate honor of being interred at the Pantheon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532526539446-7RBH8AI6ZPWKEREV4RM2/IMG_2473.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany Spotted on my regular dog-walking route. Couldn't have said it better myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1532609360710-T8TL7AQ1CY6RPJOCA10Z/IMG_2170.jpg Blog - Remembrance of Things Past: Retracing My Life and My Steps in Brittany A rare father-daughter shot at the beach in Saint-Malo. Au revoir, Bretagne. A bientôt. Farewell, Brittany. See you soon. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2018/5/21/fifty-shades-of-green-getting-my-irish-on monthly 0.5 2018-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1526901080907-L92EU99W4GWN0LMNVX2Z/IMG_1719.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1526997445706-XGJD2VEECKZIPNWKO5OO/IMG_4160-1.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1526997459199-ZLATL98GQ0C7X2CGTSII/IMG_4163-1.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1526998875553-AR7NLU73K1OS18V1CN9P/IMG_1621.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On The winds in Galway reminded me of the Netherlands. I was afraid Deb would be picked up and thrown out to sea at one point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527500787823-8Z94DUCALHCBPOY1NT8R/IMG_1629.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On As you may have noticed by now, I like to pick out my apartment wherever we go. I liked this restored stone building along the River Corrib, which also rushed right outside our hotel window. It was loud, but beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1526999491638-8XTTKSXADEYP4FWFK4BA/DSC_1394.JPG Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On Photo credit to Peter. His lack of fear when it came to getting close to the edge for this shot paid off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1526999511598-B0BASE6JHH7J6S429S4C/IMG_1661.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On Many thanks to all of the Irish cows for all of the delicious butter we were served. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1526999521078-TUO1A6C9HMEI7JGME6UU/IMG_1662.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On And many thanks to all of the Irish sheep for the sweaters we all bought to remind us of the trip and to stay warm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527078565571-A5D2RQV4A07PQT3UO67G/IMG_1678.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On When your driver looks down at the dashboard as if it’s a foreign language he’s unfamiliar with, you worry just a little. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527078579096-UBQIV50PUAJC2Z0I0GKU/IMG_1679.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On But Marc was soon a pro, and knew to stop frequently both so we could get out and enjoy the green, and also so our heart rates could return to normal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527078588237-FRWEJV2GWRE8AM84Z6ZQ/IMG_4059.JPG Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On Nothing like a little laughter during my immature photo-bombing escapades to make the drive more relaxing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527079437620-F0V214PFCAZ05CX6BWIC/IMG_1689.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On I love all the church towers or small castles that dot the towns. This one was no longer in use, except as a photo opportunity after lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527093676977-F1M6JNRQDCW8RT7ULRL3/IMG_1760-1.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527093620321-FXIYTPNCZUTKYXSXK3WV/IMG_1764.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527159777711-C1J7E3TZHM76YKV2XP9K/IMG_1754.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527160713607-EG0TQNOPK4P96AEX2N6C/IMG_1673.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527260700970-APQ390D3S56L3NWPZ3J5/IMG_1747.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527260710506-FLCO0BZSX5C582BHIQET/IMG_1708.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527260724554-QTP7I347D2ZYZV2N3G19/IMG_1765.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527260844777-LYAAABVVI5G9AEGNBQAO/IMG_1775.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On There was a vintage car show in town, so there was even more color than usual in the Kinsale hood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527253853325-1EZ44J6FAOD164HMOI9I/IMG_1735.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On Marc is known for his frequent FB postings of the dark beer he adores. Here is a peek into the delicate behind-the-scenes work that goes into all those posts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527345817965-GBZMJZ2R7X7XS2B60TK3/IMG_1650.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527501175246-IG3E5U9IS3FSQ69LATZJ/IMG_4140.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On One nice side effect of group travel is you have someone to take a photo of the two of you every now and again. Some of my favorite greens from the trip, at Fort Charles in Kinsale. And my favorite traveling companion, of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527262541316-MJHGKIMJVCC55GHA17O5/IMG_1801.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527262565018-PDG2X7HCG0BW8CSWP286/IMG_1798.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On The type of hurling pictured here is an ancient Gaelic game which is still incredibly popular in Ireland. I’m sure there was some of the other sort after the rugby match ended, but by then we were safely tucked away in our hotel rooms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527499866617-XCKWPWLJS2I91SHTNS0J/IMG_1805.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On This truly is the land of redheads. This little girl was celebrating something, I think. There were many more folks dressed up for church on Sunday morning than we see in seemingly god-forsaken Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527500110268-3IAG7AYUSDXAXC86C1N7/IMG_1787.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On The church is getting in on the coffee business, it seems. This sign was posted on the walls of the grand cathedral in Kilkenny. Maybe they realize they need something to lure the new generation into church these days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527262871981-PMSMD9XPRZH6M1DINSSC/IMG_1817.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On In Wicklow Mountains National Park, Marc (bottom right corner) paid me back for my earlier immature photo-bombing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527344178027-YBJYNHJG35BV562AXU76/lucky-charms-2.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On Maybe my love of the Irish started way before I could handle Irish literature. I yearned for this box on the supermarket shelves. Mom, did you have to insist on healthy cereal? I would have given anything for a bowl of this before school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527501032959-H981B4ILFD1N6WNIDT3R/IMG_1795.jpg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On A toast to Ireland, to friends willing to travel with you, and, of course, to Irish butter. The best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1527262950663-E4MS586CUPO7GEWVVQD1/DSC_1343.jpeg Blog - Fifty Shades of Green: Getting My Irish On Photo credit to Peter. He really captured the magic of Ireland in this shot of Galway, didn't he? https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2018/3/20/queen-bees-and-wannabees-why-brussels-doesnt-have-a-buzz monthly 0.5 2018-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522510189648-MLX1UVAM1IQX8TTWOPI9/IMG_1275.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz There are many grand buildings in Brussels repurposed as shopping arcades. This one was especially beautiful. So were the high end chocolates in some of the shops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1521566509664-H7661YZ7P8IV7OALTRC2/IMG_1167.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Here's the Grote Markt in Brussels, the giant square with ornate guildhalls, the Town Hall, and a building known as the King's House. And a whole lot of tourists. More than a few people have suggested this is the only sight worth traveling to Brussels to see. Why do so many Amsterdam expats give Brussels such low marks on its travel report card? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522842634253-36NZWO53NYMZYA08247L/IMG_1300.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522842700926-7MS5PMGLJ9WDZ0WLQHX5/IMG_1301.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522161519830-7N15T71Y85I4IKJF9HE2/IMG_1218.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Loving chocolate as I do elevates Easter into a special time of year for me. I'll put aside the memories of the Easter-egg hunt I was invited to when I was 9 years old. Exhilarated by this new experience, I stuffed dozens of malted-milk balls into my mouth as I hunted. That was the last malted milk ball this Jewish gal ever consumed. Lesson learned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522161545204-04P8V7GXZI21OCSAWWHP/IMG_1224.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Here's some anatomically correct chocolate. Let me introduce you to Mannekin Pis (roughly translated as Lil' Piddler, although that may just be his rap name). He's a small bronze statue/fountain who sprays water out of his equipment. Periodically, he's dressed up in various costumes. I'll show you that later in the post. According to the Brussels city website, he's a symbol both of Brussels, and of the Belgian sense of humor. You can find him by following the tourists who come to take his photo. Or you can buy the chocolate made in his image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522161644226-H9WSWTY3NRG83XOP15PQ/IMG_1222.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz These chocolate tools were so lifelike we had to take a second look to make sure they weren't really tools. The "rust" is cocoa powder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522162770724-F8IR8Z1QXGI4HR01JSZZ/IMG_1239.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522162746194-LNJPAY7WDPX05PJC7GQS/IMG_1242.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Lots and lots of musical instruments, including violins that made me feel guilty for not practicing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522162790103-YL98G4YT3LGCQ08JJ5HP/IMG_1241.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Here, Jesus and GI Joe strike up a conversation. Only at a flea market! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522163399778-9EFUCJIX7Q6W0ON3N8QQ/IMG_1250.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522163420802-P6XY4S7YOOY3Z1JGWIJD/IMG_1254.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz I don't remember ever seeing statues with their arms draped around each other. Correct me if I'm wrong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522165280069-FM6TS8A2TXNA9WOF3SEH/IMG_1270.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522165302562-C5UFP1SHJ9R2FZDESCIX/IMG_1272.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522165372563-33U0PU5UGLK5IKZR3UKA/IMG_1231.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522165409067-98OEAZH8ZST0SVWV7Z1P/IMG_1230.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522165349227-HJJQFYG9G02HA3GRPBGB/IMG_1273.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522165503555-NK85F5FWCNPMNBJ71OVB/IMG_1248.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522166222541-3DSW0ISXBMV1Y1D0W4OQ/IMG_1256.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522166203997-KBJ882HELNQ59BEOKSVE/IMG_1162.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz These weren't just gargoyles, but full on sculptures adorning this building. Stunning, to quote my friend Vera! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522166238181-NPILNCUD1ELJZ95E4680/IMG_1266.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Here's the Grote Markt in Brussels, the giant square with the stunning architecture. More than a few people have suggested this is the only sight worth traveling to Brussels to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522679786025-705XJNUGC09VB6L7YVBS/IMG_1225.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Here's Mannekin Pis, the symbol of Brussels I mentioned earlier. It's also the name of my friend Seanette's favorite frites place in Amsterdam. Now that I know what it means, I won't think of those fries in the same way again. Ever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522323097118-MUS7ET2I2L08N1QM3YP2/IMG_1217.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522494932612-6OWZSUCCMMJRL0422YNI/magritte-11768digi-l_small%402x.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522497771627-98XE4IXY7BCVB7Y25SOF/magritte-11719dig-l_small%402x.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522496097372-QIHP3TG64OX670TZEJIJ/IMG_1237.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522496090174-3M48UNEIOWD603793UE5/IMG_1235.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522752238890-JXPLHQ67DJ1BXYIT7VY7/IMG_1343.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Here's a Belgian comic book I spotted at the pharmacy earlier this week. From the looks of it, the term Belgian humor may be an oxymoron (in the same way the phrase "Dutch humor" strikes us Americans as hilarious). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522770981637-85CI006EG2GMHEOYRK89/IMG_1261.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Speaking of millennial heaven: if you do go to Brussels, check out Peck 47 for brunch. Everything tastes better in a Mason Jar, doesn't it? And what is more hip than a poached egg? This one was served on a savory waffle. I think you don't dare visit Brussels without having at least one waffle. You can get to this terrific little restaurant at the early-bird opening time like we did and avoid the long line that forms later on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522675958095-UPCN98FZSPHCJV15N2LV/IMG_1340.jpg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz This title, and the author's name for that matter, are already taken, so he'll have to come up with something a bit different. We'll keep you posted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1522509749829-V8NBLV6QCDXYFQH8IQMV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - "Queen Bees and Wannabees": Why Brussels Doesn't Have a Buzz Happy Spring, from Amsterdam! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2018/2/7/growing-old-gracefully-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2018-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1519816682729-L43HO3UD26D01VRQBTHA/IMG_1141.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam No one is growing old more gracefully than this guy. He's 15, and although he sleeps more and gets up with creaky slowness these days (I can relate), he can still polish off a bowl of food like a teenager (I can also relate). One measure of how long we have been gone, and how old Casey is, are the frequent FB posts about his dog contemporaries dying. Too sad to think about, so I won't. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1519846437898-3ZJ29QG2KGMT734AJD7Y/IMG_1144.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam I spent a few days in our neighborhood just missing out on photos on all manner of dapper older men and women on bikes. By the time I got my iPhone out to snap the photo, these surprisingly speedy riders were already well past me. I finally managed to get a shot of this guy. I was particularly impressed by his cycling not just because he was biking on a day that was snow-covered, but also because it was about 20 degrees outside. Maybe old people (notorious for wearing sweaters in the dead of winter in Florida) are at an advantage when there's a polar vortex in town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1520190396854-E5VIBXLNKYEMOHBLQIUM/IMG_1066.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam A lifetime of wearing matching outfits meant I wore mine, then I wore Jennifer's when she outgrew hers. Thanks, mom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1520162246421-8BQN1GZ5MYCQJFGJ28TB/IMG_1152.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam This cartoon is from the simultaneously hilarious and heart-breaking memoir Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast, the New Yorker magazine cartoonist. She chronicles her relationship with her aging parents and will make you laugh and cry as you connect to her experiences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1519761995937-C4KFQLNC2XEEIDFVYCKF/IMG_0416.JPG Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam There is no plaque next to it, but this is the Myra Vine Ramp. Ask anyone at Stonebridge, her independent living facility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1519763479216-P2NIEQDLO2LEGQYU7QL9/IMG_1117.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam This may look like a baby stroller, but it's actually a walker. This brave soul doesn't seem one bit phased by the maze of construction always taking place in our neighborhood. I think it bothers me more than it does her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1519051588273-XAUCHA2W91SYSLRS10NE/IMG_1063.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam This hearty opa (grandpa in Dutch) is rolling around the park with his grandchild. I see so many grandparents out walking and biking with their grandchildren in tow. And like the postman in days of old, neither rain nor snow nor sleet nor hail keeps these omas and opas from getting out in the fresh air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1519846158820-1I3KSOC7RJK9ZE1VXF83/IMG_1145.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam Here's the view looking down from my friend Danielle's second floor apartment. This is one precipitous climb and descent, at any age. Can you imagine what an elderly person would do on these? Probably never leave the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1520163121294-6HYN5O0FBW5PIDZXE8OM/IMG_1080.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1519816570056-WF6KGLWV54SW3NCDGG1Q/IMG_1118.jpg Blog - Growing Old (Gracefully?) in Amsterdam https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2018/1/7/a-visit-to-sicily-an-offer-i-couldnt-refuse monthly 0.5 2018-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515349285636-Z6FJ2L1Z94XNXF3XM2VE/IMG_0945.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse Mount Etna looms large (both literally and figuratively) in Sicily. It's much more than just an active volcano. It's one of the stars of Sicily. Everything, from the history, to the art, to the food and wine seems to relate back to Mount Etna. More on this later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515426522540-J9OX4K8M1ZNQDA7YTCA7/IMG_0703.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse I consider myself a true citrus connoisseur. These beauties alone made the journey to Sicily worthwhile. I bought a kilo (about 10 large "clementinas") for only one euro. That's a lot of bliss for so very little. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515427943937-OQDV2MU18JMWF6O1FOPX/IMG_0702.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse These artichokes, or carciofi in Italian, were a frequent visitor on my plate during the week. They were shimmering with gold in the market, but are incredibly cheap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515428087683-UO6K168TGYN7YTP5V7QG/IMG_0923.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse And what about these purple cauliflower? Almost too pretty to eat, but I managed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515506640402-3IG0BEKTX583VZRWLH8D/IMG_0746.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse I had to work quickly to get this photo, both because Peter is notoriously camera-shy, and also because I knew he would make quick work of his first cannolo in Sicily (yes, that is the correct word for the singular). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515684450330-9LSP1K7GTUVRKUGU2WMU/images.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse I think he is on Isola Bella, the little island I visited and which you will see later in this post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515508008076-973YUFM61RBGOYYJ1192/IMG_0611.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse I think the star of the show here is the sky. The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is the third largest opera house in Europe after Paris and Vienna. I took a tour inside and it was just as beautiful inside as it is out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515590263017-MNAAIEYKD91S1951QZ17/IMG_0547.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse This statue would not be out of place in Amsterdam, where I feel like someone is always scolding me for something. Perhaps the Sicilians wouldn't mind lending it to me? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515590325011-VXV8JGZEG0U67D9IZXM3/IMG_0540.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse We climbed the 100 or so steps up to the top of the Palermo Cathedral where it was so windy I had to hold onto Peter (and my iPhone) for dear life. The cathedral is a hodge-podge of different architectural styles, with each new conquerer putting his stamp on the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515591267354-813WXB26AK8PDHG32J64/IMG_0604.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515591290386-L0ND8UTQ31RL9QH5FCY2/IMG_0544.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515593293535-86XBDLQJYMTSA5FWLIYP/IMG_0623.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515593260120-EGWHX6TJMS9G6FWNUFHZ/IMG_0621.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515594419893-R8HKAHIWWYYMXEBI0YWE/IMG_0689.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse It's hard to believe that these temples, which date back to the 6th century B.C. are in such good shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515594566868-E589HOBPZF9RZ8WYTST4/IMG_0637.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse It's also hard to believe that these two photos were taken on the same afternoon, less than an hour apart. The rainy, quick-changing weather seemed to have followed us from Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515598803144-HUI5AWVR5ZN97ZM7ZGE2/IMG_0704.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515598875503-8MRERQ31AFIYTCQNWHH5/IMG_0727.JPG Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515598917591-MXSP639CU9ALM2PA7SCU/IMG_0705.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515604754960-13CPS0PRPO1DBZ3XIORB/IMG_0796.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse This was the view from the little patio in our hotel room. Just as gorgeous as any celebrity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515605575194-7SA1THLXEKWLFF10BK3Q/IMG_0864.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse The triangular tile is the symbol of Sicily. The symbol is on their flag, and adorns many homes and shops. We were told a few versions of what the symbol actually means. The common demoninators were agriculture, and the shape of Sicily. The face in the middle is sometimes a sun, and sometimes Medusa. One explanation for the continuing significance of Medusa is that if you mess with a Sicilian, she could turn you into stone, or worse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515605747029-B6NSQGAACOZPVIT78KH0/IMG_0856.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse I hiked down to the little island to the right, Isola Bella. It has been turned into a nature reserve, and clearly lives up to its name, which translates to Beautiful Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515605724297-16F0Y7K6DN5JF4BIFR2C/IMG_0877.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse We had this Greek Amphitheater almost to ourselves at sunset, once the man barking into a cellphone had the good sense to leave. In another bit of Sicilian architectural recycling, some of the columns from the Greek amphitheater can be found inside the cathedral in Taormina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515756150781-AB0R5Q27NUGI4UC9T09V/IMG_0889.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse Our guide in Taormina pointed out the hidden signs that Jews were once a large and prominent part of Sicilian life. If you look at the top of the church, you can see Jewish stars, indicating this was probably a synagogue at one time. Although our guides didn't know we are Jewish, they all included information about how important and prosperous many Jews were until they were expelled in 1493. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515612042879-6BHVCO1CD4A9ZE5767VX/IMG_0804.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515744180020-Q2KOYOIZPIJCEHBV88MA/IMG_0790.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse Picnic view. The presence of the palm tree was confirmation (along with those arrancinci) that I was in paradise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515614383194-WEX816WMVJ1I8OCNBRY9/IMG_0907.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse I had to work quickly to get this shot because I didn't want them to see me taking photos. On the opposite wall was a shrine to what I assume was their grandchildren, with photos of the boys' lifetime highlights like being an altar boy and winning a soccer tournament. In Sicily, I'm not sure which of those triumphs is considered greater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515617094535-2A8NQF5983OEOYEGMCXK/IMG_0929.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse The server must have misunderstood me, and thought I also wanted my espresso to-go. He neatly packaged up my thimble-full of coffee so I could take it into the park along with my Saint Agatha pastry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515756009952-XPXUAV8TNGBIR8W9QB85/IMG_0909.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse As I previously mentioned, many buildings in Sicily are repurposed when needs and times change. Many former palaces (palazzos) are now offices, or swank hotels, or, in this case, a middle school. I can't think of a population more oblivious to their surroundings than most middle-schoolers, but imagine walking into this building each morning. Inspiring! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515617818615-YXZJ97UPK90KLFX9C9KH/IMG_0902.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse This gazebo is in Giardino Bellini in Catania, a lovely park with views of Mount Etna. On a sunny day, it was full of families, folks walking their dogs, and lots of zig-zagging strollers. This is the park where I had my bosom pastry and espresso picnic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515617888988-9IWL4SL78S424WUWFMWU/IMG_0932.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515671857180-XGAQ6TYZEOY4EJ0MVF15/IMG_0697.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515671866157-B69R38BPY75C54XPK351/IMG_0636.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515671876180-6O3J1J2B0KE8QX099YEN/IMG_0810.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1515671891265-V306COC4HVJ46E3ZRE8B/IMG_0701.jpg Blog - A Visit to Sicily: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/11/29/the-grass-is-always-greener-from-portugal-to-providence-and-points-in-between monthly 0.5 2017-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512146284487-HY8WPTCXJEOCPEIJHZAI/IMG_0284.JPG Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512146364253-W1VYJQ40UCF770FXMK8P/IMG_0330.JPG Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512318323822-O0ZV6XA6X1L8IEANUOR7/IMG_0299.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512318240341-KDOOHUYZVWXMLV1X8GRV/IMG_0196.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512318645747-54KYSRYXJUJH55X0YIMC/IMG_0260.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512318837754-X5F1EFZQ9Q9BTCRZ0REI/IMG_0317.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512318856600-D1UEYOSKLRJV4GDMXYL1/IMG_0305.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512318867980-BE9QY41OMUZDZ15EZE5G/IMG_0313.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512319349484-TSO1G8T7BGV7H95O3V84/IMG_0292.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512408434863-GX8ZTCOYM932QHDHL8IA/IMG_0274.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512319510055-33JM3BZT3B87MWSHSONI/IMG_0301.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512484016062-9EQM91FSVD9C4HB5UWZS/IMG_0240.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between They say you can tell if fish are fresh by their eyes. Every one of these were shiny and bright, and just waiting to leap onto a dinner plate somewhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512486792754-004U6X3FRDOYC32654SF/23244105_10154896957370671_6095022050764066394_n.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between Photo credit to their mom, Jodie, for capturing a rare photo that includes Peter. These gals have so much happy energy, even without the sugar in these tarts. I love looking at the world through their eyes. What an adventure they are having here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512485970105-3UISIXE3F1CPMPYA08NI/IMG_0193.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between In fact, everywhere you go in the city, these little treats call out to you. It's like walking in the Red Light District: you don't know if you should make eye contact, but you just can't help it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512486329355-ZZX3ZUR0JFVTC9HOGNUO/IMG_0230.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between I was able to request many miracles both during my stay in Lisbon, and also later when we returned to Amsterdam with our to-go package. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512575383272-73XRTQB8WLAPOVIUD93D/IMG_0331.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between There were plenty of people riding bikes around in Providence, but it's not quite up to Amsterdam standards yet, this mural notwithstanding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512809275391-Z76UM7LOKUHHW9IG6BN7/IMG_0332.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between The Rhode Island School of Design is in Providence, so there's lots of great art. And Johnson and Wales University, known for its culinary majors, accounts for the food bonanza. It's a great combination for a city to have. The mural says, "It takes all types." I'd settle for these two types. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512752311787-YXCFNVD3D61V5V1JIN9H/IMG_0360.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between The coast of Rhode Island is also beautiful and reminded me of the Netherlands. Thanks to my friend Tina for the long walks and book recommendations and for having a house in a place that looks a lot like "home". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512576371344-VZ52XE0GKZJLTNNRVS41/IMG_0351.JPG Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between When you pick right up like no time has passed, that's how you know it's a real friendship. So lucky to still have that with these gals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512577424125-UBPEVKK0UYI6GA8WDX2Q/IMG_0403.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between When one of your college roommates (that's Karen on the left) grows up to be a public health expert speaking on a panel at Brown University in Providence, RI, at exactly the same time you are going to be there, you also feel really lucky. And very proud to call her a friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512809630395-0JQNR7UE34OUOMLUMHVZ/IMG_0333.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between Being in the U.S. means driving, which is something I happily don't do in Amsterdam. When you have to drive long distances, it helps when you can break up the trip with a visit to your niece Emily who's getting her PhD at Yale. This gave me the chance to take her out to lunch, ask her once again what exactly her degree is in, and nod my head as if I understood. Science something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512824465401-44G7VD896EK669Q6UW2M/DSC_0418.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between I think you could say the same about your family: it's meant to be loved, not idolized. Here's Rachel and me at "our" canal, the one near our apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1512663920946-XZAI28MLYH73UTYP0MDQ/IMG_0445.jpg Blog - The Grass Is Always Greener: From Portugal to Providence and Points in Between https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/10/13/north-south-east-and-west-getting-out-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2017-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1508249193678-A30OPWLJSLOECHH77QO3/IMG_0126.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam Rachel and I recently toured an area north of the North - Waterlands - on a canoe. We felt like we were miles away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, but it's only a 15 minute bus ride away. While the rest of the group paddled furiously to keep up, we led the way with a ringer in our canoe: the tour guide. And her muscles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1508249512251-A62VBE5MKCJN4GWF54US/IMG_0176.JPG Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam This little plant shop, Wildernis, is in Oud West, Amsterdam West. It might as well be in the Wild West to some expats who don't venture there often. Rachel found this place when browsing through Instagram posts. You can buy all sorts of plants, and, of course, a cup of coffee or tea after exerting yourself with your plant shopping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509610278348-6SF9NJNB9MW6LLQ48CJZ/stadsdelen.gif Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam It seems like every map you look at divides the city in different ways. Some leave it in big chunks (North, South, East and West) and some include the names of the neighborhoods. No wonder I get lost so often. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1508249684757-CF51J6XYN73IMECHYKJZ/IMG_7731.JPG Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam You can see a real Picasso sculpture in Vondelpark. I'm always surprised that no hooligans have ever taken a can of spray paint to it. Maybe even they have limits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1508251530243-412LOGKDUN7BGMQ2D7D8/IMG_7347.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam Peter and I often have moments when we shake our heads in amazement that we are actually living here. Mine often come when I look up at the majestic Rijksmuseum. How did we get so lucky to live so close by? Or to live here at all? I took this photo during the Women's March, where for once Museumplein, the square surrounding the museums, was packed with protestors, not tourists taking selfies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1508519627648-TTUN13XUEKZ43ZMEU2BT/IMG_0178.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam I love the quiet side of the museum, where the bikes outnumber the people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1508948655648-5KY6V2H85Y7EISQH6E6C/IMG_0185.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam The Dutch pride themselves on being a society of equals. When we came to look for apartments before we moved here, the relocation person told us that there weren't any super-rich here. Then who lives in those houses along the canal near the apartments she was showing us, I asked. The answer? Drug dealers. I can assure you that not all the fancy houses in Amsterdam are inhabited by drug lords. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1508949608472-28973RKO2XELRF8CYQSU/IMG_8044.JPG Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam When Ben was here for a visit, we went straight to the motherland for our picnic provisions: a place called Piqniq, in the Jordaan, a neighborhood in the center of the city. Worth every penny. Gluten-free bread available, making this picnicker a very happy camper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509437246462-521IKPRL4GI185BN1A79/IMG_0004.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509437240222-M2FG30X8HC5ZNMCLVR4V/IMG_4230.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509437936370-2SD4HUKDHFADZ6TL2EAS/IMG_7663.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam Let's face it: you want to see windmills when you come to the Netherlands. A trip to Zaanse Schans gives you a lot of bang for your buck. You take a short bus ride from Central Station and you're face to face with a whole army of them. I've heard that most Dutch people have never been there, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509519740359-JVRA9JVI6LOO897IZ99T/IMG_7664.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam Ah, April in the Netherlands. The wind sure kept those windmills busy. Nancy was glad she brought her parka. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509519750687-DW25F2NL4EGLAG3KT6MU/IMG_7668.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam I don't think the guys inside the windmill - still a working sawmill - had ever seen the likes of our friend Pierre. He really listened to every word they said, even when they slipped in a few Dutch ones. They did their best to answer all of his questions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509461376697-XF8VD5G6497RRD3U03PT/IMG_4682.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam The burger craze has hit Amsterdam hard. Smokin' Barrels makes a burger that any American restaurant would be proud to call its own. And, oh, those fries! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509461384129-SQDHM00OQVKRMLTGAOLL/IMG_5772.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam This exhibit about the history of music was fantastic. How could I not be excited about an exhibit that included my favorite musical genre? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509462932668-XKZCZOZPZ0IF91MKC8A6/IMG_5941.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509462945163-QE0PJTFD0SG11AFEDG97/IMG_5953.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509462964676-1V9OR25IHSAZAFORMP9R/IMG_5947.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1509521147006-ZUTEGKRMQZKPJI8IUJ7V/IMG_0003.jpg Blog - North, South, East, and West: Stepping Out of My Bubble in Amsterdam I didn't crop out the sides of the photo because I love those jagged edges. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/8/20/the-hills-are-alive-hiking-eating-and-acting-like-americans-in-austria monthly 0.5 2017-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503248243251-5CF51SLXROZWECQCUSSX/IMG_8165.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503502636864-OR7TM95T0U04FKIVK1H0/IMG_8144.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria This beautiful spot in the English Gardens in Munich was on Vera's yes-yes list. On the no-no list was the Hofbräuhaus. Full of tourists, Vera warned. She recently turned all her expertise into a new business. And, as you can see, I'm also doing my best to give a shout-out to the company Ben works for: Eaze. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503502909599-O8NQGQ3RTD286JBKWGNW/IMG_0060.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria This beer garden, Augustiner-Keller, was sanctioned by Vera. There, we sat among the natives. You buy your beer, but food can be BYO. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503502950448-1VOUHLOLNJN7EGZD5S0V/IMG_8105.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria Here is the Kaese Spaetzle that was on my must-eat list. Five stars! You have to love a cuisine that provides pretzels in the bread basket. I think the common denominator in all the German and Austrian food is that it goes well with a cold beer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503758457188-3K0OT3R3UCXO3LZUB87C/IMG_8173.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503758496232-XA8Q0A8DSBRLZG39J6PX/IMG_8170.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria The cows nearly outnumbered the people on this stretch of the path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503758594883-1QACH0B2CSNMMA64J4QE/IMG_8184.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria Utter beauty everywhere you looked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1505287973708-MTKVY5LSYDH87D0YF7X0/IMG_0073.jpg Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria We are finally listening to the voices of our mothers telling us to wear our hats in the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503760434193-FA2NDRBYGQH14JEVXRYW/IMG_8176.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria This beauty (a cheese dumpling) was the main reason I agree to extend one hike by going straight up a mountain for over an hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503760455295-YE7F10D3U8IITQQKAX3G/IMG_2149.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria Here's what you get when you order iced coffee in Austria. There was a hint of coffee, and a lot of iced and whipped cream. A healthy post-hike rehydration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503760492906-EOC69CO85V23QYMMI17J/IMG_8147.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria The idea of a pretzel sandwich was better than the execution. It was a sloppy mess to eat, but I persevered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1503760548329-ADNMVPYME8E2OJ8BM2OG/IMG_8099.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria And the iconic wiener schnitzel. Although Vera told us it was a cliché, we had to order and reorder it, just to make sure it was just as good at almost every place we went. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1504356413946-2FYWZGNW0ZCWQ4Z7RKKH/IMG_8216.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria Can you believe this is a real place? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1504355377030-GYGVGCXOLCKK7K727DQ3/IMG_8121.jpeg Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria They even have upscale dirndls for the chic traditionalist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1504355544897-6TBU7VSDIP3NHAH4YZBM/IMG_8222.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria In sometimes annoying fashion, the hills were also alive with the sound of the children who were on our bike tour. You can see that Peter (in blue) is trying to stay far ahead of the noise and reckless biking of those kids. We have reached the age when we don't always want to tell other people how cute their kids are. Let's leave all of that for the future, when we hit the grandkids stage. We did have a lot to say after the tour about how some parents are allergic to discipline. Ah, the sound of Americans complaining. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1504355969279-T4AA3JI86RJQ6915AIJG/IMG_8220.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria Here's the gazebo where the song Sixteen Going on Seventeen was filmed. You can no longer go inside and pretend you are Liesl singing to her Nazi boyfriend. It seems a tourist tripped while dancing around and sued the city, so now the doors of the gazebo are locked shut. Our tour guide, also an American, made sure we all knew the lady was an American. Sadly, we seem to be known the world round for our love of a silly lawsuit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1504530985683-UGV8WJBEDZ50YVXQEOES/IMG_8239.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1504529315535-TDO5EGET746K40523G4J/IMG_4161.JPG Blog - The Hills Are Alive: Hiking, Eating, and Acting Like Americans in Austria https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/6/21/oh-danny-boy-my-weekend-in-dublin monthly 0.5 2017-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1498055513761-OTN74DU3J9RRQVBSBO0Q/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500574492187-MZ4CE1HKOYDNL65TPX1Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1501413173678-LPLH1711LP6B4GQNZ4RE/IMG_2733.jpg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1501412939875-UT9B06BZLAF2GL8WWXVV/IMG_3225.jpg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1501413008536-MEWKFOCJFPFTQC3A6IDK/IMG_2731.jpg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500750556892-WPFZWFHAZ5DNBJM804R2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty A long walk along a canal made me feel right at home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500750359514-HHY138GRTVK6RSDM7P50/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty Luckily, I was able to get back on the horse that threw me by visiting the Temple Bar Food Markets. The scones alone made the weekend worthwhile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500751692454-GZMOB1L4C1XKTHTXWXTJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500751352558-B03KQ3OJ4LIT4T33E4I7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty You can almost feel yourself getting smarter and smarter as you wander around the grounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500751531122-B1YA9CQTQVISIA325VGA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty This is what I call a library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500752351571-CJSVKQ3ASX0A489X94CQ/IMG_7907.JPG Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500752376175-6OGC1IO9RCWBENIVKMNI/IMG_7908.JPG Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500752510174-CK35SIVWWQWSTJKU9TDO/IMG_7913.JPG Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1500752519616-Z6U4WTIKXNONXRIPNUST/IMG_7915.JPG Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1501413463042-AD7SC2MW6GNBYT2Y6YLO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Oh, Danny Boy: My Weekend in Dublin and Weeks of Uncertainty https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/5/8/carless-and-careful-learning-the-rules-of-the-road-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2017-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1494257375444-NPKWXHESZ8315G93ZM2W/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam I don't think you can possibly stay in a bad mood if you're riding on a bike decked out like these are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1494338831134-ABJFO0TIINPJCKKZBF70/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam I think this was what my seat and handlebars looked like. I was born in an era when we didn't snap photos to memorialize each and every passing moment. I rely on my memory, and Google. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1495030112431-E9C100QA3F3HYS6CWJOF/IMG_6709.jpg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam This is a stroller, not a bike, but I've been waiting for the right moment to share the photo. I'll put it in the category of things I see Dutch people take on walks with their wheels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1496397872267-Q02QF832NX8U4KR7X3GR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam Heading to the pool or the beach with inner tube, kid, and stuffed bear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1495030657977-E9LG4FLU9QZE6LE7DDGE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam For a family with three kids. Mom (or Dad) divides and conquers by having one ride behind her and two in front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1496905769867-2RH8MVDNYEJ3X734BD32/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam If you happen to forget what the shark's tooth is telling you, the stakes are often pretty high. There is a train track next to this path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1495031210185-2X7V8BO6EDLJIMQFXEPS/IMG_6143.jpg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam Rachel and her friend Kristi proved that it takes a lot of cooperation to ride a tandem bicycle. My married friends Seanette and Richard almost came to blows in the tulip fields on one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1495032082052-UMBJOYIREULOADEGJZC3/IMG_4176.jpg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam When a bridge went up, the bikers all stopped to check their phones or their blood pressure or something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1495031138927-SEV06QWB1B7XSJGKRHT5/IMG_2184.jpg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam Pretty, but just a biker's version of eye-candy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1495031185828-DRBMBXEKQX4DM6794ODO/IMG_7563.jpg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam I loved the green bike at this restaurant (The Avocado Show) which has been all the rage on Instagram and FB. I didn't think it lived up to all that hype, by the way. The bike was the highlight of the visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1496753395339-ZY43WO3IGWMGLFPRN8WF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam This is a beer bike. If you had your heart set on a bachelor or bachelorette party which included a ride on one of these, you better come quickly. A ban on these bikes in the center of the city is going into effect come November. This takes the idea of drinking and riding to a new level. You are required to keep pedaling along with your pals as you guzzle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1496758113250-JPECSPLLJHFESNZ2O717/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1496398126432-JUY8LZMPMXR5YXGZN2CX/IMG_7873.JPG Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam Rather than fuss with training wheels, let's take a page from the Dutch book on teaching young riders to cycle. Put the seat low enough so they can push themselves along until they can balance on their low-rider. Then when they are ready, they can pedal. Brilliant! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1494607181746-A27CPXOAREN0GP25WTPU/IMG_7694.jpg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1494607184882-JVPO14TQT1ERO3FMU9S7/DSC_0156.jpg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1496906698189-QNI6D0WRZN2M837K93P7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam Here's an aptly named car parked smack in the middle of the square where children play. Photo credit to my friend Laura who appreciates the straightforward truth and a good laugh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1496915079488-E06R3WZGFKRQ6LQMBU1W/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Carless and Careful: Learning the Rules of the Road in Amsterdam This was the light at the end of the tunnel after all that driving when we were in the U.S. Congrats, Rachel Drucker! Good luck on the road ahead of you. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/4/7/a-tale-of-three-cities-london-paris-and-edinburgh-vibes monthly 0.5 2017-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1491579630951-N7TGS61VYK5IMUYNCNVM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Notre-Dame with full moon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492336303040-14CVI0WBC4A8EF181DHN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Another joy of living in a foreign country is chances are good no one you know will see you when you are covered in flaky crumbs after devouring your pastry breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492336672218-5YJSDNCYMMNHXTWZV0EC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Notice the blue skies. My Parisian friend Linda dubs her city "Gray Paree". However, Paris was on her best behavior for us the weekend we visited. We basked in the sun each day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492437234682-AT46PYQL6R8ERKCFYPZR/IMG_7508.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492437196809-KIS3J3SPYJKMJDEM6FGX/IMG_7506.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492437717412-I5V93OQ724NSUCXO1CLT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh It's kind of amazing how you can not see someone for close to 40 years and pick right up with her like no time has passed. It helped that when I opened the door, she looked exactly the same as she did all those years ago. Linda lives in the up-and-coming (actually, it has probably already arrived) neighborhood South-Pigalle. If you are in the neighborhood, check out her restaurant, Buvette. We were so busy chatting that I didn't make it there this trip. This gives me a good excuse to return soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492438324808-1BXRRXNXG2Z1RP0A2WF7/IMG_7501.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh The South-Pigalle neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492438365340-B1R4D6JOFEVAWQ16X3NO/IMG_7504.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh A little bit of home spotted in Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492439348782-753UOK55SJHSADUYV13J/IMG_7514.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492439573848-KZLBUY6VA9780ELWH4TQ/IMG_7515.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh There was a huge brouhaha in Europe last summer about the "birkini ban" on French beaches. When I saw this painting at the d'Orsay, I thought about how French women used to get all bundled up on the beach during the Impressionist era. What's the big deal now? Oh, that's right. The women nowadays are Muslim. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492443355542-PYJ9GAENGDMI9IWLKH1B/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh I found my apartment in the posh neighborhood known as Belgravia. Just using the word "posh" makes you feel posh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492443787021-GOHHPQ4SNCQVPSXNGJ69/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh So many friends. So little time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492519901692-5HS1VD47W5ZZKGR0U35K/IMG_7556.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh No one does gardens like the Brits. I met up with my teacher friend Susan in St. James Park while she was in London visiting her studying-abroad son. Love this photo of you, SuSu. Thinking of you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492519878438-DKNXULYGYW6VKP13H29Z/IMG_7542.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh It was Mum's Day in England the day I saw Susan, so we celebrated together. I rented her son to fill in for my kids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492673817448-VZTBNXDW3RNKWD8F1EXX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh The architecture in London is so grand and complicated. Here are the Inns of Court, where barristers train. I'd like to climb up one of those towers and let down my golden hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492521466411-BQCJP9A3KDQ62CYN03ML/IMG_7618.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh This was probably the hardest decision we had to make each day: which kind of baked good to try when we stopped for a break. I always went with the scone. To those who know me, that will come as no surprise. Darlene, a physics and chemistry teacher, brought her scientific mind to bear on the selection process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492682175368-KC9FDTGFXX9GL5YPXT1Q/IMG_7597.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh We did not sample haggis, Scotland's national treasure, nor did we have any pig. We did see a few of them splayed in the front windows of restaurants, including this little piggy with a kind of "come hither" expression on his face. I preferred the displays of cashmere and shortbread. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492521258926-9DUX91G4E018QPPHCNUC/IMG_7575.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Meet Mac, the ducky who was our companion while we were in Edinburgh. Our hotel claimed to be running a contest. If you submitted the best photo of the duck out and about in Edinburgh, you won a free night at the hotel. We were probably the only ones who toted that guy around with us the entire time we were there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492521289914-0X46FX8XOXI901X74AEH/IMG_7617.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh We were so proud of ourselves for going out to hear some live music after dinner on our last night. Even with all of the carousing, we were still back in our hotel rooms by 10:30. We were trying to respect Mac's curfew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492523143390-CGE5G9CNDFXAZD3QKX5P/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Cammy was in mid-sentence here during a recitation of a Robert Burns poem at the Burns monument. At first, I thought he said "Bums" monument. How nice, I thought, that the city of Edinburgh has a tribute to those less fortunate. The trash strewn around the perimeter made that version make sense to me. Later, Danielle confessed she heard "Buns Monument", and that also made sense to both of us, if scones are included in the general category of "buns", I am all for just such a monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492523458978-2B0TIYVO8OU28U0IU47T/IMG_7569.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh These bagpipe players work really hard. In a place that is even chillier than Amsterdam, they sport bare legs. You have to give them credit for giving the tourists what they want. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492523558429-TMVMKLICLYE80BVYG2DS/IMG_7577.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh There were lots of alleyways (called "closes") between parallel streets, with many steep stairs. This city is really good for the quads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492523512347-1MX0ECDDMEL8O7TPGI4Q/IMG_7620.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Edinburgh Castle looms over the city at every turn. The original castle was built in the 12th century. Now it's inhabited by tourists from all over the world. A group of Russian teenagers on our castle tour were more impressed by each other than the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492523615507-A5ZVOMSZBFQSAKQ6FXIS/IMG_7607.JPG Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh The Palace of Holyroodhouse is where the British Royal Family hangs out when they are in Scotland and are not at their own private castle (Balmoral). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492684001981-690SCJBCEWQ5A060M5X6/IMG_7581.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Can you imagine going out for a run and seeing this? I loved how close by the "countryside" felt when you were in this city. Next time, I want to explore more of Scotland. Views like this made me look forward to visiting the Highlands someday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492525473591-GPU580BLMBW6CZ1RSFA5/IMG_7615.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492525465907-TSLWTOG8C3MVOP7OT20G/IMG_7619.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Who knows what I could accomplish if I looked out at this view while writing? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492681890959-K8PMGWI9ZU6QSQTU5QNW/fullsizeoutput_2a79.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Photo credit to Danielle. Bravo to her for taking the time from some serious book browsing to take this shot of one of the bookstores we got lost in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492674283541-8FY0F76FXA95ZXG5A7HH/IMG_7583.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh What I wouldn't give for these signs to make their way to Amsterdam! Soul Train and dog poo punishment: what a perfect pair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492674296092-J2CM37TUZ3MZP9MJSZ1O/IMG_7622.jpg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh On a serious note, there seems to be quite a different attitude in Edinburgh towards taking care of veterans. That's a lesson the U.S. could learn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1492771182143-161PR6XMYML51QD2F2XH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Tale of Three Cities: Paris, London, and Edinburgh Thanks, gals, for the wee trip. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/3/13/the-netherlands-second-election-news-from-the-front monthly 0.5 2017-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489416796659-K8SBU9SAGEVO8KF2SPFG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front The Dutch are very well-read, although this study claims they rank only 10th in the world (below the U.S.) in literacy. It makes sense that the Dutch are also well-versed in election news and views. This photo has nothing to do with politics, but can you believe how gorgeous this bookstore is? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489854332348-ZQQ1DHOEWGOQZ387I033/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front This was my favorite sign at the Women's March here in January. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489676368904-5PGL5GOEL6YFSXVXC8WK/imgres.jpg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489584830976-2U7SF668XBASI5E0B2U8/stainless.JPG Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front Does anyone else remember these bracelets? I just couldn't get over the fact that men were missing and might never be found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489774411746-H40K0X6FK9L1MBMYCFAQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front Even the billboards are different here. Each individual poster is slapped together into one giant coalition poster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489694199072-AWKI2LEVMF2YELB9Z4X4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front And there is my personal favorite, the Partij voor de Dieren, PvdD, the Animal Party. I would like to propose this wise, kind, exceptionally hungry resident for a leadership position in the party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489695206539-0L83TV28JARYARFPAI8O/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489852864622-WCF3C7TRO3H4M4E7LC1W/staalmeesters.jpg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front Those politicians look like an updated version of a Rembrandt painting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489852867707-AIT12NL9P0GLP8443860/780+Frans+Hals+-+3+Regentesses+of+the+Old+Menrsquos+Alms+House+Haarlem.-1664_zpsmlcejniz.jpg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front Until 2006, one of the political parties, the SGP, didn't even allow women to join the party, and was opposed to universal suffrage. These women from the Dutch Golden Age painting by Frans Hals would not have approved of such a archaic situation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489767854652-HPJPR2ASATA9XVKMF5I5/Dutch-royal-family-4.jpg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489767859875-9LY2QBRUYYJWLNAPWQJG/images.jpg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1489855024365-KDRQ0XGGK5XUPJL7RTL9/IMG_7433.jpg Blog - The Netherlands Second: Election News from the Front I know I shouldn't complain after the late-season snow and ice you have had to contend with in the U.S., but it does sometimes feel this way here. Never mind summer. I hope Spring is on its way soon, for all of us. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/2/8/see-no-hear-no-speak-no-dutch-language-learning-and-teaching-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2017-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1486563334577-IIOEM9TO87PLAOF0Z7LO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam I just want to speak Dutch as effortlessly as these swans swim past me on the canal. Alas, this has proven to be quite a challenge. Maybe swans aren't all they are cracked up to be after all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1487166646656-4NY9V2VIQGJS19ZDARRC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam The pictures next to the words don't always answer all my questions either. This photo was taken under cover of darkness. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, after all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1486918521599-D7PJYFO5VZHHZ0DIJ2Y0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam When I first arrived, I liked to imagine that this was a college where I could go to learn to tell a joke, without botching the punchline every time. But no, joke doesn't mean joke. It's a common Dutch first name for men. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1487004024496-EV3Z42N7L4QAEL1YE69J/IMG_7022.jpg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam Here's Rudy, from the Philippines, who invited the class members over for lunch at the end of the year. He serenaded us after we ate. He is the class clown: always trying to get my attention with a joke. I'm usually game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1487004053683-HXPZ6GEJ2JS0560OKKL1/IMG_7019.jpg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam Rudy's building is an outstanding example of the Amsterdam School of architecture. He gave us a tour of the building, which was built for single people and is still subsidized by the government. His rent is ridiculously low. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1487005833091-8XE292AWJDH31J34I2D4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam Here's Vera and her daughter Rosanne at the beach this summer with Rachel and me. Was it ever hot enough here to go to the beach? Miss you, lieve dame! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1487271587776-6C1XZ1AQUJQSPRL6V341/image-asset.jpeg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam All over Amsterdam I see these little rooms where I imagine myself sitting with a good book, or studying my Dutch. I see a post about the Amsterdam architecture in my future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1487268195698-21NTK3UENDZOH0B7T9A2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam For my readers who live in Amsterdam, if you haven't already eaten at Dignita, it's a must. All of the proceeds from the restaurant go to support the work We Are Not For Sale is doing. And yes, this brunch tastes as good as it looks. It's called the Benny Boy. Heel lekker (very deliicious)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1486644831142-HONCL8EE6UFLAUADSE8G/IMG_7424.JPG Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1486742913698-G1HARGP0D4NJRYPRPVDQ/IMG_7425.JPG Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1486743125240-XDH9BLBOE2BI8S5WLXMO/IMG_7426.JPG Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1486644773899-K2G5R7NJWSI2LGQEPC7V/IMG_7422.JPG Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1487240706897-CUNI18B0WZ6PT172FJYK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - See No, Hear No, Speak No Dutch: Language Learning and Teaching in Amsterdam For fans of Casey, I staged this shot with the French and Dutch picture books I'm currently reading so you could catch a glimpse of him. He does sometimes take books down off the shelf in order to eat the covers off. His Dutch is steadily improving, too, by the way. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2017/1/5/is-it-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-beating-the-amsterdam-december-blues monthly 0.5 2017-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483637632285-V8TNB5VMO1WQP8E1R1YA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues December in Spain. Sun, blue skies, Spanish food: it was all like a dream come true. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483801845482-VVYEF7VMKZ63Y5ZWD027/IMG_7242.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues It's as if the company who booked our trip to Spain knew about my birthday blues. Even a non-candy lover had to appreciate this glorious display that greeted me after a day of wandering around Córdoba. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483801852722-8WW8P9EMVIRKLCWL25Q4/IMG_7252.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues At Choco, the super fancy restaurant where we celebrated my big day, the one-candle birthday display was in keeping with the minimalist decor and contemporary art-ish food presentations. Rachel noted that it all seemed like something out of the movie Zoolander. Maybe so (and for those of you who haven't seen that fine film, it means it was a bit austerely pretentious), but the food was certainly delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484756232877-RQ190UCQFU6GUPYHUN7X/67557580.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483804089699-T76JGC4D2C56OB6C373B/IMG_7121.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues The fancy shopping street, P.C. Hooftstraat, went all out this year. The circles each had a different Dutch master painting inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483804128568-33A7CT6X6TXTAY78B25M/IMG_7122.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues The Foodhallen, Amsterdam's indoor food market, was also wearing her holiday best this year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483804171302-JEBN3C73V18ZT011PTDW/IMG_7124.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Even this favorite brunch spot, Dignita, had a Christmas tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483804199990-OC6FOGLXABM8I5V7JPUQ/IMG_7123.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues This spectacular breakfast I ate at Dignita (and if you haven't been yet, it's a must) wasn't a Christmas special per se, but it looks like a holiday treat, with the red and green garnishes. The potato pillow the poached egg rested on tasted just like a latke, so eating this breakfast was a multi-religious experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483805088468-THOG6J84QWDBMF8BXNA1/IMG_7133.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues It was fun celebrating the first night of Hanukkah with Tali and Libbi, my two youngest Amsterdam friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483982708952-9WY5B7TQMNC6AVIBKP6X/IMG_7314.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483812864728-5XDJV7CZ4W8YGLB6JGGA/IMG_7068.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Shortly after this photo was taken, I put the mug of molten hot wine down so I could concentrate on the star of this show: those potato latkes. That wasn't what they were called at the Christmas market, but make no mistake, these were latkes of the highest order. Hallelujah! I'm not so sure my friends Darlene and Seanette agreed with how I ranked the latkes over the wine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483982796699-PEXMZPXPAB8L2PHEZNDI/IMG_7060.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues I even saw angels at the Christmas market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1485012379386-XR2LLH1SA8I4T1HOA674/I-Juan-de-Pareja.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1485012145024-V3VJMETXA5GKFHB81AZI/Retrato_de_Juan_Pareja%2C_by_Diego_Vela%CC%81zquez.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483983512875-YLXYUTX58JPWOLP81PJ5/IMG_7166.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues I haven't seen houses this colorful since I lived in San Francisco. They looked like actresses lined up on the red carpet at the Oscars, one more gorgeous than the next. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483983730039-EBM7EIARVC8TPUJQ8CCG/IMG_7208.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues We saw orange trees everywhere on the streets. Although we were told this variety is hardy, but bitter and not for eating, I wanted to try just one. I decided to take our guide's word for it. They certainly looked beautiful, and we were told that in the spring, they make the cities smell delicious, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483983571742-PAC0J7UQIRNB2JYUM4BX/IMG_7268.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues As if there were any doubt that I wasn't in Kansas (Amsterdam) anymore, there were these cactii to remind me. These happened to be in Granada, but they were also everywhere in Seville and Córdoba. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484824713678-I29X1KL56G8HNYJ392XH/IMG_7146.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483984844276-Z5YNGF28HO0GNCVQ9GHK/IMG_7153.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Peeking out of the window of one of the sherry wineries, you could see blue sky. That's not a sight we are used to in Amsterdam in December. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484052807720-CHJU4IGK8OAFGQJ6HIQE/IMG_7169.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues This is the famed Iberico ham. Glorious. It's the MVP of the items at a tapas bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484052854064-MPDJPL2FV7JN88DJ6GS5/IMG_7167.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues For those of you who have never been to a tapas bar, you squeeze in, order a few plates to share, choose a glass of wine or a beer, and dig in. There were lots of dangling meats also hanging around these spots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484064205227-Z5OSRNA8D631ZENUNVG4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues These photos were taken in the courtyard of the Alcázar in Seville, built by the Moors and still used by the royal family of Spain as their residence when they are in town. This was just the first of the castles built by the Moors that were later "renovated" by the Christians. I loved the quiet courtyards in the middle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1485010828534-D2BIGA3D2DA4MH0IUIET/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484063377224-G3HJ6CXZJLMTSECTRE7Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484063719681-KADRWFBYAPH5NTW4G2M5/IMG_7194.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484063802418-RJSMZNFGPA9Z28Z9M9TE/IMG_7222.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues These plaques on the pavement mark the Jewish Quarter in Córdoba. I was glad to see they used Hebrew letters. These brass plaques reminded me of the ones in Amsterdam (and in other parts of Europe) marking where Jews who died in the Holocaust once lived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484063768993-SIGJT6YRVKB5ZC55IHXB/IMG_7201.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues In addition to weighing in on the meaning of the Torah, Maimonides had a lot of opinions about food. I love beans, so if Maimonides is correct, that could explain a lot about my mind. Many of my friends would be happy to read that he agrees with them about the benefits of wine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484153810910-1MMVNU63HUUGC8DALKF0/IMG_7234.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues We learned that the Moorish style of architecture was designed to let in light, but not to last forever. The Moors were used to packing up and moving often, so they didn't think longevity was important when it came to structures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484153838128-37BDR6T9YUCKG9X19IOW/IMG_7236.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues You needed to have a strong neck here. The ceilings were so gorgeous that you had to look up for long stretches to take it all in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484153859586-7DFFK9ITUEV7B6RUXJ00/IMG_7240.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Guess who we ran into? It was this St. John's (Long Island, NY) gospel choir group, delighting the crowds in the church section. That was some field trip! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484065222077-UPFRNAAPKI9MHAKNFXCX/IMG_7231.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Here's Columbus pleading his case to the king and queen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484163748019-IRMHF4DG8VQX3TAVF5SS/IMG_7219.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Rachel is a super adventuresome eater. She went with the grilled calamari, served whole. I think she especially liked the curls on the top of the fish. The bill for the three of us was around 40 euros. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484237926831-K8BU28MQHP9VVECIN2G8/IMG_7260.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues The view that accompanied our first lunch in Granada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484237930592-RGACYRL9P3GVTUT6ZGG7/IMG_7280.jpg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues View with our dinner. The actual meal couldn't quite keep up with the view, but it didn't really matter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484825188964-OOHVWVB5E9W95EGIUOX0/IMG_7275.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Even the coffee included a view of the Alhambra. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484824956891-M5HL57U8M17PX86LNPAR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues This photo was taken at the Generalife, the country estate and gardens adjacent to the Alhambra. We didn't need the shade and cool water in December, but I'm sure they come in handy when tourists flock there in the summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484326700852-LZRZOIGJSCFQ20MB9VRS/IMG_7291.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Oh, those private, shaded inner courtyards. It's a culture that respects the introvert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484326466255-VON2JALZKFCYQ2KEOH9F/IMG_7293.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues You can see the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance. Who knew that after just a short 40 minute drive out of Granada, you could be skiing in southern Spain? The vibe in Granda was a little different from Seville or Cordoba's: there were more artsy-looking folks pedaling their wares along the streets, and more folks in hiking clothes and dreds walking around town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1483977193510-JWS0KRU67KMC2L1HM465/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Those of us who hail from the northeastern U.S. associate December with cold and snow. So one reason you feel a bit out of your element here is that there usually isn't any snow. This short-lived "snowstorm" only lasted an hour or so, and it definitely didn't stop the Dutch from biking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484854502240-BMUC8CVRACIOLG4F0YCU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues It was a Winter Wonderland here this week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484761244227-JKDDH6WVJ8JU1IOSXQ62/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484761787664-N6076FDB8NB5XLG47K6I/IMG_7321.JPG Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Here is the Drucker-Vine clan cleaning our plates at the Seafood Bar in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1484326803111-ZWBAIHHBPKV0LKU0SN1H/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Beating the Amsterdam December Blues Happy New Year to all! I recommend trying Spain's tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight. It ensures you will have 12 lucky months ahead of you. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/11/13/shake-it-up-enjoying-the-small-moments-in-umbria-and-beyond monthly 0.5 2016-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479303057021-6548DLANCZ9R4WBBRCZ6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Being in Umbria is like stepping inside a gorgeous painting, only better; inside the painting there is actual wine and homemade pasta and friends, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479142429191-1P8OJBDSS7MD0SIP2T6B/IMG_6941.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond So behind their sunglasses, they were really just taking a little nap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479142448031-2NFAZKJF5H5ZSIH7VVAY/IMG_6937.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Here's the famous Duomo, built in the 12th century, with the dome that has puzzled architects since Brunelleschi added it onto the cathedral in the 15th century. Recently, National Geographic documented a modern architect's attempt to solve the puzzle of how it didn't immediately, or ever after, come crashing down. See, I did learn something from our tour. Maybe one reason I had a hard time concentrating was because of the color of the sky. Just incredible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479303704001-XQDR10BZKY0F6EP3DP40/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Here it is: the room with a view from E.M. Forster's novel A Room With a View. It's the one with the little terrace. Can't you just picture Helena Bonham Carter throwing the windows open and looking out? I'll have to wait until my next trip to Florence to test our the view for myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479231025291-DVGLLUIWJ72NH0WSHL8E/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond The light in Italy is fabulous even in early November. That is particularly important when you are photographing baby-boomers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479305806594-CHAUKAZCZFTF6E433DBQ/7765546.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Strega Nona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479305856519-8DCIETMJZY98H1J1BVFH/IMG_6982.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Raffaella. Notice that although they look quite different, they are both talking with their hands. I love that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479487920880-ECYHOS90XE5O5HFZQNXA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Second only to the chocolate factory episode, right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479488908830-APBUO5FARR8S92L2OVO8/IMG_6955.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479488913610-BS7WCDL2D37WC2WJ1U8R/IMG_6954.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Here's another example of the Italian way of talking with your hands. So expressive! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479488944891-9SJMBTCH6G7ONKKB1F8P/IMG_6958.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond She explained that we would now look at medieval paintings in a different way because we would understand how much intense work went into creating the fabrics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480433553957-3WM9XXIGT730VXM9WRGG/IMG_6960.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond The first stained glass master in the Moretti family learned how to create colored glass from ground glass powder. He then painted onto the colored glass. This method has been passed from generation to generation in the Moretti family. In my family we pass on skills like knowing a lot of T.V. trivia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480433451361-WDD8WD17N31NPG5O5CKO/IMG_6961.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond The building alone inspires creativity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480854092103-R4PLTMB72O5ZGI6XCR6A/14922269_10208255190763426_4295478098399124335_n.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond It's hard to believe, but this is not a painting. It's stained glass. Moretti cleverly hides the lines of lead within the painting, in the folds of the dress, the wallpaper, and the drapes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480433466812-QYGGI6Q0535PP706DVLP/IMG_6963.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond This was one of the more modern examples of stained glass. I love it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479308147474-LGW37C1VQXK4D96P0ZZS/IMG_6975.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Just getting our marching orders before getting started on the cooking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479308165403-BXCPL31PSCOQ114Y8KOZ/IMG_7002.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond We found this pasta-making-gadget when we returned to the Netherlands, and Peter and Rob have already given it a whirl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480854301219-0YYJZ7RIBP5OZ6W0RUCL/IMG_6998.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Lauren concentrates on getting those egg whites perfectly whipped. After all, the stakes were very high. There was dark chocolate waiting to be lifted up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479308225506-D9OXWSOTYH80I73NB7CJ/IMG_7004.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond I love this photo of Seanette celebrating her birthday - two days early - with us. Notice how adoringly her husband Richard is looking at her. Also notice the lemon-glazed carrot cake that we made. I was looking at it just as adoringly as Richard did at Seanette. This was just lunch, mind you. There was also dinner to adore later on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479307569115-OJ6HL1Q2YMPJ6YMMKAZ3/IMG_6983.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond We made these gnocchi filled with Tallegio cheese and served on a bed of eggplant cream. They really did taste as good as they look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479307576861-NBTB6MCPZKADJR8CZ0AZ/IMG_6984.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Chicken-prosciutto roulades. As pretty as a picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1479307586119-A0D2VY0F1HY93GN87V84/IMG_6985.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Torta Caprese: a flourless chocolate cake. We needed a nap after this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480445560311-GF41WWN0JN93HHICT21S/IMG_6987.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Here's the winery where we tasted some delicious red wine. I swirled it around and around in my glass, too, just to fit in with the crowd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480445575761-CFGKVABFZWZ4YJOWC1DE/IMG_6997.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Later that day, we wandered around the outdoor markets in Perugia. When it got chilly, we sought refuge in a medieval-era church, where we had the good fortune of stumbling into a concert featuring opera's greatest hits. The mosaics on the walls were as gorgeous as the music. Even the dog in the audience, pictured in the front right, thoroughly enjoyed himself and at one point, tried to join the singers on stage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480446889443-CIOT2YML9TK1G09P78S5/IMG_6969.JPG Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Assisi: you could find religion there in the clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480446918059-968T1C4JIYD7JPWA8RYT/IMG_7006.jpg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond And Montefalco: more evidence of a higher power in those clouds? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480447858466-KMNBZQ079NP05Q54RMM4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond This is Lauren's dog Buddy. He pretty well sums up our feelings that morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480521238412-66ETOVAHSH0BV11L6T2F/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Rachel Drucker for President! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1480855063467-TWPR4EP6R8RBVNRZZNBK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Shake it Up: Enjoying the Small Moments in Umbria and Beyond Salute! Proost! L'chaim! Here's to a healthy and a happy post-election recovery to all. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/10/19/an-american-in-lyon monthly 0.5 2016-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477152032308-STH80I2TXTBN7Z7FTMZ0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France Here's Lyon: two rivers running through it, gorgeous architecture, and oh, the food.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477321278361-WXJMB0QLPER8KGF8RJ5R/IMG_6829+%281%29.jpg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477321284019-77TIQJ5TUV0HP2PDE7AR/IMG_6830+%281%29.jpg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477321998231-CHOEOI4MNP62DG68AH2X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France Just in case you aren't into food, or think it's odd that our entire weekend revolved around it, here's one of the many bookstores we saw during our wanderings. I wished I could have had a classroom door that looked like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477402568287-8YVL09LU5RBYHC7OGVKX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477663232196-YT78IDP7LLFW29UZXSMM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France The colors of the water don't quite match my memories. I remember so many shades of blue. I also remember that it was freezing. I kept a journal in those days, not a blog. Too bad it's in storage, or I could bore you with more details from the point of view of a 16-year-old, instead of the ones from a 56-year-old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477668222035-SYNJRVQS5LET0QYABZ66/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France We didn't eat like this every night, but are you getting a sense of why I would turn out to harbor this love of French food? Also, what 16-year-old wouldn't love a country in which you were served wine every night? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477664460727-GJLKX3JFC0E3YPFNB21I/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France Here he is, reverently half-covered in shadow. I really wanted Peter to pose in front of this mural, but as you can well imagine if you know Peter, that was never going to happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477665087890-VUAG63ESRFOWFZ4UBHI7/IMG_6852.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France So many bottles. So little time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477664615409-18I03WM4XP54938K7EHS/IMG_6854.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France This kind of candy is really too good-looking to eat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477664632973-I5D5VZV34EX9QDR1JK87/IMG_6853.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477664670607-8BEUAA5VK8UNZ4JSJUPN/IMG_6853.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France Not all the food was upscale. This shop had all kinds of goodies, like Skippy peanut butter, Fluff, and these goldfish crackers. When you're in the mood, they are every bit as good as mousse au chocolat, right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477664929697-AG9SXQ2Q019GAMCMWIDN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France I had to settle for this surreptitious shot of him searching for the perfect sauté pan. The search continues, by the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477665747664-DM9NUQV6SRF9CQSFACG4/IMG_6840.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France We rarely see a sky this color in Amsterdam. I found it every bit as grand as the theater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1478082967349-LRIKG4ST1RF797CW6WG5/IMG_6845.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France One thing about steep climbs: they usually result in some awfully nice views. This one did not disappoint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477666979311-MV7S56RP0053785SYP3Q/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France Somehow, the restaurant managed to gracefully seat the crowd, which grew and grew after I snapped this photo. Even more amazing was the way they made each of us feel welcome and special. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477667142818-Z2YBMJV22HACN4CYC3MT/IMG_6857.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France The hardest decision to make was whether to order three, four, or five courses. What do you think we chose? Hint, there was both a cheese and a dessert course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477667169148-X3T7IEK3ILY56TUETZXQ/IMG_6858.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France In my book, bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food. So I couldn't pass up the chance to order it in the capital of food. My oh my. Or rather, Ooh la la! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477668069365-R1XU9HXNI595RCKG6JFK/IMG_6859.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477668087707-IJDLDRF4PNU4SMMC6F4S/IMG_6861.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477668095106-6NG047U6LU23FWC3Q1WW/IMG_6863.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477838709835-2UX3N4E0EGJ3YQKYW9XU/IMG_6873.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France I saw many accordions, and thought of my dad, who picked one up while he and my mom visited Estonia. When he returned to the U.S. with his accordion in tow, he proudly serenaded his grandchildren, who were too polite to tell him how out of tune it sounded. No matter. It made his face light up when he played it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477838892897-3ZEL69S3QSEH4OT0AYO2/IMG_6867.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France There were plenty of bike lanes in Lyon, and an active city bike program. I felt right at home when I saw all these used bikes for sale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477838882003-GYD2JWCAIQU18ALPO11Q/IMG_6871.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France There were lots of dishes and pots and pans for purchase by the other aspiring chefs, in addition to Peter, wandering around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477838870840-02VG85J2RWLM02WAL5S7/IMG_6872.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France And there were lots of items for sale that you never knew you needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477841294154-LE7M70ZJO6G8S06R6NHI/IMG_6875.jpg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477841337909-8UWSRNOCTUS4AIXLM6UY/IMG_6880.jpg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1478008087965-BFO5U2H9765LFQ1Z6XK8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France Here's the full-bodied wine with the local cheese, served to us along with a long tale about where it hailed from. Since the story was in French, I can't pass on many details. Anyway, I preferred to think of the wine as big-boned, not fat. If my food photography seems rushed, it's because it was. I didn't want to be one of those Americans who is so busy snapping photos that she doesn't enjoy her food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477842920039-QMR6PPP80X89T7B8FHDW/IMG_6896.JPG Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France Inside the museum, I actually saw someone reading a book by Nietzsche. I have this impression that every French woman and man is incredibly well-read. Veronique, a member of my book group here, certainly proves that theory true. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477666413478-98LVSNPTBTZVREJMNM0Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France Even the name of the airport, Lyon-St. Exupéry, brought me back to another memory from my Francophile childhood. I loved this book, even if I had no idea what it meant. "And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; What is essential is invisible to the eye." Very deep thoughts for a 5th grader to unravel.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1478002662197-F7591NM4KESPNQGXM2N0/quimper_faience.jpg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France I think my love of pottery and china also began during that teenage trip to France. We took a day trip to a town called Quimper, best known for its distinctive pottery. I'm guessing some of the other teens were bored silly, but I loved it. It reminds me of some of the Dutch pottery. Maybe the seed was planted all those years ago for me to move here? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1478002446169-19H4070XXZJKXS68R2YB/IMG_6903.jpg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France If you visit me in Amsterdam, I'll take you to this place along the Herengracht canal. Here, the phrase, "I feel like a bull in a china shop" turns from a mere simile to a reality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477926358916-IBBV9RU7C95CI1D0S11D/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France I found this place in Amsterdam after we returned from Lyon. So I'm not the only one harboring a secret crush on French food? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1478008461001-LJ6UHXJYTH1I6Y7VBK97/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France This Dutch man was sporting a beret, which shows that maybe the line between the French and the Dutch isn't so wide after all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1477403212614-JXOLXE7P1PBH32IMY6KX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - An American in Lyon: Old and New Memories of France An image to carry with you whenever you need your spirits lifted. I picture Kelly just like this. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/10/4/aches-and-pains-medical-care-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2016-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1475776327902-6PJ0T5NSX2YU8HE03OGD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam Yes, that's an IV bag along with its owner, out for a stroll in the park. I love that everyone is out and about here. Whether you are sick and/or old, you use your wheels to get out and around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1475945043417-0Y30VDYGUEM3SF6BVSZJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam So much to love about this scene, including: 1. The fact that a motorized wheelchair is out and about and not just in the corridors of a hospital or a nursing home; 2. The "Recycled Ferrari" sign on her chair, and 3. The ornery dog going the wrong way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476363630169-ZNWTFSABJO0CXB17T4KE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam Here's John, our friend from N.J., posing with a glass of verse muntthee, or fresh mint tea. Apparently, this magical brew, which is just fresh mint leaves with boiling water, is good for your health. It helps with digestion, improves your memory, and can even get your knoflooklucht (garlic air) out. Read all about it here, in Dutch. Or just ask John. The only trouble is that it's mostly served in a glass mug, so it's too molten hot to pick up for a long time. You can eat the Easy-Bake Oven-sized cookie while you wait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476365477219-3OWJVZ22Z2BUBTO1RP9Q/IMG_6442.jpg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam In general, the portions here are smaller than what you find in the U.S. For those of my readers who live here, here's the name of the restaurant with this amazing hummus, pita, and shakshuka. You know you're going to ask me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476365489407-QEY5YQ4TNV5Y3VZF83G0/IMG_5004.jpg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam In one case, an Indonesian rijsttafel, small portions don't equal a small meal. That's because there are just so many bowls of small portions. You'll have to come and discover this for yourself. Laurie did a fine job of helping me polish off most of the dishes pictured here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476282067737-HBJAUTWLF8AFTBVT1OUH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam Here I am with Vera and some really therapeutic medicine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476364932269-I5U76PA1NPYTLIAWR8MU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam Believe you me, I thought of visiting a coffeeshop to deal with the tooth pain, and maybe find some extra happiness to boot. It turns out that medical marijuana is legal in the Netherlands. In the countless coffeeshops that are sprinkled throughout the city, marijuana is not technically legal, just completely tolerated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476023680581-KTNIYXR5C8J45POI59BS/IMG_6640.JPG Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam The photo doesn't do justice to the beauty of this dentist's office. For starters, it's right on the Keizersgracht, one of the swankest canals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476023719414-9FJVAQ4JOHS29IHSV2JI/IMG_6642.JPG Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam There's this lovely little garden in the inner courtyard. I wasn't asked if I wanted to recuperate in there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476023814455-VS95DMNV1H7YKRGSG2IJ/IMG_6643.JPG Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam And really? Coffee at the dentist's office? In the U.S., my hygienist had to spend 45 minutes scraping the coffee stains off my teeth. Here, they realize that some things are more important than pearly whites, namely, a good cup of coffee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476114869933-WFNA6V4Z2HD7FHAY58SK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam So you mean under the old rules, we could have submitted Vera's going-away party for reimbursement? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476366204952-WTFCH642A8WK33G8G3EQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam A recent exhibit at the Van Gogh Museum documented various doctors' attempts to diagnose Van Gogh's mental illness. It was a fascinating exhibit, and made me think about not just Van Gogh, but also about my friends and family members struggling to live with mental illnesses for which there are no easy cures. Many mental health services are covered by Dutch insurance. What if Van Gogh lived in the Netherlands today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476364848828-YVTKMMYXO6UJ93CYSCWV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam Here are the items in the goody bag my friend Seanette received after her surgery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476363238822-4SBW8OF8M0K0FS9K5G8U/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam In addition to teaching us the rules of rugby (which came in handy when I played on the first women's team at my college, senior year), he also schooled us in the fine art of arm-wrestling. That was all in between teaching us to read critically, write clearly, and most of all, think for ourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476364727247-N9SURRU531R6WGYO67OQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam "Here's a health to the king, and a lasting peace." The rule at this establishment, Wyand Fockink, which serves genevers and liquers, is that you must lean over and slurp up the first sip without your hands. Mr. Jones would have been proud. Try pronouncing the name of the place after you finish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1476114018674-FT1PASNT9H63USJQ97DV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - In Sickness and In Health: Medical Journeys in Amsterdam Fall has finally arrived after an unusually warm September. Happy Fall and a happy and a healthy New Year to everyone. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/9/2/aint-no-mountain-high-enough-yup-we-hiked-in-italy-and-switzerland-this-summer monthly 0.5 2016-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473866364045-D3UMGJMO0ZSFJA76N36Z/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1472843598881-QI14775UUZ6J5CSFX3FY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland This photo was taken at the height of my bookworm era. I took a day off from my antics on the prairie to take part in School Picture Day at Princeton Day School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1472842712342-JT3J2D5L2GDDMRZ1EHEO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473266501763-8IHSXN4S74QKAGXEJ5RO/IMG_6268.JPG Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland The hiking company employed a wildflower expert, a balding man in his 60's who knew a lot about both wildflowers and jazz. He was like a kid in a candy shop at the end of the day when we all returned from our various hikes with photos of flowers we had seen. Identifying them for us seemed to be a joy to him akin to my love of dark chocolate. I was happy to indulge his passion with my photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473266584466-4XVKV8N1B5KXQZY2E7YC/IMG_6296.JPG Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland A hut that Heidi herself could have called home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473266679334-65OIF5AOPFW2PJ2CQQYQ/IMG_6314.JPG Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473269001017-21BVC42Z9N8WGF75D8D9/IMG_6318.JPG Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland This was our merry band of hikers one day. Peter is on the far right. Rachel is next to him, grabbing a quick nap along with the other young staff members who were there to keep you from wandering off towards Austria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473866619232-0PH9XTRY6KCEAI6EICVQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland I think this was taken right before the world came crashing down around us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473266972185-MAPUGORXVJ5Y2L7JB0DR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland I wish I were in half-as-good shape as this Golden was. I also wish my teeth were half as white. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473792497154-FC4KY0SL5YER1PF55DE4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473267938943-CGDZIMU1SB4O6L5C65YU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland You might look at this photo and think, "They all look so happy!" My mom looked and wondered why I was the only one not protecting my skin with a hat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473438596085-97D7LJJXQVOB517DTDTE/IMG_6386.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland This was just one of the many scenic views from the window of a train. Ordinarily, I love to either sleep or read when I'm on a train, but with views like this careening by, I couldn't enjoy either of those favorite train activities for long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473439246352-6VXMQIOGNA0D73U7E7V6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland This train was resting before beginning its hike up the mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473439502130-66EF3M5OYFQ2F9SGG8QA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland The view from the top of the Jungfrau was spectacular. It looked like I imagine the moon might look, if it were covered in snow. We found it surprising that many of the tourists who joined us for the ride were Japanese and Arab. We wondered which guidebooks had touted the beauty of Switzerland to them. I don't think the Swiss are known for their acceptance of cultural differences. In this case, I think money talks, and if tourists come bearing cash, the Swiss are happy to welcome them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473440324471-Y5A8K6WHCGLARCCZ3T1Q/IMG_6348.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473440332346-CDL5J33HYX4JOE0N7LUX/IMG_6328.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland This bridge seemed to balance on the side of the mountain without much support. I pretended inside my head to be strolling in flat-as-a-pancake Amsterdam and made it out and back with no problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473440649397-P3A9Z7CJ2W8A7C9L3423/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473608856755-KED9GYJVF1YVXA2FEXG8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland Yes, I finished every last morsel.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473608922148-AGJ7JKSYRR5JMAL0QWBT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland Those chunks of apple in this Swiss confection? That's your fruit serving for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473609427764-N1SANSQSXHJBS0F20CO6/IMG_6369.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland Lined up like sardines, trying to sleep amidst the roar of our snoring and the opening and closing of the door as eight 50+ year olds used the bathroom in a steady stream that night. Ah, the joys of travel as you reach your twilight years! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473609481679-RWY8FYBKR34JFL1BKOAL/IMG_6368.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland There were, of course, the obligatory laughs over the signs. This was a particularly good one. Laughing made me feel just that much less respectable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473695926419-591L6I5N8DFA0ODKPGQZ/IMG_6392.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473695949022-I3KPT5IT7ETAU0TDHCPP/IMG_6403.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473695956434-BUIC37KSPEXJNJZWGRDZ/IMG_6408.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473695971159-VZYC1SORXCB5PSPUVCOI/IMG_6387.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473793227176-Q5LKUQOC5WD354ARNPS1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland Angela Rosengart remembers that her father said about the paintings, "We don't have a collection. We just have nice paintings." Very nice paintings, indeed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473792109866-G2DA7OUBYNW94K2KKG1Z/IMG_6588.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland At least when you are hiking, you can't roll back down the mountain the way you can when you are on a bike. Fortunately, I followed Ben's advice when I visited him in San Francisco in August and rented an electric bike. That way, I could nearly keep up with him on those hills. Happy 23rd Birthday, Ben. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1473792095277-O4QMKT1L87CC0MFEGE89/DSC_3021.jpg Blog - Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Hiking in Italy and Switzerland Happy 21st Birthday, Rachel Drucker! Long and far may you climb. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/6/12/hey-mr-policeman-law-and-order-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2016-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1465750592003-U9OLUZ52J5TLUFIZ9DA6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) Rachel was in Amsterdam for the summer and from time to time did some research on how the drinking age laws affects your well-being. The drinking age in the Netherlands is 18 (up from age 16 in January 2014 - no doubt disappointing a lot of high school-age tourists). Eighteen is also the age you can legally step into a coffeeshop. When you are spending the entire summer with your parents, this was a nice perk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471474936448-4OF0U4DUEBY02UC1ZQSZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471475406244-ZLZYHXFVRTYVQY8TNZXD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) The young Americans sitting on the bench smoking weed were pleasantly surprised that the police paid no attention to them or to their aromas. After all, there was a lost bird to attend to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471384078729-HHOZDURQEXC5NEMT9DY4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) Getting ready for the big game by tucking into some delicious food. This is France, after all, and food takes precedence over football. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471476432273-Q0319S38A163LM880WA3/IMG_6054.jpg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) The sun, the flowers, the blue sky each and every day: each one were such a welcome sight after a grey summer in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471476554498-TL9IRR579NMOD8NAN59H/IMG_6121.jpg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) The Chagall Museum, perched up in a hilltop neighborhood, was a nice break from the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471476674457-1X061VD3UIWXI8CYX2PV/IMG_6087.jpg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) I thought a lot about the difference between travel now and travel during that pre- or post-college whirlwind tour. Now I have time to walk around and more money to spend, even if I do need more sleep and more food than I did back then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471476435108-S7A4FK07VYCF3ZOZRGQF/IMG_6057.jpg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) Even at 10 p.m., the streets were filled with people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471812604894-5Q6JK11M6WJLJQ4TGBJX/IMG_6094.jpg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) Like an angel from heaven, this waterfall appears at the top of the hill overlooking Nice. This means you can scale those heights even on a hot day and instantly cool off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471812432870-B7586VKDU470TG9P5YPT/IMG_6103.jpg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) And after a long day, you can refresh yourself with amazing food, just as we did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1471812253169-P1SCHDNEPFSN1OFILA60/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hey, Mr. Policeman: Law and Order in Amsterdam (and the World) Here are Arthur and Janet, stars of a previous blog post about their trip to Amsterdam. He's pictured here with just some of his many fans. Arthur happens to have ALS, but is not letting that define him. He reminds me what it truly means to count your blessings and to make the most of each day you are lucky enough to have. Thanks, Arthur. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/6/22/call-me-maybe-the-short-shelf-life-of-an-expat monthly 0.5 2016-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1466680337436-5H7Q340Q2DA6QEXC03OS/image-asset.png Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Here's Michele and David, the first of my friends packing up to migrate back to the U.S. this summer. I love how David's lips are puckered into a sad frown. I'm the one with the sad frown these days. I'll miss these guys. Michele is blessed with a half-full-cup attitude about life as an expat. She enjoyed every minute of her too-short-two-year life here. David works for Netflix, a godsend to expats looking to stay connected to our beloved U.S. t.v. shows. Almost all American expats had ways to fool Netflix into thinking we were watching from the U.S., so we could have access to the better selection of Netflix shows....until Netflix recently put the kibosh on that. So my sad face is also because I can't watch my shows, David! That could be a whole separate blog post, as you can see from my long digression on the subject. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467021673254-55ZOX5VAC2J4FTFTASWQ/IMG_5067.JPG Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Looking at photos of expats is like watching a revival of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, in which one by one, the characters are killed off. Thankfully, these expats are just moving. Bye, Adela (in the middle), and Michele (far right)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467022000850-M7BGMTHVX4AOZL62EMXO/Laura.jpg Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye And then there were two. Kirsten (far left) went back last summer, taking with her a wicked sense of humor. Laura is leaving this summer, for an-as-yet-undisclosed location. She will take with her some of the purest New York City moxie I have ever encountered. This allowed her to get up in the face of a Dutch guy who reminded us we could walk our dogs without leashes here. Then he got up in her face with his cigarette and I prayed it would end peacefully. Thankfully, it did. Cristina has six months left before she leaves. And then there were two. And that's not even counting Oliver and Lucy, some of the best dog pals we have. It's not just people who leave you behind, but the dog friends, too. Poor Casey! by the way, I love this photo for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is because I look like a giantess/real Dutch woman here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467021069049-G8FSEF1D2HJP98GIRF88/Vera.JPG Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Vera (on the right) is off to Tokyo. She's a pro at this pick-up and move business, having lived in Singapore, Johannesburg, Dubai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan, among other places. I can't even find those places on a map without help. Vera is warm, generous, and full of stories about the Dutch. She's German, but married to a Dutch man, so that qualifies her as an expert. She deserves a medal for single-handedly trying to teach a small group of American expats how to speak Dutch. In the process, she became a friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467021001521-KTCZ41YQ923LRPZT87I4/13076670_983502248412173_2814166596019265378_n.jpg Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Deb and Marc politely and reliably laugh at my jokes. Needless to say, I will miss them for that quality alone, in addition to their enthusiasm for joining in on whatever plans anyone wants to make (as long as it's not tax season. Deb is an accountant). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467021563673-D2FTUEXDV02UK0CDUIWI/IMG_4708.JPG Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Cristina is not leaving until March, but I will begin the grieving process early. It will take a long time. She is a Spanish teacher on leave from teaching. We share stories about what we miss/don't miss even a tiny bit about teaching. Plus she's funny as hell, and I like that in a gal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467021630786-2CXTI36C9JA69681KGSS/IMG_5016.JPG Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Darlene isn't moving back until December, but I need to start wrapping my head around her exodus now, too. You can't sit next to her at a dinner party if you object to wine pouring into your glass and your veins at lightning-fast speed (hence the guilty look on her face and the, well, happy thumbs-up look on Richard's face. I suspect he was singing a different tune the morning after). Darlene herself has a hollow leg. Maybe it's her training as a chemistry teacher that allows her to drink wine as if it were water. Luckily, she will repatriate (that's the official word) to New Jersey. That will make it easier for us to stay in touch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467388213185-S4I3318LO8C1SI5F3LM0/image-asset.png Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye This is Stanley, Vera's dog. Off he goes to Tokyo, leaving many of us with broken hearts. How will we survive without the opportunity to look at this face on a regular basis? Here he is cheering on his German team during a recent Euro Cup soccer match. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467562511962-52F9QDL2LXZYJKTDNEV8/71E2D98C-67EE-477F-847B-77BC760CE459.jpg Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Yes, we have been talking about Amsterdam people, but I'll leave you with a few Amsterdam place descriptions from my assorted travels over the past few weeks. Here are some of the canal house gardens we saw during Open Garden Days. Unlike many of the adventures I have here, in which I pull the median age way, way up, this was an activity mostly for the much, much older set. I still loved seeing those beautiful gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467562660528-GGPF01FAI1GWMXF037QV/IMG_5897.jpg Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Here is one of the best examples of street art I have seen here. Rachel and I saw it while traveling out to a corner of the city to visit a community garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467717381895-2QM7AOZMVNE1FPWF7MB2/IMG_5993.jpg Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Remember when I said visits from old friends help sustain you during the busy expat exodus season? Laura couldn't have timed her visit more perfectly. I finally got to set sail on a canal boat tour with Those Dam Boat Guys, a group of Americans who lead a tour that is silly, informative, and just a damn good time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467562674832-FD00O2HLR5Y9DGJ5SFSG/IMG_5966.jpg Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Rachel and I went on a public transportation adventure and finally made it to this little oasis in the far, far west of the city. I felt like we were in another universe, one with fresh juices, and winding paths leading to these hammocks, where we parked ourselves before we had to head back to civilization. It was so chill at this place that I almost forgot my expat exodus sadness. Almost. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1467650673476-VUMGDUF5M3UXAZ7BCRPC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Frexit or the Expat Exodus: 'tis the Season to Say Goodbye Tot ziens, gals! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/5/19/up-up-up-and-out-of-my-comfort-zone-traveling-to-nepal monthly 0.5 2016-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1463732008886-6S56UWD3O0YQJR55P9LJ/IMG_5289.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal This was the view we were treated to when roused out of our beds at 5 a.m. It almost made me forget about the churning cauldron that my stomach had turned into. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1463747279073-TT28S54BJ4O6G1M0NTF6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal I think this may be when Rachel first became interested in mountains. We were in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. I look so happy. Little did I know that when I returned to NJ. I would be felled by giardia, an intestinal thingy. I'll spare you the details. Suffice it to say that all the baby weight came off, and I was a shadow of my former self. Are you seeing a pattern here? Just one of the joys of traveling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464016673870-1W563BIJNIPN3YSFVG3K/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal And then there was this photo she sent us of her dolled up to go to an event with her Nepali family. The mother part of my identity couldn't help but notice the background: her room is immaculate. Again, this was a different world than the one I associated with Rachel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464017668759-ZUPUPYVN6FTKOW38JI2U/IMG_5244.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464017672866-RHD5LOKCLFGWFMCM04HH/IMG_5243.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal Yup, I did swim laps in this pool. Wouldn't you have? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464090966258-ALC4BHGCB7EG5FVT1IYN/IMG_5237+%281%29.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464091010739-Y0129OB7FLUC34S0YIB8/IMG_5260.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464090982841-QSLGQYE8PV74PEA1GZBC/IMG_5257.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464091031961-L4PV1ZM7MWVYVCJ4KO7O/IMG_5252.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464091063006-MZSU51I7C4DY4GEOTZQF/IMG_5242.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464091668574-9PPBM2MXHLUNZQ1REW3J/IMG_5256.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464091901304-STRTCHGLXPITYBVQ2RSZ/IMG_5233.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal It's amazing to think of the genius that went into designing and building this wedding-cake-like structure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464091698197-U4A6UMIJP8F51XH7CRLN/IMG_5232.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal I love the doors in Amsterdam, but this one is in a different category of beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464091850424-D1CQ3XEHT1PTYNZ7MF1O/IMG_5227.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal I don't know what goes on behind this door. I was honestly so nervous to even be seen near it that I rushed the photo and cut off some of the letters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464092319080-RR514E0OH4QLWFJFVEAI/IMG_5226.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464092344654-FJ9LPWV9KWW99QDB9I6Q/IMG_5248.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464092339282-U0VX6OVDV3EY0RSIIPTQ/IMG_5249.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464092381972-2I7YU98U7B1NYYP142JK/IMG_5238.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464092442208-YFFMWH80F47WAJ4GNAA6/IMG_5258.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464092419223-6NA17YUDTDTUW8JRH4DG/IMG_5241.jpg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464097922067-JLOPRAJKE548C7CIR6TG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal Our guide Sohan told us this is a monument to the god of teeth. You come here to pray when you have a toothache. I said a quick blessing just in case the gods were listening. I am not a regular flosser, so I figured a prayer couldn't hurt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464098099253-U3EM4YUMQQEQWAJ3RJEI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal The man who owns this shop explained that this healing bowl could cure whatever ails you: headaches, backaches, stomach pain. Here, he demonstrates how clanging the mallet on the bowl can cure a migraine. Or cause one? We purchased a bowl and can " treat" you to a session if you come visit us in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464098781299-GCEITNHJFUO970FUB8UV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal In keeping with the religion-is-everywhere theme, I want to point out we flew Buddha Air to the city of Pokhara to begin our trek. Since I do not love flying in general, and certainly not flying on small planes, I made good use of whatever prayers in whatever religion came to mind. We could have gone by car, but were advised that it was at least six hours, and the roads were bumpy. Miraculously, after being told that flights are often cancelled because of bad weather, ours took off and landed exactly on time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464540036661-AEVRI31AGJV65DR7S4AB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464539968385-AYCPZVYYVBBXY49XCHNE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal Here we are modeling three ways to wear the trekking scarf. I feel like part of The Mod Squad, (one of the best TV shows of all-time, right?). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464174000753-N811TKFJ0YL8VP4EVCH3/IMG_5272.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal I was really proud of myself for walking over this swinging bridge without holding on for dear life. What a view of the hills and water below! Peter took a lot of amazing photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464174238518-1Q8AQ50D95K6WOCQGW34/IMG_5294.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal Contrary to Peter's fears before we left, the lodges we stayed in were wonderful. They were immaculately clean, and comfortable. We were the only guests, which was welcome in some ways because it was so quiet, but made us sad for the owners who could have used the business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464174297277-DEMYDXOWUYKNZR45P0Q7/IMG_5299.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal How's this for a view from your front window? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464185443618-0XB8R7AI1UU1GOCDDLQW/IMG_5285.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal One afternoon, after trekking was over for the day, the monsoon arrived a little early. We put on every stitch of clothing we had brought with us. Then we covered up in blankets to read while the mountains covered up in fog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464185730236-A59QTC01RGV1ITIU23PL/IMG_5284.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal These are a few of my favorite things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464186201283-6R4X1ZE0U2VLL9P3KT4V/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal The photo that leads into this blog post is also from that early morning wake-up call from the mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464540264909-EWRVASPDKIAJ0GFG2GKA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal I loved the rice terraces, which climbed up the mountains like stairways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464275954347-ALNCLGSQ21G6BDHBZPL6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal There were some others walking down the path when we left for the big meet-up dinner. Peter felt a tug on his pants as we walked. One of the goats mistook him for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464276728911-DF0LHOJJJWSYQT0RAD26/IMG_5340.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal The hat is a gift to Peter from Rachel's Nepali family. Rachel and I knew Peter would love sharing the photo with all of you on this blog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464276869189-4UARWPNGSRVR71VQ1QO5/IMG_5579.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464277547250-5YU17N7TIAJBBLORKAGY/IMG_5596.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1464348934754-P216W6T6O48J5S93XXBQ/IMG_5599.JPG Blog - Up, Up, Up and Out of My Comfort Zone: Traveling to Nepal This is the view from Shivapuri Cottages. Just stunning. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/4/21/springtime-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2016-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1461235659259-AKLOE1XKGY7NZPNCK7UI/IMG_5179.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam Is that a hint of a smile on Casey's face? That's a far cry from the sad/anxious/embarrassed look he often sported in last year's photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1461866703547-V3S66JIZS6F7GGULGBHB/IMG_5067.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1461866730304-3MTOMPWF3JIQWW5PCXKG/IMG_5074.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462029504598-M2P0WB6TMD38ACE0EJ9V/IMG_5141.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam Ben is modeling the bike shirt we treated him to after he helped us buy our bikes. Surprisingly, in a city filled with cyclists, there weren't many places that sold hybrid bikes for old folks like us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462029536298-P6PHZTQ809BSA2XXRYNU/IMG_5142.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam When you ride big girl bikes like my new one, you wear a helmet. That's because you can actually get going kind of fast. Or at least Ben could. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462201423655-6831WHN2FT2ZQ518QRZW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam What's springtime in Amsterdam without the obligatory shot in front of a windmill? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462111346328-1XHVBSBP0EY4QL46NCOM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam Spring is also when these bouquets of tiny children in bright "don't lose me" vests come out of hibernation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462111567795-FTO4XK3US536QZLYWVGO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam And in springtime, the families of ducks emerge and we expats obsessively monitor their growth. I seem to recall that ducks made quite a few appearances in this blog last year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462112681148-68CPJSPRNS1QLZKNOBU7/IMG_5111.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462112751729-1D03EXW8YI6Y06WC7FO9/IMG_0276.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462112785965-BZD73SHHNRETASV79A8Y/IMG_0278.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam While everyone else marched along, Casey is the only one facing the camera (Nancy). He had figured out she was the only one "packing" (treats). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462111886312-4WS2LEFUK6B94NVT5HDW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam Here we are solving the world's education problems, along with the two 20-somethings we were seated with. Every so often the facilitator told us to take a break from our "intense deliberations" to look at the sights along the canals. I didn't need any convincing. I found out that day I can do some really high-level thinking when I'm on a boat on a beautiful day. That gives me an idea for a floating school. Anyone else in? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462116575215-VKKGRIB9PW4VYWG5S436/unspecified.jpg Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam Here we are getting ready to set sail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462116370952-B2BCONP5GA788X3UZG3X/IMG_5205.JPG Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam These guys must have been really happy to be bundled up inside those Tigger suits. It was windy and cold on King's Day. We were just happy that the driving rain that was predicted never really transpired. Well, not until the very end of the ride, anyway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462116280000-WER8EZABFR02F7PA6UT5/IMG_5194.jpg Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam Kapitein Pieter kept us on course throughout the four-hour boat ride. There were some tense moments when we docked to use the "facilities" and a disgruntled passenger on another boat wanted to march over our boat to get ashore. Pieter held his ground, although a lot of angry Dutch words were hurled at us before we went on our merry way. On a separate note, I think we won the contest for best food spread. Actually, it didn't appear there were many other contestants. I mostly saw beverages aboard the other boats. Their loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462116440996-GY7CA3TO82JNND8X5XO0/11217679_10205890243686212_7150198749964650679_n.jpg Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam This photo will prove to Peter's relatives that he does in fact still exist. Photo credit to Seanette for this rare photo op. Fashion credit to Vera for creating my orange tiara. I felt like a queen for the day. Peter took the first two King's Day photos, and a lot of other fantastic shots, too. That's why he is never in the photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462031081852-Y369L502MKIQY8TDJIPV/image-asset.png Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam I love this New Yorker cover. Just love it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1462201193796-DFV3R2DB636XGPEHZEZX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - What a Difference a Year Makes: Springtime in Amsterdam Even Casey has learned to take advantage of the rays of sunshine when he can. Photo credit to Ben for this outstanding shot of our favorite Amsterdam hond (dog). In just one short year, he has truly made Amsterdam his home. Still, I wonder if he ever has thoughts of the old days and the old places. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/3/2/ive-got-work-to-do-teaching-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2016-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456940541780-VEQ9HMSKLS1NWJMD9H93/image-asset.jpeg Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459184586926-XKF2AZBTC61OM2WI85B3/image-asset.png Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam This little guy seemed to be riding the #170 bus by himself. It's possible that the slighter older kid by the door was his brother and there did appear to be someone at the bus stop waiting to pick him up. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but think this would never happen in the U.S. I, myself, recently got over my fear of getting on a bus here. There were just too many questions: Where is the stop? Where do you pay? How will I know when I have reached my destination? Seeing a five-year-old riding a bus on his own tends to make your bus anxieties feel a little silly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459361845833-POZGFJEHLELQ29Y3F0OI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam These gals on matching pink bikes were racing each other on the homestretch to the International School of Amsterdam. Might I also add that they were leaving me in the dust. I think they were in 2nd grade. I don't think there was an adult hovering over them, or in fact anywhere on the route to school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1457371965449-NUSGSFL3CZVA6ZN6AZPC/image-asset.png Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam I think Cinderella was surprised that I wanted to have a photographic record of Amsterdam school kids cleaning the sidewalks. Not pictured is the teacher who kept the troops in order, and reminded them to clean instead of just chat. I would like that job. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1457372176244-VNB8WEJBWFGE65EJZZBQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam I can think of a lot of former students from the U.S. who would benefit from going to a school in which outdoor play is a big part of the school schedule. As the kid who was always begging the teacher, "Can we have class outside?", I would have loved this type of school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459092324355-3TUV1A37IKQ34U9O1LX5/IMG_4806.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459092352633-754TVWXCJVCODZC2NT8L/IMG_4807.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam Lest you think I am always pedaling in the sun, you can rest assured that I am also pushing into strong winds, or getting pelted with rain some days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459093847473-DPEP0AGE8YPU1UCIBS4G/IMG_4793.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam Here's the brand-spanking-new Professional Development room. I peered inside and saw large tables that everyone could fit around, another copy machine, and a coffee machine. And then I had to hightail it away, when someone came to the door. I didn't want to let on just how much envy I was feeling at that moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459093898902-GQ1VJBIDB2Z2UD8JCSV6/IMG_4787.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam Here's the little terrace outside the teachers' room. I guess they assemble out there when/if they find some rays of sun shining through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459093984910-3BMEEFCWU839O86UZ4A3/IMG_4739.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam I saw this refrigerator dedicated to beverages in the teachers' lounge. This speaks for itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459173412230-BRB7DVVAPSW53Z8I6JYZ/IMG_4791.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam There is hummus and veggies and pita. Oh my! And pasta with pesto. Some kids bring their lunches. During "cafeteria duty" one day, I saw kids eating sushi with chopsticks, and kids with gnocchi, among other international treats. It all looked good to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459173452935-3H7Y3XTEL2VFFW2QG3YK/IMG_4786.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam Imagine my surprise when the sub plans said I was to take the class swimming. At the appointed time, we left the building, boarded a coach bus, and were chauffeured to the pool, a few blocks away. All Dutch kids are supposed to learn to swim; that is the most grueling state exam they have to pass. I wonder if the swim teachers cram for that test. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459173536523-ARJXSQZ4EBLNWWCLTTPY/IMG_4744.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam There is so much attention to detail inside the school, like this wall of plants. There are also nooks everywhere, filled with cozy chairs and couches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459173576665-HIRP89WP0KPVWWQ0A288/IMG_4738.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam I showed this photo of the lower school library to a U.S. friend who was a librarian. Together we sighed a lot when we thought of all the brand-new books these kids have, and all the space they have to get lost in books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459173696669-WSMOS0W8I24MDKNEFGCX/IMG_4777.JPG Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam Actually, there is no in-house chocolatier at the school. I took this shot at the Amsterdam Chocolate Festival. But with all the other amenities, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a chocolate station coming soon. They do sell Tony's Chocolonely bars after school in the front hall. For all my Amsterdam friends, you know just how truly special that is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1457196359279-EJWORVMXL8TT8IIV275Q/image-asset.jpeg Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam I was surprised at how few of the students, at least in the classrooms I have taught in, are from the U.S. That meant there were few kids I could trade "Can you believe it?"/Donald Trump stories with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459271043791-R424K41U1BCE6X2LUUQ9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1459358717765-LAQ9EKBJ51FJ7VMY0GRO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - I've Got Work to Do: Teaching in Amsterdam Last week, they were learning the names of jobs and what people who hold those job do. When we got to the job of "policeman" and I asked them what he or she does, they both responded, "A policeman helps people when there are terrorists in Brussels." How sad is that? What a world these kids live in. Luckily, the chocolate eggs I gave them for Easter cheered them right up. Too bad that won't work for all of us. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/2/10/ode-to-brunch monthly 0.5 2016-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1455903733998-1TEXHPBA3UXSVKF4Y1ZL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire This is a sure fire way to chase away the winter blues in Amsterdam, believe you me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456143194093-A34PTS39SAJSZVRREBGU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire Brunch is a relatively new phenomenon in a country that thinks chocolate sprinkles on bread, or a roll eaten while biking is a good breakfast. Here is the breakfast that Rachel's friend Liz brought back to the U.S. after her visit here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456244411763-076VC93E81DLWYZCNTR7/IMG_4687.jpg Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire Someone should write a book about how you can pass on important qualities to your children like the love of a good breakfast. Both Rachel and Ben have inherited this crucial gene. This was actually the coffee/tea reading hour Rachel and I found ourselves needing at CT Coffee and Coconuts after our brunch at yet a different spot in the neighborhood called de Pijp. Eating a good brunch can be exhausting, can't it? CT Coffee and Coconuts is a giant coffee and breakfast/lunch place (three stories high) housed in a former movie theater. It's a hip and happenin' place, and one that makes you wonder if anyone in this city has a full time job. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456246997982-QFD3IY5Y3BLBZJG2J9G8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire This was taken at the mother of all Amsterdam brunch places: Bakers and Roasters. A New Zealander and a Brazilian share the helm, and turn out some amazing and gorgeous brunches. Some of the waiters are from Down Under, which I found out only after I tried to practice my Dutch and was met with an even more perplexed stare than usual. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456253098802-66CKZF1FVDXCSI6XFZZB/image-asset.png Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire Imagine how inspiring it is to study inside this library. Plus we needed some proof that I do something here in Amsterdam besides just eat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456253717874-78TVHL1I8335JX1WX2TL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire The addition of the baked beans and the sausage are a dead giveaway that we are in the company of Brits. And on a important side note, the homemade soda bread, appropriately situated as the centerpiece of the table, is to die for. The plate on the left with lunch on it when breakfast was an option does not belong to a genetic relation to me, of course. That's just not how we roll in the Vine-Drucker household. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456255503812-DBL60NV2XV5QNJ6TY5QJ/IMG_4702.JPG Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire Anytime I have been served something for brunch that comes in a cast iron pan I have never been disappointed. And that little number in the background is a potato hash pillow, topped with poached eggs and a lemon hollandaise sauce. Yes, you need to book a flight soon if you don't already live here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456255572935-03CN1PWPXETI4YS47LWR/IMG_4816.JPG Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire My friend Don arrived here on four hours of sleep, and promptly downed two cups of coffee at our place before killing off two double espressos with his brunch. No one loves a good brunch more than my dear friend Don, believe you me, and he gave the seal of approval to this one. Don and I went to both high school and college together. That's a lot of shared history, much of which involves food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456485931649-MU8782V77CP7IC0WYXJW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire The sign above the bread means, "Bread, a tradition." I'm hoping that that tradition finds its way into more Dutch bread. I took this quick photo right before the young woman said, "Geen photos." ("No photos."). Maybe she realizes that their bread recipe is just too valuable to share. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456333673406-I0TSDPUP5USR46G2C1NW/image-asset.png Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire Here's the krentenbol I brought for breakfast when I subbed at the International School. Stay tuned for more news about that new adventure in my next post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456256361014-ZHQ4RKKPV6QWXEULEJRX/IMG_4678.JPG Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire When my friend Cristina saw this "Lunch at Kapitein Zeppos" picture, which Rachel posted on FB, she immediately insisted I take her there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456256378598-XZKS4XMSWFE56YW5ZAY1/IMG_4811.JPG Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire And so we met there last week. On a cold and rainy day, it made us feel sunny inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1456256850159-BL06PWLUS9LDIF2FXQZI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Ode to an Amsterdam Brunch and Earth, Wind & Fire Vera, on the right, is the driving force behind our Dutch "Babbel" group: a group of American expats who eat, drink, and try to chat in Dutch. We are gently guided by Vera, who is German but married to a Dutchman. I think we were supposed to speak Dutch on this outing, but the dim sum took precedence. Lauren, left, wins the award for most likely to say "YES!" when you ask her to go anywhere to do anything, especially if food is involved. I love that! Then again, she would probably say the exact same thing about me. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/12/26/london-calling monthly 0.5 2016-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454436405654-O6FX4ZFGT2JEWIYE9VHS/image-asset.png Blog - London/Indian Food Calling Now that these double-decker buses are all over New York City, Amsterdam, and probably even Maplewood, N.J. at this point, they are not nearly as exotic as they were back in the late 70's when we took a family trip to London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1453828125217-DORGY58J2V6UDP1894PH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - London/Indian Food Calling Luckily, Howard applied the same due diligence called for at his job with the S.E.C to the task of finding excellent Indian food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1453827988412-WCMSN6IV7HXNQ1BKEGHS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - London/Indian Food Calling This restaurant, Sheba Brick Lane, was as its name suggests, right on Brick Lane, which consists of lots of little Indian restaurants standing one after another, like parched and eager 4th graders lined up at the water fountain. More on lining up later in this post....Oh, and did I mention that this was lunch? And that we also ate Indian food for dinner that very night? More on that later, too.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454165413813-T8RNC3THTPNBZHB49AWK/IMG_4403.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454165451880-I5RVIUA0PLAFCMZLO8S1/IMG_4402.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling I can tell you this food didn't just have a pretty face. After all the gawking I did, it just wouldn't have been right not to try a dessert...or two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454166206508-FFI81U1N2T79J5D3A5YA/IMG_4400.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling Here I am paying tribute to the posh branch of the family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454167846136-ECOCWXLLWJK4A0B0JITT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - London/Indian Food Calling At the top of the building is some graffiti. And the round painting is street art. How on God's green earth, as a favorite law school professor used to cry, do those guys or gals climb up so high to draw? No graffiti artist ever must suffer from my fear of heights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454347662827-2UURUYVY9UCEY5K2QS59/image-asset.png Blog - London/Indian Food Calling Here's our tour guide, Lily, who is herself an accomplished street artist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454169300542-I4FQ4H57IM69OY0O744N/IMG_4425.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling Speed is of the essence when you are a street artist. These silhouettes are done back in your studio/apartment. Then when you find the perfect wall, you spray paint around the pattern that you cut out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454169323619-K9GD1M1P3TETE0KIQK0A/IMG_4431.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling This wall shows two different artists' work. And a graffiti artist's work creeping up at the bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454169354320-YPAGR6PWF7KEO91TMA4J/IMG_4429.jpg Blog - London/Indian Food Calling Our tour guide proved her street art chops when she showed us one of her own pieces. She loves underwater scenes. Just beautiful, don't you think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454169484262-DQE022CM2A4VRX4Q6CJT/IMG_4435.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling I find it strange that street artists paint over each others' work. That just seems wrong. Can't they each just find a blank wall of their own? This thinking proves why I could never be a street or a graffiti artist. And, oh yes, there's also the fact that I can't paint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454171834905-6LS33CQOOO92IYO93J8Q/IMG_4424.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling These twins were also on our tour until they peeled off for a nap. I must say that afterwards, I missed them and their insightful comments, which were really more in the way of insightful looks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454170279221-TA1VW2RS5KTWNRTCR9DY/IMG_4437.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454170393145-3NFT9WE22HABI3TUSGP1/IMG_4414.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454170953779-H8336N2DJQN0F4FCFOU7/IMG_4451.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling This probably comes under the category of advertisement instead of art, but it was clever and colorful and I loved it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454171035937-7F99EWXREMMYW92EYTP7/IMG_4448.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling Again, a KFC billboard is hardly street art, but it's just the whole mess of color everywhere you looked that appealed to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454437709596-RDWLQ671PAR7ZEM8KM1U/IMG_0003.jpg Blog - London/Indian Food Calling I'll translate for you: "Creative Coloring book for big people. Who says that coloring pages are only for children?" Who, indeed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454172061058-ZSDBLMJ528YBLG0X0B91/IMG_4426.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling You don't need a page-long editorial in the New York Times to tell you this artist's views on the recent wave of immigration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454350251607-QOQN5J94G07J34GS29W7/IMG_4398.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling I don't think these phone booths are still functioning. They may actually be wifi hotspots now. That's kind of sad. Not all change is good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454350508655-QTZUCBSVJCUXHWQU4J3T/IMG_4417.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling There were tons of shops with all things 70's for sale. I could have made a mint if I had just saved my bell bottoms and vinyl and sold them here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454350277303-XPUFW9NFXQB90VZX46X4/IMG_4421.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling I saw many women dressed stylishly. The men...not so much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454350352946-B2WTFHUOB47KGSUOPLN5/IMG_4413.JPG Blog - London/Indian Food Calling And I thought the Dutch had cornered the market on inadvertently off-color signage. This sign was perhaps purposefully crude. Who really knows? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1454511425846-RH699C1SA16IQ9VLIHR8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - London/Indian Food Calling This post is dedicated to my parents, who travelled to London and so many other places together. They look like Glenda Jackson and Walter Matthau here. I love that my dad looks so British. I'm sure he had my mom to thank for his dashing attire. They are my travel muses. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2016/1/4/lights-camera-action-new-years-eve-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2016-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452189187805-MM7ROBM13WPF6ZDL77J2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452091881827-8KJ2Q9KYS0Y184HJ6MXZ/IMG_4582.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452091940159-RJLAP4ANXPYPDGL9192K/IMG_4544.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452091957867-XPGBKZ5JKOKS0A6DD8B8/IMG_4538.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452092012181-4KLMM25LDJE96YUY6UK5/IMG_4533.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452092426953-B6IBMJF7AKDPDEAGDISN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452186841798-68ZIAKL71VLUSZYTUHAK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam Notice that Rachel is probably laughing at and not with me here. My friend Lauren, on the other hand, looks as happy as I do that the rain stopped just in time for this shot, and also that we had enjoyed some spectacular Chinese food together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452274713238-6M5U6P3LITZQ5F4XUBXC/IMG_4514.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam We got warmed up for the visit from the gals with a two day visit from Kemarni, Rachel's Colgate friend who was studying abroad for the semester in Paris. The Foodhallen (a must-visit when you're in Amsterdam) was full of sparkling lights, much like the ones in Kemarni's eyes when he saw this barbequed brisket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452274498219-M83Y0WVUNYHAA5WHKM70/IMG_4554.jpg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam Olliebollen (literally "oil balls") are a treat served only during holiday time. They are like American donuts, but shaped like balls. The smell is like the fried dough on the boardwalk down the shore in N.J. (for those of you who are from that neck of the woods). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452187695707-31ZBUDJ2FR06YMXACNVR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam This was the photo we sent to their parents verifying that they had in fact arrived. Soon afterwards, they fell into a deep sleep, something I didn't really do the week they were here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452275270895-AEDOMDIYOF3RM84ESU64/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam I truly was not snooping. The gals knew full well that I was planning on blogging about their visit. So I consider this just all part of the research process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452275487887-V2B2729BNH6KCA2P6DWP/IMG_4577.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452275512977-6NIHDAV7J80HJIQD0KMT/IMG_4580.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452275799790-726N42NMXW4SL8CEFY94/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam Here's the outside of one of the coffeeshops they visited. We parted ways at the door. I went off in search of real coffee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452340876544-ZWLUCMLDRWPMG24D3475/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam The gals were all dolled up and ready to head up onto the rooftop patio at our friends' place for the best view of the fireworks. The fancy clothes were not for the rooftop's benefit. The gals were heading out to a club after the fireworks were over, or at least until there was a break in the action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452342459801-K13GVC62I0OP9E4FWEZS/image-asset.png Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452438557120-J5TZ5EEOBGR9CTFEARDD/IMG_4623.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452438574546-DLX4T62FJB9SLRRP0CXO/IMG_4625.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452439802196-IZGV1D5632XB1T775U68/IMG_4651.jpg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452439822329-VR1JCNZGCVO2PT2XSPNQ/IMG_4650.jpg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452439835353-TTD8ZK3CD9M8DLKXW9AK/IMG_4654.jpg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452683084424-SWWDNKKSH6SC5KBQ7OL4/IMG_4661.jpg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452683106081-H9DQ2087F5TCKZWZFBMV/IMG_4660.JPG Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452683437270-S1NWO3MI0LPOCN3BBS2T/IMG_4662.jpg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1452618874097-I69YRWMDU24Y0EVS8606/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Lights, Camera, Action: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam Soon after the gals left, Rachel's friend Charity stayed with us after her Model U.N. experience in Antwerp. After putting up six gals, having only one extra in the house was a piece of cake. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/12/3/you-cant-go-home-again monthly 0.5 2015-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450375231652-DLOWSOD6APY763WTNICR/IMG_1553.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450375122254-L64MA513S8O0E543SOT4/IMG_0346.jpg Blog - You Can't Go Home Again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1449849974299-LT97F5E2E74GDXAZR17Z/IMG_1483.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again Rachel and I posed for a series of sad photos when the house was empty and we had to clear out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1449850025579-S7AMDKPUKWVLIBGUIYNV/IMG_1486.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again If only a house could always be as clean as when you are about to vacate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1449850378496-NBTVQ3OYDPX57F1RPLL0/IMG_1495.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450375372601-P1ZIREP1K6ML1MUUWCZ3/3891115450_a8dddac722_m.jpg Blog - You Can't Go Home Again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1449852061880-4LKJVMVXT06Y5ISD1TGA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - You Can't Go Home Again Thank goodness for the chance to meet new members of the family, like beautiful Sasha Levin. Since babies change so much, so quickly, she will no doubt be shopping at Forever 21 by the next time we see her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1449941600234-YPZFXUSGAVFMXBSPKLN5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - You Can't Go Home Again It's not that Amsterdam doesn't have its own share of delicious treats. It's just that nothing compares to an Able Baker scone. Here's my niece Alissa and her husband Scott indulging in an Amsterdam waffle with melted dark chocolate at the outdoor Albert Cuypstraat market. It did look good. But it's just not on a par with my beloved scones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450009521611-86QFH00E3Z843DNXN1GZ/IMG_0173.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again Bye, bye to my sis and my mom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450009599630-O8700J1JC1JELLZN02RC/IMG_4379.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again Bye, bye, Uncle Don. Since you are one of my most loyal blog readers and commenters, you get your own shout-out! Good luck on your upcoming hip replacement surgery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450118230245-1X1FS966GOLBTTNLQ78H/IMG_3997.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again Bye, bye, Laura and Caroline. You have known me since the olden days, so we have a lot of practice saying goodbye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450118259375-LZ09LP0M1RDOUP2F29RV/IMG_4010.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again Bye, bye to some former students, after our mini-reunion this summer. Luckily, I am still taller than they are. I'm not sure how long that will last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450117976743-WJUJ7NYY2GT0RBCERFUX/IMG_4473.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again You end up with some serious ex-expat swag when your friends leave. Thanks, Laurel and Richard, for these boxwoods. And for the lamps and liquor, too. We will all miss you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450010348436-DAW09Q3MOCUM4YTK1JKN/IMG_4327.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450010392393-A6JIPYWLI832P7EEI3KS/IMG_4328.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1449684411609-093UMSTE9V3KIJP6DJKF/IMG_4373.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again My face is jet lag personified. I can't account for the yellow glow. Luckily, it seems to be lighting up Rachel and Ben, too, so I can't blame it on jet lag. Ben had just flown in from San Francisco, but seems to be untouched by the ravages of jet lag. Ah, the joys of youth! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450096047750-PXCSZLUJBC7VNN980ART/IMG_4469.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again These light sculptures are part of the Amsterdam Light Festival. They really know how to do lights here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450095999899-BF9W3MZH79ZWEONVFRC1/IMG_4475.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again Our neighborhood looks beautiful at this time of year. Or any time of year, really. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450095612488-6GUP7L7L4FNUEE4NGRJ1/IMG_4478.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1450095584660-CMU4BC7LFHW8G2RPC2QM/IMG_4480.JPG Blog - You Can't Go Home Again https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/11/9/reading-between-the-lines monthly 0.5 2015-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1447088545814-5EXWYHNS00BCV9F2M6G7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Reading Between the Lines Here's the view from the rooftop deck of the main branch of the public library, the OBA. It's open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., every single day. And it has an amazing café on the top floor, so you can take your book and read while you eat. Heaven! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1447777358362-8PEEQZ36BAXR7J2IKA9M/IMG_3053.jpg Blog - Reading Between the Lines I love all the pop-up lending libraries that you see sprinkled throughout the city. You just put some books in or take some books out whenever you feel like it. So Dutch, I thought. That is until I went back to N.J. and saw one (below) in Maplewood, our old town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1447777441623-2IZI3NQ7Z7VWZ2PM0VRP/IMG_4020.JPG Blog - Reading Between the Lines https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1447778137608-JNGE3UC446L7YXQ9PM53/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Reading Between the Lines Here is one of my very favorite home libraries. I have a whole imaginary story going on in my head about the man who sits at the desk and reads those antique books. These are the things I do when I walk Casey. I apologize both to the people inside the homes, and to all of you who have to hear about this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1447776967383-RYC4S5QQNEFVUFKODDX9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Reading Between the Lines Here are about half of the members of one of my two Amsterdam book groups. This one is the American Women's Club group. One thing about an expat book group is that at any given time, someone is always either in the U.S., or traveling to exotic places, or just hosting guests and unable to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1447779483576-8B6CFD9DEZH1ABGADTNV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Reading Between the Lines Here's the other book group, part of the International Women's Club. Most of the members are British, and they say things like "astonishing" to mean both amazingly wonderful, and incredibly horrible. And they sound so smart saying whatever it is that they say. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1447847355463-24J9AD49HYAZFEN8HNQG/IMG_4024.JPG Blog - Reading Between the Lines Here's my friend Annette. This photo was taken during my August visit to the U.S. Annette started talking about how you can have different sets of friends, of varying degrees of closeness. They sit on shelves, like books on a book case. They can move up the case to a higher shelf at any time. We used to be "friends" only because our daughters are friends. It's never too late to move up a shelf, Annette pointed out. So true. Even after knowing Annette for years, I moved up on her bookcase only after we knew I was moving far away. I'm finding that expat friends tend to move up the shelf more quickly. You can take one walk in the park and go for a single coffee, and, presto, you have a new friend. This has taken me some getting used to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1448275981096-HVX5MN5VY1P3EVPLYZWO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Reading Between the Lines When I first arrived in Amsterdam, I jumped to the wrong conclusion about the Dutch. Whenever I was on the tram, I didn't see anyone reading. I thought of the NYC subway, and how all the riders have their heads buried in books or Kindles. It turns out that the Dutch folks who show up at the JAI talks are incredibly well-read. And the reason no one reads on the tram is because it twists and turns like the roller coaster at Coney Island. And then when I was last in New York in August, I took a closer, more observant and less nostalgic look at subway life. It turns out there isn't as much reading as I thought. Most folks are huddled over iPhones, studying them as intently as if they were deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1448284727455-XRQA2TS3ZDDORBMRAVVI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Reading Between the Lines Now you can peep inside of our apartment and see one of our bookshelves, without having to leave the comfort of your own house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1448277955931-CENWNKRGO4DA8EU357OA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Reading Between the Lines If I'm lucky, I can find one of my book group books at one of the books stalls at the markets. This guy lays out his wares in neat, organized piles by genre, kind of like an elementary school teacher's classroom. Bliss for those who veer towards OCD or for the teachers among us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1448278617290-O34PJYBW01HA9MQ23S8E/IMG_4063.JPG Blog - Reading Between the Lines I went to the library and broke out into a huge smile when I saw this giant homage to my favorite new Dutch chapter books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1448278640311-HXOQ8URB05QUE3MS86DZ/IMG_4364.JPG Blog - Reading Between the Lines Just a few of my favorite books these days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1448278723902-8V4SNC265JNM7QHX7XVL/IMG_3074.JPG Blog - Reading Between the Lines Dick Bruna is the author of the Miffy (Nijntje in Dutch) series. I am way beyond those baby books now (ha!), but never too old to pose in front of this statue at the museum in Utrecht dedicated to Bruna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1448284542652-NXOMVGEDYRCX42LJ3MDK/IMG_2348.JPG Blog - Reading Between the Lines I'm thinking of all the readers in Paris. Here's one of the world's great bookstores: Paris' beloved Shakespeare and Co. I'm proud to say that my niece and her husband are heading there tomorrow, after a visit to Amsterdam. They, along with all the other tourists who refused to cancel plans, show the world that life marches on, with visiting and eating and wandering, and frequent stops at bookstores like this to refuel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1448353122026-V1191HWXACWD98XYDU51/IMG_4350.JPG Blog - Reading Between the Lines Bon voyage, Alissa and Scott! L'chaim! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/10/24/red-lightgreen-light monthly 0.5 2015-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446045302783-ELTK38VVUT1QXE8ZPUCJ/IMG_4241.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light Amsterdam really loves lights. My theory about the reason for this infatuation with bright lights is because the winter months are so long and dark. The lights pictured here are from a "pop up" amusement park a few weekends ago in Dam Square. By the way, everything seems to be a "pop up" here (temporary, catch it while you can) from clothing stores to restaurants. Anyway, as I looked up at the scary rides and listened to the squeals of terror, I felt fortunate to be anchored to the ground. Given the high density of fried foods being sold, and the amusement park's close proximity to lots of cheap alcohol and other mind-altering substances, it's a small miracle that the circling red lights atop ambulances weren't part of the mix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446046905722-QQQXNKEFRUH03EH5HK7P/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Red Light/Green Light This is the Oude Kerk, or Old Church, built in the 13th century and the oldest building in the city. It's conveniently located in the Red Light District, so you can head right over and atone for your sins immediately. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446048517602-JP5IJ6JOQ7K2QYG53WLI/IMG_2807.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light Just so much window shopping to do here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446047968613-BEMBNRD3P24ZPOVJNIH4/IMG_2808.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light And so colorful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446049723465-HIDMHSFE080PGXC3V9L6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Red Light/Green Light Recently, I went on a boat ride along the canals, thanks to a friend who owns a boat. She circled back so I could snap this photo. "Come on", the other friends in the boat prodded me. "This is the only time you can get a photo." Still, although I had the chance, I felt strange about invading the privacy of those ladies. If you look carefully - and you care enough - you can see two spots of fluorescent orange two doors to the left of the kid in the red jacket. Yup, that's her. This photo shows how life goes on, around and about the prostitution. In fact, right next door to these red light windows is a great place for coffee, Quartier Putain. My friend Cristina, who speaks a lot of languages fluently, including French, told me putain is a not-nice word in French that means prostitute. At Quartier Putain they make really excellent coffee and have a real juke box, which sort of works, with American classics and Suzanne Vine favorites like Dock of the Bay and We are Family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446193088235-E656BHWSMOBQ0OKTC2TN/IMG_4288.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light Here's the large Montessori school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446192981455-8VB1PTPJSPKX0MXAZN27/IMG_4291.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light And catty-corner from the school, here's a different sort of school. The "classrooms" are the ones with the red awnings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446394792187-VK21BT0QB9FTK7V667C4/image-asset.png Blog - Red Light/Green Light Here's the cozy (or as the Dutch would say gezellig) interior of Barney's. The photo is pulled from the Barney's website. I swear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446393671833-AURZM88WELESYA9BES8W/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Red Light/Green Light Just thought I'd mention that Amsterdam has a great assortment of places to get High Tea, like this one at De Bakkerswinkel, smack dab in the middle of the Red Light District. Rachel and I treated ourselves to a delicious spread when she visited in May. This is the kind of "high" tea I favor these days, although Rachel may have other ideas of what a proper high tea entails when her Maplewood friends come to visit in December. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446223915644-BAZVLLDFIQQ7R0G48S4J/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Red Light/Green Light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446285491830-9ME5BUUM7SZ6Y9RHN4W2/IMG_3224.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446285848581-6HEZ27KNYCE6296NBJC9/IMG_4284.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446286090301-ENMX3EXAHKSQ3DU7G11W/IMG_4231.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446286295496-FYT0F3E0LW4U2XO3JY0J/IMG_4177.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446221713978-721IXL2OAZD0DO3ALIN0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Red Light/Green Light Here is the sweater I made during my first year in Amsterdam. And no, it's not just the perspective: it's huge. It's more of a dress than a sweater. Or it's a sweater-blanket. Maybe it's my "blanket of conventional calm" like in Shorto's Amsterdam book. I like to think of it as a symbol of my first year in Amsterdam: it didn't quite go according to plan, it took its own meandering path, but it's done and I'm proud of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446394145078-9N8UIKWCUZM4DM55GX5H/IMG_4287.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446549195344-QAO3JXVEOU6KI70HRQPO/IMG_4235.JPG Blog - Red Light/Green Light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1446395663593-TC87IUIZXMQ2KRICO58Z/Pickles.jpg Blog - Red Light/Green Light Spotted in Amsterdam a week after the Cohens left: the first pickle store in Amsterdam. Was it just a coincidence that I ran into a pickle store for the first time right after my pickling friends were here? Medicinal pickles to go with your marijuana, anyone? Arthur and Janet: this one's for you! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/10/11/hall-fullhalf-empty-glasses-1 monthly 0.5 2015-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1444578923771-QOXFHEE7J3SUA5MNXGWY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hall Full/Half Empty Glasses Here are two half full glass people, Arthur and Janet. More on them later. And a full glass of an Amsterdam tradition: verse muntthee (fresh mint tea). It's the cure for what ails you. Well, almost all that ails you. More on that later, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1444579027235-EV51NGTIR7Z5LXH58OTS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hall Full/Half Empty Glasses Here's Arthur and Peter at one of our favorite neighborhood joints: Oud Zuid. That's also the name of our neighborhood. And sadly, it's one of the hardest phrases for my American mouth to pronounce. I say it differently (and probably incorrectly) each time I try. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1444754915439-OCZ50K2KNKRP7BQGP1S2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hall Full/Half Empty Glasses Needless to say, this shot was his idea. For those of you who didn't figure it out, there was a mirror at one end of the elevator. I never would have thought to shoot into the mirror. That's why I am a teacher, not a photographer. I love that Janet was the only one ready for the actual shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1444579794121-MF99T095GBH870JSEP7U/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hall Full/Half Empty Glasses The giant smile and half full glass attitude are clearly in the genes. Tess is hoping to land in the movie/T.V. world after graduation. She's funny, smart, and hardworking. Want her resumé? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1444828532609-Y73H3KMPSAWZFOI2W5XF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hall Full/Half Empty Glasses That's Joanne, in the red dress, with some of her peeps from Seth Boyden School. Talk about a smile and a half full glass philosophy! I'm always going to remember Joanne, that spectacular smile and her advice about traveling. She knew how to enjoy each day she had on this earth. I just wish she had so many more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1444903512500-MRAFU07R8RW9U5Y0JEA5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hall Full/Half Empty Glasses Photo credit to Rachel. Missing from second photo: my son Ben (center of top photo). He was in San Francisco, making the world safe for the instant delivery of medical marijuana at the time of the photo op. Missing from the original photo: Sam (center) John and Susan's wonderful son, who just smiles and puts up with his three older siblings. On the far left is Fenway (the dog, named after that unfortunate ballpark). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1444839733506-J84YSKQE5TCPZELSTRDO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hall Full/Half Empty Glasses The acoustics in this place are considered perfect. You could hear every sound. I loved how everyone waited until the short breaks between movements to cough in unison. You could hear each cough perfectly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1444844471993-MKYN08XTMKW2XZRG5E5V/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Hall Full/Half Empty Glasses Yet another reason to love Amsterdam: you can be wandering around thinking about a blog on friends and family who are sick or no longer even on this earth, and then you suddenly - like magic - look up and see something like this. It helps you remember they would be the first people to want you to cheer up and enjoy every day of your life. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/9/25/finding-our-tribe-jewish-life-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2015-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443195413247-ILCZZZ2F5VF038C8CNXQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam This was what the Portuguese Synagogue looked like when we arrived on Rosh Hashanah. No, it's not my photo. Even for the blog, I would never take a photo inside during a service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443379518438-XDZ6ZI21KPT1UEJHH8WG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443464192220-ZEH0BNIS5FBWR6XCWVAS/image-asset.png Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam This is the Plantage neighborhood, known as the Jewish Cultural Quarter. It's where the Jewish Historical Museum is, and the Portuguese Synagogue, among other Jewish sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443381002926-69O9AICDCQOVB848M5D0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam The posters were all written in Dutch, but my friend Laura met the woman who undertook the research and created the exhibit. The next thing you knew, Laura had an English guide to the exhibit, and as expats here do, was eager to share hers and visit the exhibit again with me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443465476794-RWMOZHZNRH8HV5TOJUD7/IMG_2509.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam When our friend Richard came to visit, we visited the Portuguese Synagogue together. Built in 1675, it is simple and spare, unlike the grand and ornate synagogues we saw in Prague and Budapest this summer. And freezing inside, as you can see from our attire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443466547618-W2UM1Q0OXRUVVSWLT09Z/IMG_2541.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443466579769-RRDGMAP9E29Z9QDQWSFG/IMG_2542.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam These are memorials in the Hollandsche Schaumburg, originally a theater. It then was used to round up Jews before they were deported on trains to one of the camps. There are plans underway to build a Dutch National Shoah Museum on the site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443467362685-QJFCHD5X2LK9YAG85Y3C/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam No Shabbat dinner in Amsterdam is complete without tulips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443467528344-D6W9RKBS0P8BU3LBYETC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam Amsterdam (dry) challah comes alive in the morning when Peter gets a hold of it and introduces it to some strawberries and syrup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443608479858-H7SVKQ7CT5ZYB6N3D3B3/IMG_1713.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443608648784-U51EZR0OW4GL6ZFV4I1X/IMG_1765.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443608779252-PJQHNYH5VZXQOTFU31EF/IMG_2239.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443608972444-JUMMJG0PNXIB8XWTRVKP/IMG_2725.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443544558177-Y5XUWLYXSI9GZQ2Z1D9D/IMG_0219.jpg Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam We looked like we are imprisoned, but no, that's just the start of the 10 mile (15K) Dam to Dam race that two good friends from the tribe, Michele and Lauren, and I recently ran. Or should I say, they recently helped me get through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443544778606-D6R86B1NF69HM9YQSGOO/IMG_0216.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1443544795818-XSTASW1J1JKPT3QXX9YV/IMG_0217.JPG Blog - Finding Our Tribe: Jewish Life in Amsterdam https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/9/8/happy-anniversary-to-us monthly 0.5 2015-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442248170644-437Y1675RBFOBM01WLMH/IMG_2989.jpg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! What a difference a year makes! Who knew that I would be considered an Amsterdam dog after only 12 months here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442249143539-BWDF0WGNB9HZFBKL57FZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Here's Ruby after one of her overnights at our place. That's her blue luggage behind her. The Albert Hein grocery store (where she must have bought her bag) is one of the few places here where dogs aren't allowed. Their loss. I could wipe the floor clean for them, for free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442249496182-RPYIG6BDJFZW4XA0G905/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! From the left: Wylie (originally from Texas), Buddy (from Georgia), Lucy and Oliver (from Georgia), me, and Baxter (recently repatriated to Washington. Miss you, friend). Worst part of that day: standing on a wicker chair. Whose idea was that? Not any of the dogs, that's for sure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442424253910-5UBDFZ1QESNZOWRJ8GS5/IMG_3814.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! This shot gives you a good view of the dining room in our apartment. That's my mom's knitting group. Do you see the important work you can do when you are on sabbatical? I park myself under the table to catch the crumbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442424291704-8HHUB3ZGUVLYEIW8D4EO/IMG_3816.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! I'm working on my own project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442250513058-ULJDTESANPA1KX6LW17S/IMG_3397.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Before the race, we stopped at the booths. This one was for Doggy Dating. I don't need an app for that. I do just fine on that score. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442250714626-AD47LRCF2P4LRBV6VZNS/IMG_0210.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Oh, the things I do to keep her happy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442251118715-N8LKQILL6BJON625YOI1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! And when I lift my head every so slightly, I can get a better whiff of the treats in his pocket. He is the happiest man I know. He whistles and sings all day long. And he delivers my big bag of dog food right to our door, on his motor scooter. My stylist (on the right) is Rachel's age, I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442251760194-JKH91XHZCAQLK70HS6KL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Just to be clear: the bike wasn't there at the time of the offense. I guess fancy lampposts are off-limits here. Or at least they were that day. To this dog. With that lady. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442421689922-5OVJZXHHI7QJITZU0JHX/IMG_4064.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! You can make yourself a coffee while you wait. Don't tell anyone that I licked some of the mugs while looking for the treats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442421736907-6UIFRUEQ4FFAG84O1FUX/IMG_4066.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Here's one of my friends, Caitlyn. She's so friendly, and she always has a treat for me, no matter how busy she is. Plus she looks like a model. Any wonder I love going to this place? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442423349879-MZEN4LRGX61SVSB0WICG/IMG_4073.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! All the rain we have had this summer has made the grass really nice. Those houses across the pond aren't too shabby, either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442423368459-5T1Y05K11BMO4RY125IG/IMG_4071.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! I think Fall is starting early. Do you notice that I look a bit less morose when I have to pose for photos this year? Many of you remarked that I looked forlorn in most of them when we first arrived. Observant creatures, aren't you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442653421486-A0IIPFPUIC4XK3MZR8C8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! We have had our eye on this Greta Garbo/Jackie O.-lady since we arrived. She wears dark glasses even in the rain, and walks her five dogs without sharing a smile or a word with any humans. Just another mysterious dog person in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442423581372-COJQ0X36XN85UYUGRRHB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Here's the Amsterdamse Bos, where my dog walker Chantal takes me when my mom is busy or when my folks are traveling. The website proudly proclaims that it is three times bigger than Central Park. I love it, no matter how big it is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442653205783-2TYLCGK7YU7JT2ULGUOG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Here's Chantal. We go for a hike even in the pouring rain. Then she writes a note in a diary at my house about how our adventure went. Just like at the vet's office: service with a beautiful smile! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442592837012-89GUVQJ6LTCNUXOQB4NG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! The rain and wind combine for some pretty crazy tree-tipping here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442423980945-8WFS07KMKNACFLG80VNE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Home is really where your bed is and your peeps are. Whether I'm in Maplewood or Amsterdam, as long as I've got them around, I'm happy. Oh, and I need my food, too. I'm on a low-salt diet now, so if you bring me some treats, you'll have to sneak them past my vets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442597199761-NA4QFQYKWTS0ZTSPOEHB/IMG_3340.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! This one's for you, Uncle Don. Apparently, there aren't many photos of Peter in this blog. That's because he likes to have his photo taken about as much as I do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1442597122430-ORTFUQHG0EREDCUC1BHK/IMG_3179.JPG Blog - Happy Amsterdamiversary to Us! Rachel, on the other hand, is usually happy to pose. Paris may be taking down their love-locks, but they are still going strong in Amsterdam. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/8/15/6zsjqbkxkwt91d6bxp15e6x69mqon2 monthly 0.5 2015-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439717929821-73TM3N929TMUKGOWJXYR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? Let's just get this out of the way from the start: they really do have danish in Denmark! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439826130126-P71TENRG4OSX853R1C8Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? Hans Christian Andersen is a B.M.O.C (Big Man of Copenhagen). I thoroughly support building statues to the brilliant author of enduring works like The Emperor's New Clothes. How many times is that the perfect story to illustrate your point? So, so many times. I want to be the little boy who has the courage to speak up and tell the emperor he is naked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439719140718-UIG2KWLF91XN4ILZEA99/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? Our bike tour of Copenhagen (more about that later) took us to this neighborhood, Christianshavn. We felt right at home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439719987067-QEVUDCT5GTKA8L6E0NSC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? I saw these in the Statens Museum for Kunst - a terrific art museum in Copenhagen - and I think they are so wise. I thought about the message in terms of my feelings about the U.S., but also about my new-found feelings about Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439721653174-7Y5D53PNQPQ3S4KB36PC/IMG_3865.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? - I think this Lego display is of me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439720937469-H2Y4F9ATA7DO4PNNR9ND/IMG_3893.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439720958436-748UUHC8OOVFG95FGBXW/IMG_3939.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439827037763-UCGD346UFTWJ65TQZWUD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? I didn't want to embarass myself by climbing out to touch her, and running the risk of slipping on the rocks into the water. Also, I thought she may have wanted her privacy, an insight the little girl in blue seems not to have shared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439839428294-77N5NH457OYCRZDOX6PV/IMG_3877.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439839446298-GDJQW77DCJ48HQULO4WN/IMG_3878.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439839492847-HOKIDQ2NBX0PSKJ0KBFR/IMG_3879.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441035419971-FNOF629QYEYSQV2313WZ/IMG_3870.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? Apparently our thoughts about the similarities between Amsterdam and Copenhagen aren't just a brilliant idea coined by Peter and me. At the museum, I learned that In the 16th century, the Danish king invited a group of Dutch folks, the Amager Dutch, to come help teach them how to grow veggies. They were treated like royalty, and given special privileges, like not having to pay taxes. I guess that left them with extra money to buy fancy clothes and huge hats, as shown in this photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441122348337-CDWXM7RDRAMKTF6VJ6DS/IMG_3928.jpg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? - It's unclear if this was a costume or an outfit related to Fashion Week. I think the soldier guarding the palace had the same question. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441122383531-8MLXV31DXT266V7DMXA2/IMG_3904.jpg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? - Bald heads and ripped clothes are in fashion these days. And is that a bib on the fellow in the middle? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441122494141-5YIVYWVZASLY8AC3GV17/IMG_3858.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? - Live (and bored) mannequins in the windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441123127873-XSV26XEOKY07YVSE9FJ7/IMG_3896.jpg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441123177830-WYD8PH9JAMT4ZENCJRVL/IMG_3948.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441279150099-E2T2M5WL93H4WJUBVJB6/IMG_3931.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? I saw this poster in a kitchen gadget store. The sentiment fit right in with Fashion Week. The Danish seem to cherish quotes and sayings. I also saw one on a huge chalkboard that said, "Travel brings power and love back into your life," by the poet Rumi. And then there was the "Decaf is for pussies" quote I saw at a coffee place. Not sure who is responsible for that one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441123975801-X3RAHA95DP5GBVT2GCLI/IMG_3867.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441124066400-NKQ90SEHND1AS52LEJEG/IMG_3925.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441124200865-GULNGOOI2ANNCX3ODEQ2/IMG_3943.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441202663251-RV3WS4IQYT2I6OMRA7DT/IMG_3888.jpg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441125585083-Y1Z757LOMO068XPABJ1Z/IMG_3916.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441125808725-N6CF86I4TSGHUYS05WBE/IMG_3914.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441125646318-S6Z34EV6K340AN7G9MZ2/IMG_3918.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441125949896-X18GRKM0K9MPKMD9P5K3/IMG_3900.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441203134483-4BX2OCVCX5I0AQ8U47A6/IMG_3894.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441203216309-1PZR6EG57WTBF9GKO6NW/IMG_3891.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441204769347-X7SD76XKF9KVZKQCO9CF/IMG_3862.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441204811525-BGDDGUA3R3BRUW2V74IO/IMG_3899.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? - Almost too pretty to eat? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441205398968-VDXOSWEBHJONHWH53S70/IMG_3909.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? - Just a few of the 40 beers on tap at Mikkeller and Friends (a.k.a. Peter's happy place)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441205541150-QLY81IG2LF3HH851UNPK/IMG_3863.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? - Combining two of my favorite things: books and breakfast (a.k.a. Suzanne's happy place)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441206755873-BI0HEZB4LQXVRBXTY53N/IMG_3859.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441206826319-ISYGTCQD42VX78TSOO8M/IMG_3934.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441207634684-I8T7FN7FUHGCPMDNYYN1/IMG_3905.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441207663843-WCXK048JT5A4X7BIFFDL/IMG_3906.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441208468786-LETRCL26U2LPPFQBYC06/IMG_3937.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? Come on people, those are bikes. Get on and ride, or leave them at home and walk. O.K.? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441208885177-ZGYR62TAKQ1EHK3UTNOE/IMG_3903.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? Organic hairdressing? Just walk down into the basement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441208921704-SDKTD5J3DPW0BTEMX0PA/IMG_3833.JPG Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? - There is really good coffee in Copenhagen. And it's served in the hot basement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441209347978-5QUNA5SUJB1RUT3O97CF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? I found a little place we could retire to. Not a bad view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441293342200-HEN6RJ23QYL9OLZ6YBGS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? And here's a spot, in the Botanical Gardens, where I can see spending a lot of time with coffee and a book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1441210198868-HA7NK180C018SSM9INM9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen: Amsterdam's Twin? Sure, college is wonderful, but then so is Copenhagen, when you are 50-something. And what could compare with driving down Interstate 78 with your friend's mom to go tubing on the river after a very dry August? Just lower those expectations and we will all be happy as clams. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/8/10/proud-of-ya-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2015-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439207554358-45CJ70AXN1KNHJZK5LAN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439386192608-F72OONLKYMYT4CUD9IWP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! Here's Bianca on the far right, staring straight at me as I took her photo. That was in 1984, which means she is about 35 years old now. That's a frightening thought. I wish I knew what became of her and the other kids in my class at the Holy Family Day Home in the Mission District of San Francisco, in its gritty, pre-hipster days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439222605018-Z1M256KKTGPVCZW5BN2S/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! Here is the Homomonument, the world's first tribute to the gay and lesbian soldiers who lost their lives fighting in WW II. The three sides of the triangle point to different locations in the city: one to Dam Square - where the WW II monument stands - another to the Anne Frank House, and the third towards the COC - one of the world's first gay rights organizations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439387207550-WBFJBMO4HQLXNO8F2QWY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! I secretly wondered if these guys were really just lawyers and bankers trying on a new look for the night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439388329926-IKVDSQ4EOAYMJKRXM7RN/IMG_3768.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439388422398-9CV7CBTXWEI79KLNX4BJ/IMG_3763.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439388493683-BELLBR1SPWU8UYXYUVV0/IMG_3770.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439388540536-RXV0PDDOX3QB8FR4YID0/IMG_3781.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439544709406-VSBJ791UYBW9ZV6L0E0Y/IMG_0205.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439544783121-0R6O6OETJ73EJUMM9JNN/IMG_3765.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439389562549-U0WLT0XIWIVGJHSG3VM3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! It would have been nice to know someone with an apartment with a view. Instead, we were down in the trenches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439389783459-MI3SJDQE9Y71QMJMUVQG/IMG_3785.jpg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439389814612-M1Q9LM4X2YOYD3MWW9OB/IMG_3793.jpg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439390940022-QUZUYLANE1K5V4L1SJYN/IMG_3803.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439391239456-I8K78N88HG860T6ANUEC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! This set of quadruplets was happy to pose with any families who passed by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439391560308-PXC5XH0PJTUX9BN2GH5L/IMG_3811.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439391584124-DWH28LKGIA49WGPMH1AW/IMG_3813.JPG Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1439395119411-9BF70T2MP3MPO4QB86A7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Proud of Ya, Amsterdam! Here's the eternal boy: John Wallace, 7/22/1960-2/28/1990. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/7/23/the-history-of-us-honeymoon-in-prague-vienna-and-budapest monthly 0.5 2015-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438255792704-31VJWGTPSZM1KRR4IEL1/image-asset.png Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest I think you can see our Eastern European roots shining through in this photo taken on the day I graduated from law school. One wonders what the photographer had in mind when he (my dad) or she (my mom) posed us in front of a Burger King. I would have selected a wedding photo to open up this post, but alas, it seems we put the album in storage instead of bringing it with us to Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437671268724-L2W6AOZN0BBWRGHL0UYM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Here are Kate and Howard gathering strength for their journey to Prague. After that, we were parting ways, as they went off to Munich while we continued on to Vienna and Budapest. Nary a jet-lagged wrinkle on their brows. Ah, youth! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438182972253-GQM9CE14KG94QBH8AJTQ/IMG_3510.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest In a sign that I am becoming ever more Dutch, here is my breakfast (a goat cheese sandwich) at the airport the morning we flew to Prague...at 9:30 a.m. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437745391790-MSZLHDF9E2I9FDKFFBPL/IMG_3520.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437745423305-UX9MJUZCUMA6ACERN4WB/IMG_3553.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437745477059-RRP7GO4SK4ZLDDGYK5Z2/IMG_3561.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437745514488-DOVJIEAC2S52KKK05KC5/IMG_3570.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437823923974-OPJV1240L6SKO015LZ60/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest These are the cars you could hire to tote you around Prague. Choosing the green/understated/cheaper mode of transportation, we used our legs instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437753762103-FTX09VKMKYSYNWEXJK7Z/IMG_3514.jpg Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Although we knew ahead of time that Peter's father would be in Prague, it was still fun to pretend we had just happened upon him. Having been in Prague for two full days, he could show us around as if he had grown up there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437823524906-IES2793R23M8CADXZ2J9/IMG_3537.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437823583937-MYAK9CMK94V0XBK2EF2R/IMG_3533.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437823618675-BGPRBZSICPW4XE1I7PNP/IMG_3531.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437823682797-WVBB8I9RGSJ6W1DVB4ED/IMG_3535.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437824575432-K1FKEBXI5KS6LDPPLZOM/IMG_3546.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437824603735-9842SHW3PQLICP4TADTN/IMG_3551.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437824811620-HY86F88KBHSW403NM1PG/IMG_3552.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1437824652505-I2KL3EW83T0M3MN0Y548/IMG_3550.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438185252333-EF538YX1U28YVOAFAM0O/IMG_3573.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Bye, bye to Kate and Howard, our travel companions extraordinaire. And thank you to Seanette, a new Amsterdam friend, for recommending Hotel Paris in Prague. Elegant, yet still comfortable. Kind of like the person you hope you are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438007606611-80PP63XK6K4Q2QP5XNIE/IMG_3611.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438007658978-THQ5BDPJI1LUOL2EXW5Y/IMG_3615.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438007815792-IL801OFU9PH7FY65U4QC/IMG_3637.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008113759-0B3MXQBH5CTIQZ57S0WZ/IMG_3584.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Found a little writing room for myself inside one of the palaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008492237-6WIN731WGB2RF5MN75WT/IMG_3612.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008518123-Q4YRQOFHOE347CAAMK2L/IMG_3627.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008552845-TDH6TTCO2TJEXEYCAOI9/IMG_3639.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008572038-3UN0BUXGBTEM76M7MCC9/IMG_3640.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008759841-WK4RPDTBPHPXSC768I5W/IMG_3575.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008795674-R31OUCGE3MFFQZMSDDZF/IMG_3622.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008891327-8T1JZ59919GH69CHONV9/IMG_3624.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438008965218-R6CD4D3JD8RH3VQIO13W/IMG_3608.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438079856138-RKLZVM8ZZGDQU2IBJSAI/IMG_3633.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438079901297-IY0L2CHUZYDAQ1UTBK2X/IMG_3634.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438079205451-GH62HTAP9KLZLMS57HN2/IMG_3751.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438079233239-EUZ4I6EH6H34S51ZXOCW/IMG_3750.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438081907162-4ZJZ4MRT45G6T0FNR64W/IMG_3752.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438082599889-WSLA0VX6VGAZZVK06ZHF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438083413559-Q9FYDJ4L4OL4KGCCZ6CE/IMG_3724.jpg Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438083445995-4V394DN9F296NBGF2XQX/IMG_3697.jpg Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438083697335-HWU4OVF8QKSCTKK7ZEYJ/IMG_3643.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438083714633-VEHDJN37FMB4EW2XXMZY/IMG_3705.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438083779418-RO4RCB2GAH6IRIZCJ8YJ/IMG_3673.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438083897226-1X0MRZ0HHBLFN4W1DF49/IMG_3699.jpg Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Even the still lifes in the paintings I saw in the Hungarian National Gallery included pastries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438084269893-QFDG3YB1LPY6I10VBWTP/IMG_3641.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438084313564-AHS3SAGU54YM1XEVJ8VD/IMG_3687.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438084448028-MW9WSOHXMM9MD4FNR16D/IMG_3701.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438098823027-H3LOZC6ZHRR736Z3O1PB/IMG_3691.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438098945697-FAD7QL82U1EV810DXMIT/IMG_3682.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438099022673-CT0M5ZC21H4IHCJFQVWD/IMG_3676.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438100713211-LJNNOXTOUWCQIHTTTI0N/IMG_3669.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438100543184-YI3Q8U95JGE6E9DGB6N4/IMG_3666.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438100673538-S45BLWO8FMSEKXSRGYO6/IMG_3672.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438100739914-U7RYUX2ZQ796LIIA6P46/IMG_3659.jpg Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438182743463-MIE9XX3PX4APFBPYBLNT/IMG_3680.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438182777528-YX59IADQAGYAZWGX2LK9/IMG_3681.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438179227258-30CF4XSHP0QCMUQAZ9CJ/IMG_3714.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438179251933-S7TVKB3DZZHJI31OODRZ/IMG_3715.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438179271292-JNMN4TC9H025R3RG94B8/IMG_3716.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438179296413-X2SGBURRYBQHIBDZIGZV/IMG_3718.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438181041884-1NZ17NLB0U3QJOIJISZD/IMG_3591.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1438181116345-DQWN4LBYCW1UFOKYC7NS/IMG_3541.JPG Blog - The History of Us: Honeymoon in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/7/3/if-its-tuesday-this-must-be-belgium monthly 0.5 2015-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436098674012-RPGPGZGE93ZBQYWBDX9O/IMG_3422.JPG Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Gorgeous architecture everywhere. This must be Belgium! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436098540397-34TXFCBBTO2XEKIH5EME/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium This movie poster was taken in the Grote Markt in Antwerp. The huge tour bus obscures the view of the Brabo fountain, a favorite spot for tourists to pose. And pose we did the day we arrived in Belgium! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436266174564-3CGRVDW1NH6OSSXTKFP2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Speaking of my 5th graders, here we are on the last day of school last year. That was a lifetime ago. I miss them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436099270028-JMJDLVTR4CYPLW5CF1LW/IMG_3387.JPG Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Here we are at a charming little town along the Amstel River, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. We took this photo at the midway point of the ride, so Susan is still smiling and talking to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436099398309-4PVZ11BGQZTHYGKMU3BT/image-asset.png Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Any guess how long it took us to line up this shot so we could include the windmill photo-bombing us? She's still smiling, though perhaps a bit nervously, as we pedaled along through the tall grasses along the river, with nary another person in view. We did see a lot of houses and sheep, though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436100369155-044UTE9D2XNQEAK4TY0F/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium You don't need Rick Steves (or Suzanne Vine) to tell you that the train station alone in Antwerp makes the visit worthwhile. I'm guessing arriving at Penn Station New York in the good old days might have been like this. It really does make you excited about seeing a city when the first sight to greet you is a spectacular train station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436101065010-EGW2UILM6BRLXFKAG8QI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Here we are at Normo, a hip and happening coffee place that got a 9.3 on Foursquare. If you are over 40, you have no idea what that even means. I only do because Ben showed me how to use it to find restaurants, coffee, parks, and stores as I wander around. Susan is enjoying a warm chocolade (hot chocolate): half a glass of dark chocolate chips, with warm milk poured on top. All thoughts of PARCC, NJ ASK, summatives, and other joys of teaching melted away along with the chips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436101575981-JAS3I4BK1ZXBPM240UJY/IMG_3447.JPG Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium This sums up the attitude towards beer in Belgium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436101663338-ZSTM6KFPCFBCO7938YIM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Here we are at the hip and happening sushi restaurant, Zaowang, which more than earned its impressive 9.5 Foursquare rating. The only thing I can say in our defense is that this sushi boat was shared among the two of us. This fish certainly helped us understand Belgium's well-deserved reputation for fine seafood. No stinking houseguest fish at this place! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436101912709-0UX2KB70C2EZC51F2DX1/IMG_3451.JPG Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium And here's one of the national treasures in Belgium: mussels. I only wish you could taste these for yourself. If you are ever in Antwerp, go to Docks, alongside the River Schelde and eat yourself into a seafood stupor, as we did. We did take a nice long walk along the river after dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436102364270-TQD99IZQPA7MEGVHC17V/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Taken at 10:15 p.m., according to my trusty iPhoto info. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436102110798-8L6M3H7S3BROLGP9TFRL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Here's Susan with her new best friends, a group of Chinese students who are studying in Belgium. Asking Susan to pose with them was kind of like putting glasses and a hat on Casey and "asking" him to let me snap his photo. So glad she was a good sport! One of the young ladies is studying to be a teacher, and when she found out we are teachers, she gazed at us as if we were Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. That was a first! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436102874351-CLIEGSTHC5ZF6STBUJUV/IMG_3465.JPG Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Here's Antwerp from the top of the Mas Museum Ann de Stroom. We learned a little about the golden age in Antwerp, but the highlight for us was this rooftop view. We had the place to ourselves! You can see from the flags that Antwerp was gearing up for the Tour de France. Who knew that part of it takes place outside of France every year? Not I! There were a lot of fit-as-a-fiddle types out cycling who may have been getting ready for the race. Or else they were just regular people on their way to work. I wasn't sure. Plenty of cyclists, but not as many bike lanes as in the Netherlands, so the bikes encroached on our walking paths. They need to come to Amsterdam to learn how it's done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436103428462-WTJ8Y0HANJC26LOK45MZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium I don't think I'll ever get tired of scenes like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436103734083-FAHFW9DVE4J77AA2NZ5Y/IMG_3446.JPG Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium I noticed how they incorporated modern architecture in with the traditional in Bruges and in Antwerp. Maybe you think it's glaring? I loved it. It seems like a great place for architect/design folks to visit. Dana Jenkins McGuffey, are you listening? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436267136402-XTP85OD2LOCNWNWK4WBB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium When you travel together, you find out things about your friends you never knew. Important things, like the fact that Susan wrote a paper on Jan Van Eyck in college for an art history class. Here she is with her idol, in a quiet courtyard in Antwerp. I do have another photo of her on the train to Antwerp, which I am not posting because I am a nice person (and because I am withholding it for possible blackmail in the future). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436198046578-S1SCC3OUBJCSK36U66PX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Here's something else Belgium is famous for. To me, he looks like the Charlie Brown of Belgium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1436265988981-BC86ZYXKCTWX2C7GOHZX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium We had a little heat wave here last week, with temperatures and humidity that brought back "fond" memories of N.J. summers. Here's the little square near our apartment, with a giant wading pool. Imagine how much houseguests would begin to stink after long airconditioner-less nights! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/6/14/getting-over-a-grudge-against-germany monthly 0.5 2015-06-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434470725263-6KSATW79KZ9YE4G1ALQW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? The Druckers are a big deal in Germany! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434556679513-L2K4M5DLSKOPBVMSBGKR/IMG_3250.JPG Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Any thoughts I had about the importance of cars in Germany were laid to rest when I saw a giant Mercedes emblem atop this church-like building. I guess cars are a religion to some. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434556234724-649VB0GOKZJDRC59RT44/image-asset.png Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Somehow, I resisted the temptation to get one, but could not resist on the morning of our return flight. Yup, at 8 a.m., I ate a pretzel for breakfast. And loved it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434556427460-I06RUS7C83J3VS2988BO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? The differences between Germany and the Netherlands were quite visible, even to this novice. Here's the house across the street, which looks just like our friends' house. Notice the solar panels, which you don't often see in Amsterdam (just not enough sun). There was also no trash blowing around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434557368142-YA3H0AOK2MAKQ0QUCOQU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? This photo was taken at an amazing food market in Stuttgart. Peter can verify that even at 6 a.m., you can smell sausages starting their day at the Frankfurt airport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434557923844-QLOJ8TD1LETICDMIBA1K/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Stuttgart just before the spätzle coma set in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434558493796-TY23SGQQC39FE0R0IE7H/IMG_3289.JPG Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? The Neckar River, which cuts through town, was great for people watching. It was full of boats with bachelor and bachelorette parties, and even a wedding party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434566871686-EAFFPX6IHY134C2GY32F/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Here's the real reason I loved Tübingen: not the beer (delicious), not the river (scenic), not the castle (majestic), but the chance to meet Bart and Johanna's new grandson Ari (adorable). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434567938542-XSJ9O938F2ADD90B6EYH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? We were enjoying a relaxing lunch in a garden restaurant. That is, until this group of soldiers let loose with a volley of gunfire that caused Peter to loose some of his beer in mid-sip. It was beyond loud, and quite authentic-looking and sounding, I'll give them that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434626183994-5RKKRN2W96HJW7HQ5EMI/image-asset.png Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Picturesque scenes greeted us wherever we turned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434472736438-KST4EX7VIVGZUCDM13HB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434473460059-DW9AD5CCMRVKTMSOVMU8/image-asset.png Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? This one needs no explanation. It was located right next to a charming little Italian restaurant we went to. I kid you not! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434474349438-D68RGP704IQI5QB8SHKT/IMG_3266.JPG Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Who shops in this store, you ask? Actually, schmuck is German for jewelry. Talk about a word whose sound bears no relationship to its meaning. The French word for jewelry is bijou. That sounds sparkly. Schmuck? Not so much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434568729974-TZHAPE38LSHNLUJAB1A9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Apparently, the custom started in the days of yore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434568785422-LNUF05MEI3MPG7DPOV4P/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Yet the tradition lives on! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434568886568-2KS5I01P1BQKUTZA4BHS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? And the tradition is destined to carry on into the next generation and beyond! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434569829244-O12HJPVS0K6YOIV8OYYT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? And then we saw this plaque on a building, and it was literally a sign telling me that I had made the right decision in visiting Germany. Our friends told us that it explains that the listed families had lived in the town, were murdered during the Holocaust, and would not be forgotten. And one way not to forget is to go visit these places for yourself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1434570019219-NGHSDVVQ08B6QRYZSBP9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Grudge Against Germany? Johanna painted this for a class she is taking. Thank you, Johanna and Bart, for a lovely weekend with you in your town. Next stop: Berlin! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/5/28/a-full-nest monthly 0.5 2015-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433263906812-3PBHZ36I6PSCY7VR5OPI/image-asset.png Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Here are the little ducklings back in April. Quite an idyllic scene...that is, until you see the lurking dog in the top left corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433090510810-0OJON1MZWFV03FZPSLVV/IMG_3058.jpg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Here's Ben on his first day in Amsterdam at a lovely canal-side café along the Amstel River in the neighborhood known as Oost, (East). I love the majestic houses that line the street: the Weesperzijde. Even the name of the street is fancy. I'll chalk Ben's embarrassment up to jet lag, rather than the fact that his mother was constantly trying to photograph him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433090961653-NS3BOG8LLMK3OEKWWA1E/IMG_3093.JPG Blog - Make Way for Ducklings He graciously agreed to pose for this photo, or maybe that's because he felt he had to. I had just purchased a tasting box of coffee from the CoffeeVine to be delivered to his doorstep in New York City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433091319925-V3P2CWNLX424WEWUS3D0/image-asset.png Blog - Make Way for Ducklings This sign will give you an idea of the vibe at this coffee festival. There was lots of delicious and free samples of coffee and chocolate, and events like a latté art contest. I saw a sprinkling of old folks there (anyone over 30), but not many. They were probably as bewildered as I was when they saw name of the street where the festival took place: Ghostface Killahstraat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433150116971-5SAKMEPBJYNOF5MZS3SQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Utrecht = Amsterdam minus crowds of people https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433150203875-DUX9NLHXETZYUEIC43YL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Those doorways actually lead to apartments. Now that's a view of the canal! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433150348937-ROV5V6OMKYL757FAS3NW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Lest you think Amsterdam is the only city with hipsters and hip coffee, this spot in Utrecht, The Village Coffee and Music will set you straight. Peter and I swiftly brought the hip vibe down when we crossed the threshold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1432840621485-I2I9PF9F4LT9T0KC5G8W/IMG_3113.JPG Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Here we are the day Rachel arrived, in Rembrandtpark. You can see that Casey was happy to no longer be an only child. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433335963746-2ATMDD7PVLWB09PGPPUU/image-asset.png Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Giving new meaning to a relaxing bath experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433264936578-QQLNLMC24041K8VTM4E1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Here's Rachel at a global art project in the park: Before I Die.... It was created to get people to reflect on their lives and to share those reflections in public. We loved looking at all the different ways that visitors to the park completed the sentence. You can see that I want to see the Northern Lights, and...wait, what's that in Rachel's handwriting? "Before I die I want to be as cool as my mom." I'll remind her of that the next time I wear socks with my flip-flops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433336900510-F2BVNZCMHMHG9AZ7L781/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings And here's more proof. Imagine my surprise when we walked into the concert and found a full bar in the back and seats around the perimeter for old people like me to park themselves on. In case you were wondering, I was not the only oldster there. And on the other side of the age spectrum, we even saw some some parents with little children. I guess concert-going is a bit different here than in the U.S. Thankfully, no one subjected a dog to the noise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433487103793-YGWVW684Y9YHVBZYYR0C/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433349384165-39CNCVVJHNHISZQ7IFEA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings I'm thinking beer may have been the secret ingredient that led to the abundance of hair in our high school and college days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433347830929-XBHH7U1OZ905Y8A2XG9U/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433349203277-00B4X168U96HLHRT6U15/image-asset.png Blog - Make Way for Ducklings Now you can see that the ducklings are growing up. Let's see how Mr. and Mrs. Duck handle the teenage stage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433487287838-M8AUN1HS6NXAH0TCMJRW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings A rare photo of the two photographers. Keep in mind that this photo was taken in mid-May. Notice the layers. Spring in Amsterdam? Nuff said. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1433348798469-J7Y3TMKNFT5H4EB0K07U/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Make Way for Ducklings What could be cooler than black and white tulips? Rachel looks right at home to me! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/5/11/dorothy-were-not-in-new-jersey-anymore monthly 0.5 2015-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431531297828-KDC1P3AEI5JB4RP4A72M/IMG_2994.JPG Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! My version of Disraeli's wise statement might be, "Like all great travellers, I have eaten more than I remember, and remember more than I have eaten." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431531974274-2IGWBM09K4M9BHDK5K3J/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! Seen from the car window on the way to track down tulips. Now if only I had been eating cheese at the time, that would have combined the three top symbols of the Netherlands in one fell swoop (tulips are surrounding the windmill, for those of you reading this without your glasses). Next time, I'll pack a hunk of Gouda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431532945336-X4HYICAF3ORNAYM9RMJJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! Fields and fields of tulips on the outskirts of the (indoor and outdoor) formal gardens. A bike trip to ride through the fields that I planned to go on had to be canceled twice because of rainy, windy weather. Ah, well. That just gives me something to look forward to next year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431533355909-ZOYMIJLYNTHRHS9YUIZ0/IMG_2819.JPG Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! One of the joys of arriving early, before the crowds descended, was the ability to have Tift take my picture here without having to stand in line. Imagine how proud Peter was to see me climb into this clog. For some reason, he chose not to have his picture taken with me, a decision he will no doubt regret for the rest of his life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431710809185-P8AZV7XUMSYK4AAN3BJX/image-asset.png Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! We didn't quite have the place to ourselves, but close to it, at least when we first arrived. I wish I could add a scratch-and-sniff feature to the blog so you could get a sense of how intoxicating the smell of these hyacinths was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431710988545-7E0TORQGTADMW5SOCRAE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! I kept changing my mind about the prettiest tulip in the bunch. This red and white variety was definitely in the running. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431711186332-AV41MVHE5MHJZNAVFF65/IMG_2827.jpg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! Couldn't pass up a chance to step into clogs that are only slightly bigger than my actual shoes. Thank you, Tift, for once again indulging me in this very dignified photo op. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431711522445-80E7ZXXBP7EH5U68U1IP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! When I saw these gardens, I suddenly realized why we have to put up with all of that rain in the winter. It was all worth it...I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431874380318-6KMJ6L9VDRZNTJU60FHU/IMG_3004.JPG Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! These are all giant wheels of cheese being hauled out by the cheese carriers and displayed. In the old days, this was when merchants figured out what they wanted to buy, and how much much they wanted to pay, by tasting the wares. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431874903147-GHI5HVAQF3QNVYGY3DK5/IMG_3019.JPG Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! Nowadays, you, too, can taste the cheese if you book a tour, like we did. Here's Cristina, getting first dibs on the Gouda. It's pronounced How-da, with the H pronounced like you are clearing your throat. However, if you live in the U.S., you may sound really pretentious if you ask for How-da at Whole Foods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431970719395-XZO15NMXWKPJBUPGANN5/IMG_3027.jpg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! You could even line up, like a big hunk of cheese, to see what your weight was. No thank you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431970813675-3U41R2012TUYJ10OKQVG/IMG_3062.jpg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! This sign was not at the Alkmaar Cheese Market, but rather at the hip and happenin' Rollende Keukens (Rolling Kitchens) food festival. Totally different vibe from Alkmaar, with its aisles of food trucks and hipsters, but I had to include it while on the subject of cheese in the Netherlands. The Eurythmics would not have been out of place at this festival. You'll have to Google that on your own if you don't know who they are, and why the sign is funny. Hint: they sang a song Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431971057327-66A535K4P9LQFUYPJEM9/IMG_3047.jpg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! On National Windmill Day, I expected this beauty to be surrounded by crowds of adoring fans. However, I had her all to myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431975672207-TE3P1S2PGK7MIS749FI3/IMG_2989.jpg Blog - Dorothy, We're Not in New Jersey Anymore! An icon of Amsterdam, the I amsterdam sign has come to Vondel Park. The original still sits on Museumplein, where the big museums stand. Once again, Casey agreed to pose for me, albeit reluctantly. I think it beats getting in a giant clog though, don't you? I'm not sure Casey would see it that way. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/5/3/rediscovering-my-inner-heidi monthly 0.5 2015-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430672249182-P0DMXKC3GTQJRKFB0SXD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi How many hours did I spend as a child studying the cover of this book? I don't even want to estimate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430931032482-YQAYBGIQGJ9T5WWHW9YD/IMG_2865.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi This was not a mountain-climbing expedition, but we could see the Alps on our walk along Lake Zurich. Those are the snow-covered peaks for the Alps, just below,the clouds. When I saw them, I could feel myself wanting to yodel, but I kept that desire to myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430931448614-W50OKWER7Q2JZF29BR3G/IMG_2862.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi This young lady took a break from all of the cycling to rest, figuring out that her bike could double as a seat. So mechanically-minded, those Swiss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431023074835-NM3HA18T6GYK2R3V6HLX/image-asset.png Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi How I managed to leave Zurich without a watch, or even a photo of a watch store is a mystery. There were watches and clocks everywhere! The rumors about how precise the Swiss are about time are really true. There was an electronic schedule posted at each tram stop, and by golly, if that tram was scheduled to arrive at 10:13, that's exactly when it pulled in. For someone who struggles mightily with time management, it was truly awe-inspiring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430931966603-VDBP8PVI4LH2T2C578G4/IMG_2858.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Notice how the chocolates are all lined up, like soldiers. This Swiss sense of order appeals to a gal who craves organization almost as much as she does chocolate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431170054346-Z637NI77180GEYTKBU1F/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431170616422-3P18FD6BZWXH1W9TNFL6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi I found out that Van Gogh learned this technique of putting a branch in the foreground from Japanese wood-block printers. And then I took what I learned from Van Gogh, via the Japanese, and used it in my photographs. You can see an example of this influence on Suzanne Vine's art if you go back to the first photo of Zurich, with the alps in the background (and a branch in the foreground). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431102060595-XIPTCK1KE21T7I87QXUJ/IMG_2866.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi I saw people actually get up and throw their trash away. This leads me to believe that it can be done! We can throw our trash - and even our dog poep - away in Amsterdam, people. They do it in Zurich. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431025516894-KAVWV1XDLXK6Y2KVRJD9/IMG_2878.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Here's a great invention for folks to throw away their cigarette butts. I wanted to carry it back with me, but it was cemented to the ground. Sadly, many, many people in Zurich smoked. It seemed even more prevalent than in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431023808269-6U2USNYSLGJC4KCJE67B/IMG_2870.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Wisteria in Zurich. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431023872846-5052KO6Y2LZPHBBR51O3/IMG_2984.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Wisteria in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431023944115-2DCBJ0912Y4TTUQ7KV5N/IMG_2879.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Tulips in Switzerland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431024095106-BOZUPBZMHZGVPCNHX24L/IMG_2830.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Tulips at Keukenhof, outside of Amsterdam. I think we win this one, Zurich. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431024282944-E49KXBC65AS21MQL497X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Water in Zurich, in the form of a lake. I've posted just a few photos before of canals in Amsterdam, so I'll spare you in this post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431024548015-F08IG5OW0RXPENVJ3OGB/IMG_2867.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi No trash on the ground! Sorry. Did I mention that before? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431024711050-Y8PP9A763NB796RD251D/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi I loved the street musicians who were out serenading the passersby early on Sunday morning. This accordion player reminded me of my dad, who bought an accordion on a trip to Estonia, and loved to play it for his grandkids. This musician had a similar contented smile while he played. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431024892741-1YGLUETXNIXE67W8PBDT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Just like in Amsterdam, there were some really swanky cars in Zurich. These twin Bentleys were nestled right next to each other. With the fantastic public transportation system, I don't know why anyone would want a car there. You can see the tram in the background, running right on time, of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431025358929-M3ENZWZUDPN29WP5P9GU/IMG_2881.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi White asparagus is found in both cities during the spring. So delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431102405414-PQX4NF04EFXXQRI3QOJB/IMG_2931.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi I might have bought some of these goodies if I had known what they were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431026154342-8WBJCTFP78LL4OXJDP3Z/IMG_2876.JPG Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi Even the construction sites were neat and tidy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1431027106473-J26P31G79XIM9AK4G235/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Rediscovering my Inner Heidi This is a photo of a village called Mürren, at the foot of the Schilthorn Mountains. For James Bond fans, this was the spectacular setting for the movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. I want to go there because there are no cars allowed. Heidi heaven! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/4/22/the-king-and-i monthly 0.5 2015-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430153038375-50K1H0X6P2DZ4FI6YWAX/image-asset.png Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429719679548-S5U9I2INIG2V1DF4FKYI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day A few days before King's Day, with the anticipation building, some members of the International Women's Club donned whatever orange we could find and walked in the woods outside Utrecht (at the country home of the former Queen, no less). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430237187143-6XBFTCMKC13LY4EEMHL9/royals-in-dordrecht-560x373.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day You may notice that neither King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, nor their angelic daughters are dressed in garish orange. Only the boat is. There's a reason for that. Queen Maxima probably looked in the mirror ("Mirror, mirror, on the wall" etc.) and chose the tasteful red outfit when she saw what orange did for her skin tone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430154484566-2DSNS10ITX6AKVEES2V5/IMG_2949.JPG Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day Here are some expats in our neighborhood getting into the spirit of things. Their t-shirts read, "Orange is the New Black". Those clever Americans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430154921050-TGIYH8U9WL506V3SZ3GP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day Tchotchke-lovakia, as we say in the Drucker house. For those of you who don't speak Yiddish, a tchotchke is a knick-knack. When you have a ton of them in your house, beware! It may look like Tchotchke-lovakia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430155251425-TZVVZTLT0X5VVNODRR46/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day My favorite sales were the ones in Vondel Park run by children. These kids had obviously put a lot of careful planning into the design of their sale. Those Te Koop (For Sale) tents were brilliant. I'd like to put these kids in charge of the never-ending construction projects in our neighborhood, where careful planning seems to be utterly lacking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430155497856-7WZNPZ0ANYDQ26YMP4ES/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day These gals were obviously planning on making a killing. Note the large red glass vase used to collect their funds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430237814867-OWARMWOAHLTUOFMKYOPO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day This intense young man kept his eyes glued to his music, until a euro was dropped into his violin case. Then a tiny smile crossed his lips for a split second before he went back into full concentration mode. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430237920371-93HJ2CRT4S53PLMM9RR3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day Looked like a waste of some good looking tomatoes. Most of them missed the man and ended up in the grass. You had to admire the simplicity of this money-making operation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430328049681-VC4QSVW2QN5OQBZ6W5NJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day There were loads of stands selling these Dutch pancakes, poffertjes, with powdered sugar, poedersuiker. It will come as no surprise to those who know me well that I have managed to remember many Dutch words when it comes to food. It's the rest of the language that I just can't seem to master. Sadly, the lines were long and I went poffertjes-less on King's Day this year. I won't let that happen next year! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430238111740-T7PVD9ZCTQEUOWWEUJZR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day By early afternoon, there was a sea of people outside. The wet weather that had been predicted had changed into a brisk but sunny day, which no doubt added to the number of participants. We decided to brave the crowds in the heart of King's Day: the canals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430323595045-VIJQX1QMUJLSQ13RC5I4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day It was truly amazing that some of these boats didn't sink from the sheer weight of the people and the booze on board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430323804923-4SH8LSSLI426KWVEFT69/IMG_2956.JPG Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day It was also amazing that no one - at least while we were watching - pitched forward and into the water from either one of the boats or from a bridge. Or maybe that happened after we went home to rest our feet (from all the walking) and our ears (from the pounding American pop music pouring off the boats). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430327639204-SWEW7TR3U2PFIANJ374D/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day This was the scene in our neighborhood at noon, with at least eight hours of revelry to go. On a regular day, the abundance of trash laying about on the streets is a problem here. I was worried that the entrance to our apartment might be buried in mounds of trash before the day was done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430327838588-DAZM6C39KW99R9G6B8EW/IMG_2970.JPG Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day By 9 a.m. the following morning, Vondel Park, the scene of wall-to-wall people on King's Day, was eerily quiet, and even more eerily clean. Clearly, the town was prepared for the garbaggeaggeddon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430407785997-BXEZ3Q9JURO4E4FM0S6Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day No, Casey did not drink the contents of this recyclable King's Day beer glass, but I think you can tell what he thought of all the noise and commotion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1430427805054-3PD6UHL2AO0BROTN8OBW/IMG_2978.jpg Blog - The King and I: Celebrating My First King's Day When I was little, I was obsessed with a T.V. show called Queen for a Day. On King's Day, I couldn't help but think about that show. Here I am on my birthday, circa 1968, as Queen for a Day. My very own Koninginnedag before I even knew there was such a thing. I may just break out my tiara for next year's festivities. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/4/7/baby-you-can-drive-my-car monthly 0.5 2021-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1428418759615-4GQLCW07RFSCYV15P0E4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Our American lab friend, Ruby, agreed to pose next to this car so you could get an idea of the size of it (and her). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1428682870154-UXTSYR2G571KCWWUS94K/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car I never park my bike in spots like this. I would never, ever find it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429111486762-15N32BDDM4PS7IYP61UV/image-asset.png Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Here's the view he sees on the way to work. Not bad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429209881884-8WL2H1ZKM22O4KQP7R2V/image-asset.png Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Notice that this car is parked on the sidewalk, in front of the house. One is also allowed to ride this car in the bike lane. Does that make sense to you? I thought not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429108165422-F3U3MBRNXRJGVV5YXI4D/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Another tiny car. One wonders how this small car fascination squares with the Dutch being the tallest nation on earth. Seems like Dutch drivers must have to deal with some very cramped quarters inside those cars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429108292845-S8I5IXZBLEXVTQEPO058/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Notice how very happy Casey was to pose in front of this tiny car to help you with the scale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429108402119-F1ZCTLFLQMWZIPGENQTA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Just so cute! This one reminds me of the VW bug my friend Adriana had in Oakland, California after college. When my folks came to visit, my dad sat squished in the back seat, and called out, "You sure do get around in this!" I imagine the driver in this Fiat sure does get around, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429025951956-LKGM60E84JQ4C2JET74Q/IMG_2762.jpg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car You are on the sidewalk, sir. This is where people walk. Why can't you park it in the road? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429209731697-E16RS7HIS9NE84FJNMDM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Thank goodness for the picture on the yellow sign. Imagine trying to figure out what the word wegsleepregeling means without any help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429026553037-SIIXR0SM9F3EBPM3Y7MJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Even the tow trucks are fancy here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429109990671-J58L8LEPTC6EGGODJ4L8/IMG_2739.jpg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car When they park back to back like this, it looks like the cars are angry with each other, doesn't it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429027046747-RPHC100Q8R6EI9ARKWG1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429027084021-MUA4261W07YPT4OG4Y9U/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429027158291-KEV6IZOVT6GBD701VZ8U/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429027326189-ZE6FX8IIF2IAMTZ7DEBP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429027364864-SP2HUSXY6QVSUM0ESX15/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car It is interesting that these cars are just parked out out on the street, for all to enjoy. They're like the flowers planted in front of the houses that I have blogged about or the tiles in the doorways: just so much Amsterdam eye candy for the expat to snack on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429108887156-6RDU9PHFOGM6VYALCD2H/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car This one's a Tesla. That's a fancy car, according to Peter. I don't have what a friend of mine - back when our kids were young - dubbed the "transportation gene": the genetic predilection little kids have for fire engines, dump trucks, and anything with big wheels, and that big kids have for expensive cars. I'm just a gal from Trenton, N.J. who prefers public transportation and her own two feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429109591048-6156MNTEY89Y83JFEH45/image-asset.png Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car Maybe not so fancy, but you have to admit this one is seriously cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429109430633-NW2BGVLBQ37V31VEV6UX/IMG_2795.JPG Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429111971688-2P5ZA7FUQNZ4F9X18YSQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car If you read my last post on the weather in Amsterdam, you'll understand just how thrilling this Spring weather feels. The recent spate of nice weather also accounts for the delay in writing this post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1429112034838-FXZG4173R42RVUSOH3KV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Baby, You Can Drive My Car This is in Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park) in the Amsterdamse Bos, a huge park outside of Amsterdam. It was about a 30 minute ride, and we went on our bikes and without a car! Happy Spring! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/3/24/here-comes-the-sun monthly 0.5 2015-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427309995700-G3UWZE6D7W0UIVO0W8SL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? Just one of the many umbrellas that has not survived our first six months in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427728388688-SAUCKK8N2MAGSL7S7FI9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? Even the displays of Spring clothes feature scarves. Scarves in Amsterdam are not just worn for decoration. These scarves are worn to do battle with the weather. They get wrapped around your neck to protect you from the wind, like a knight's coat of armor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427545232800-I1G8KS4E9Y6UYU7CSQCC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? This photo was taken near my mom's place outside Rocky Hill, New Jersey. O.K., it was pretty out there. I appreciated the effort that went into bringing me the blue sky. I don't get to see much of that these days in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427545833503-SWHCBYZJ5PO37JI834NP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? Almost as exotic as the plants (and the polite bike riders) was the blue sky that greeted us each morning of our stay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427659151752-NO889ZHYJ8PXR9CXOCGB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? Here's the view from the back patio of my father-in-law Danny and his wife Sandy's house. For all my Amsterdam friends, this is what we call a sunset. It's what happens when something called the sun sets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427727745758-XG6P18VHZR7QL89OXN7U/image-asset.png Blog - Here Comes the Sun? I'm not placing any bets on seeing the sun on Sunday either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427728127705-V36H8M4ONLZ1ZZWP9KF4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? A hailstorm that I watched from the safety of our kitchen windows. The first time I heard one of these storms, I thought the windows were shattering. Nope! Just another hailstorm in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427656118893-OD29JFALF2A2KCALJS2X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? To be fair, we did have a little taste of Spring before I left for the U.S. Here is Peter on the rooftop deck belonging to our friends Darlene and Rob. We helped them usher in what we foolishly believed to be a long line of sunny days. Now we know that we have to seize the sunny moments when they come, just like the Dutch do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427656533745-X9LHMLZT5IWKT6OOP6SH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? It wasn't even sunny when I took this photo. Nevertheless, there were a few hearty souls outside at the café in our neighborhood. The temperature, you ask? The mid-40's. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427742404254-I4NXNWXVJ7T0KU704HU2/image-asset.png Blog - Here Comes the Sun? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427729321087-3UQM8OT6GXBEZXFWXEEQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? If it's windy enough to knock these motorbikes over, imagine what can happen to a person. I'm not exactly petite, but when riding on a windy day, I sometimes feel I might end up like these poor bikes. I'm guessing people here would be just as concerned about seeing me lying in the road as they are about these motorbikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427659743113-07NXK5M7T6AOFWB93POG/IMG_2699.jpg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427659684765-PIB5US6BJ8MSAO59LDMV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? Just some flowers in the hood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1427743459441-NM86R4UUPI24PI4CDS1T/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Here Comes the Sun? The good ol' days! Thanks to all of our family, whether from chilly N.J. or sunny Florida, for all of the fodder for this post on the weather. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/2/25/use-me-ums monthly 0.5 2015-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424894037342-R9OLPCTOKXF1BRRX76LZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425138594011-T6DOW5HYNHDLL95ZHUJI/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums This sticker kind of sums up my life right now. What better time in life to get caught up on my museum-tripping? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425577609973-RHU4X0XARA3MMTB8PZDU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums Spotted in a café on one of my many coffee breaks. Having loads of alone time is also an important ingredient for getting your museum muscles in shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425317593161-H5H0VNIDJT3F0AT8PW80/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425318399074-P0652YABL99L48DPVBZR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums Sorry if dishes aren't your thing, but I just love this stuff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425318497289-NEO5YB0OLOXOGCMX1ANN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums Alright, this one doesn't hail from the Tsars, but it is from the first time I hosted the American Women's Club book group at my house. I hadn't put the peacocks out yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425319079654-0Q5IXPNEOFJ4JQPN8SAY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums This display explains why some Dutch people don't have a fond association with the beautiful tulips that are a symbol of The Netherlands. I learned that some people were so hungry, they resorted to eating tulip bulbs during the Hunger Winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425470235779-N883XIZKFZS2Q84IHU9V/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums Here is Multatuli's house. In case you are as confused as we were about the Italian-sounding name, it is not his given name. He was born Eduard Douwes Dekker, a fine Dutch-sounding name. He gave himself the pseudonym Multatuli from the Latin for "I have suffered much", which referred both to himself, and to the injustices he saw when he was in Indonesia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425490924368-I2DU0SF027Q5FBW23FQQ/IMG_0119.JPG Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums Here's a photo that Peter took of the Rijksmuseum before I arrived in Amsterdam. This week, on March 3 to be exact, I celebrated my six month anniversary here. Now I can stop measuring my stay in months. Expats tend to describe their time here the way new parents do with their first child. When anyone asks, "How old is he?", you respond with precision, "He's 9 weeks today," or, "He'll be 5 months old on Thursday." Once you hit the six-month mark, you start to realize that no one really wants to know anything with such exactitude, except you. So I am sure I was the only one who carefully took note of my six month anniversary here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425492891753-8V8QS3SZYES4G306N0XG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums These are the actual paints he painted with. Amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425493221055-ILL2AOILCWU4IX8XEBM5/image-asset.png Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums Needless to say, a photo doesn't do justice to what you will see if you come in person. I saved up my first visit for when friends came to visit. Thanks, Brooke and Eric, for a lovely couple of hours. As I recall, you were here during Boston Blizzard #1. No wonder you were so intrigued by these paintings! Little did you know then that the late January storm would just be the first of your oh-so-many blizzards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425631608246-92MOI2NR91U3LFTPKNW2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425631645536-2774206AEIE9OSYFRWRJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425631757000-271DYIRNI98AR09N40A5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425631801693-IONEZIGRJOWH6U5HXPE3/IMG_2578.jpg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425632414058-P8EM9FK7DFP18HRZT7JR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1425632047987-C127GLL2K6R1ZAR84AK2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424981923007-EBL048SL2A52PC4MA7HT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Use-Me-Ums, or, Musing About Museums Here is beautiful-in all-ways Alissa at age 27, on her wedding day in October. She has clearly moved on with her life, while we still cling to the expressions she used as a toddler. Anyway, thanks, Lissy, for inspiring this blog post. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/2/15/sm21r14xvr0ii08lcb0elg0wt27qa6 monthly 0.5 2015-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424109251955-W811I0HDZTO82S4CPVPD/IMG_2257.JPG Blog - Parking my Helicopter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424279659803-BB9735TYD8AVZ6DC8YSM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Parking my Helicopter What don't we see here? That's right: any parent In sight hovering over this 6-ish year old. What do we see? Is that a tattoo on her arm? Not sure an American helicopter would allow that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424367927831-01RBFE6HL6SZ8N5AEYAR/Indonesian+Food.jpg Blog - Parking my Helicopter This photo was taken during my first week in Amsterdam at Blauw, the city's premier Indonesian restaurant. As you can see, we are still eating for four, even though there are only two of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424453924461-D4R1IRKHBSQQBH59NTBS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Parking my Helicopter Something I haven't tried while in Amsterdam.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424454097846-2QEO68N3NME3WEM82I2F/IMG_2531.jpg Blog - Parking my Helicopter And just a few of my favorites that I have tried...and tried...and tried here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424369579821-D8VI911HOUDM66NRV8NH/image-asset.png Blog - Parking my Helicopter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424455717183-ZAB9PKO18DPRQMZXDV68/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Parking my Helicopter They may be 21 and 19, but when I wake up in the middle of the night, this is how I picture them. It's also how I picture myself...that is, until I look in the mirror. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1424541511051-CBKN3VIOVW9BR2XFUDBK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Parking my Helicopter Looks like I picked just the right winter to take my chances. I took this photo last week. I'm wishing all of you an early spring! And, by the way, I went to middle school with Mary Chapin Carpenter, who wrote and sang the song, I Take My Chances. I knew even then that she was cool. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/2/5/the-world-according-to-casey monthly 0.5 2021-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423325076179-4ZHO75UVKIJUH4AY3PVE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey This photo was taken soon after arriving in Amsterdam; hence the melancholy look as I posed next to this canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423416162663-PGW6CT8K4VU5IC235O4G/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Here I am in our recently redone kitchen in Maplewood. Just a few short months after the kitchen was completed, my dad Peter got the news from his company, Akzo-Nobel that we were moving to Amsterdam. Vine's Law (or as others call it, Murphy's Law). I miss that floor! It was really cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423417450353-J9IXOQDWCPJWVYA1JZ06/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey I'm surprised they didn't throw me in a box, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423587522315-U8CKJRL01WODB6CF8E8M/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey This photo is part of my Farewell Tour. I'm pictured with Donna, who used to work at the Jersey Animal Coalition. She found me on the streets of Newark one Easter weekend eleven years ago and named me Jellybean. That was before my conversion both to Judaism and to the religion known as the Yankees. I was renamed by the Druckers after the late, great Casey Stengel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423417621227-WMNHNT6561I1E505WHU6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Just one leg of the "Getting Casey to Amsterdam" saga found my mom driving down to the USDA office near Trenton to get paperwork signed and stamped by someone official in the USDA named Rocky. The joy of getting the papers finally signed and sealed were one of the highlights of my mom's life, or at least of her summer. Sad, no? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423760332238-95GM2JC6VRRH3NXZX862/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey The bad news is that I spent my first night in solitary confinement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423677191927-W7JU14HGNAETWOE9AZIL/IMG_2480.JPG Blog - The World According to Casey Here's my very own passport! I haven't ventured outside the city yet, but I'm ready (just as long as it doesn't involve getting on a plane again). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423760049288-M52ZI4AZGFMACW9DK1SY/IMG_0167.JPG Blog - The World According to Casey This illustration is from one of the great works of literature: Go, Dog, Go! A must read! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423584312424-C3LFLYB33PLMZHUT0TJM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Just chillin' at a nearby cafe. This photo was taken shortly after I vacuumed the floor with my nose, looking for crumbs. I usually get lucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423584584356-PVV7NKWF5O9OYDG9RPNH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey The sign shows that this store may be taking the dog reverence thing a bit too far, and that's coming from a dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423584723005-71UKK8LSOIHVOISOX4I7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Here the neighbor is telling us that this is the third time this week that the dog has left his remains of the day behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423585460501-UKI5075S294TI8JCLLJE/image-asset.png Blog - The World According to Casey Im a little confused by the ubiquitous dog presents, given that the city makes it really easy for humans to clean up after dogs. These stations with bags and garbage cans are everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423585512895-L09DNLRW7EOZYW8WC5E7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey And these festive signs that adorn many homes don't really seem to do the trick, either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423677706854-HE033O9ZWZA3UYS1A30I/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Apparently, it's not just the dogs that are allowed to roam free. It's cats, too. That's why we see these signs posted all over the city, advertising missing cats. Keep those cats inside, and not around me in my 'hood! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423418467472-C4L3D2NA9WUUBIRUPWK6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Here is my buddy Ruby and me, right before the infamous Van Gogh incident with my ear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423760553865-UEGDY1BKWD7ABJ4J9TBJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Not really feeling it here with this Dutch dog, the co-owner of Sweetcup Coffee, but since I'm in his domain, I'm polite. Plus my mom really likes their coffee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423418336251-3MK51L9ZQ4C98KFKENYX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey It really is true what they say: the Dutch girls are very pretty. I'm a big hit at the park with the ladies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423586568752-9BD9A8KC8CFJSZAJL63G/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Apparently, you can also get your hair cut and nails done in the van. Haven't tried that yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423586654142-T6IFK2QY3YA0DUVU9R8R/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Here's my dog whisperer, Chantal, on our route in The Bos, which is Amsterdam's version of the South Mountain Reservation, my old haunt. My Dutch is still pretty shaky, but I do know "Kom hier!" ("Come here!") because it sounds so much like English. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423418574288-P7PO186U047BVWGUZBM0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey I miss seeing Ben and Rachel all the time, but when they are here, it's like they never left me. Here's Rachel when she was in Amsterdam in January. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423677582868-UUQ3UI6AP7XB8CKJMQO4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey Writing is exhausting. I'm turning the leash back to mom next week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1423827833121-4PGHKEJAAODSJW6LYQII/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The World According to Casey If you liked this blog post, stay tuned for a longer memoir about me written by my mom. Here she is at a course on Memoir Writing she took a few weekends ago with Amsterdam Writing Workshops (taught by a Teachers College grad). She's thinking about writing a book about Casey, the Ex-pat (Ex-paw?). I added this last song just to humor her. She is my brown-eyed girl, after all. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/1/29/fitting-in monthly 0.5 2015-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1422550916899-TYBDK2UPTEHVZG4HN7WT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fitting In This is Sita, a spin teacher at my new gym. She gives new meaning to the term six-pack abs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1422806119436-UC2GXBIMGL4ZYJ9WN6KQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fitting In Actually, if you count this really large cat I saw in a restaurant window, that makes two obese "people" I have seen in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1422552318212-HJEKCFQRIR7AT0GCM0DD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fitting In Here's the gym's parking lot. I'm all warmed up when I arrive. I have even winnowed down the time it takes me to lock the bike up to a minute or two. Locking up the bike used to be its own daily activity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1422715327126-MC6C4U4DHR65A8UWM8PO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fitting In At the smoothie/coffee bar, I can practice my Dutch. In the Yzerboost smoothie, there was a mystery ingredient: tarwegras. I knew that wheat was tarwe, so I figured out that tarwegras must be wheatgrass. Bingo! To celebrate my discovery, I treated myself to one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1422715933406-BS1FZ0CAMBI5BN9KZXUM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Fitting In I love that you have a view of Amsterdam as you spin. Sita, like most of the instructors at the gym, plays mostly American pop and rap music, but, sadly, there is no theme. However, like Mike, she is bursting with enthusiasm. And she is really helping me with my Dutch. She goes back and forth between English and Dutch as easily as she sprints on the spin bike. I now know how to count backwards from 10 to 1: tien, negen, acht, zeven, ses, vijf, vier, drie, twee, een! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1422964669013-OFUYW5XI8BQCFH674GR4/IMG_2443.jpg Blog - Fitting In This is Sanna, a zumba instructor who also teaches hip-hop in some Amsterdam schools. She, too, is bursting with enthusiasm. Kudos to her for never laughing at me or anyone else. There is something really liberating about dancing in a city where you know so few people. I don't have to worry that I will lose my job at Seth Boyden over some of the moves she has us doing. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/1/20/are-you-my-friend monthly 0.5 2021-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421784300835-Z3POKO1NEZ7K78NL217O/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Are You my Friend? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421871024799-UPCJRDT0EHXDY6LDD9JR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Are You my Friend? Here are some of the close friends that came with me from Maplewood. Like Casey, they don't ever cancel plans at the last minute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421872022887-H84UAGGHUSMRA743S6FN/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Are You my Friend? Kathy, the woman seated center left with the orange sweater, lived in Maplewood fifteen years ago, on Kensington Terrace. That is one block from where I lived. That gives new meaning to the term small world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421872189937-NB84ZRF25HHANMYJIE9A/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Are You my Friend? Speaking of small worlds, Darlene, the woman in black on the left with the pearls taught chemistry at Oak Knoll, in Summit, and knew the daughter of dear friends from South Orange. By the way, I am really enjoying the opportunity to eat lunch with other grownups. Lunchtime for teachers is not one bit relaxing. I am making up for lost time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421951957476-FT1634NTK13W4O173HEW/image-asset.png Blog - Are You my Friend? This is Laura, who is originally from Brooklyn, but who lived in Italy for ten years before coming to Amsterdam. She can't even ride the tram because like any good New Yorker, she hates to wait. Definitely in the running for a friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421958193504-ZHOGDC6JSLK1EN723BQE/image-asset.png Blog - Are You my Friend? Darlene is a chemistry teacher from Wisconsin, who has lived in Mendham, N.J. and Switzerland. Two kids in college. No potty talk. Super smart, loves to read, likes spinning. Strong candidate for moving into the friend category. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1422040856505-G0GV0K750E1788FJPV7V/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Are You my Friend? Rebecca convinced me to join her gym, and treated me to a smoothie this week after a workout. She is in the International Women's Group walking and film clubs with me. And she loves to read. All strong ingredients for an Amsterdam friend, don't you think? Plus there's the British accent, which I could listen to all day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421873970486-TDKU061JG7XEI3ANREFF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Are You my Friend? Even Casey is looking for friends. This lookalike was only visiting from Switzerland. Who knew that dogs can be expats? https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2015/1/8/from-rome-with-love monthly 0.5 2015-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421164031038-3XL19ZX3ECMRMZBDV1BZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421001704889-QBS4NYOMRIE2HWSRG4VT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love Ben moved through this gluten-free pizza, and the gluten-free beer "like Grant through Richmond" before polishing off a gluten-free tiramisu and cheesecake. He was thrilled to be in a restaurant that had these treats. The only way I can relate is to think about the bread binge I go on the minute Passover wraps up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421164089877-NEPBUPPOJ1P88Z18F4GW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love Although the weather was uncharacteristically chilly in Rome, we did manage to treat ourselves to some delicious gelato. It was well worth the incredibly long walk through winding streets to get there. We were compelled to find it both because it was senza gluten (without gluten), and because Rick Steves told us to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421164553108-11DQPOUX0JFZAZ4JTDGH/IMG_2294.jpg Blog - From Rome, With Love This is one of Rome's famous coffee bars, where you drink your coffee like a shot of tequila and then move on so someone else can take your spot. This took some getting used to after the leisurely affair known as drinking coffee in Amsterdam. Also, the tiny portion made Amsterdam's cup of coffee seem like a Venti Starbucks in comparison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421002548612-6CZYEDCAEWQ9MXJR7NCU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love I wonder what he was thinking. Was it, "I'm so glad to be traveling with my family in Rome"? Or "I'd rather be eaten by lions in front of a crowd of cheering Romans than be on this trip with my family?" Or maybe both? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421002812656-VMEOVGUSM80ERC15KW6G/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love This happy face was not the one I was greeted with when we woke her up at 9 a.m. In fairness to Rachel, I must disclose that she arrived in Amsterdam (with a brief stopover in Iceland, no less) two days before we packed her up and left for Rome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421084913448-1O53KWKDDYLJWJBWYDVV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love After being in secular Amsterdam for four months, it was striking to be in a place filled with so many people there for religious reasons. It was also nice to see some blue sky, another rarity in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421165934128-C3YLT464Y12BK9IOZU99/IMG_2278.jpg Blog - From Rome, With Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421166165133-0F948U6CT3Z47VUJZF7I/IMG_2280.JPG Blog - From Rome, With Love I'm sure you wish you were looking at his professional photos instead of mine, but as the teacher in me would say: "You get what you get, and you don't get upset." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421173373521-5U4L73H74YK0QWYQIHCG/image-asset.png Blog - From Rome, With Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421164678379-C583RJKPMWRNR7FUCO3A/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love Still at kid at heart, I hope. I managed to embarrass not just my kids, but Peter as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421165058943-14BD440CZLY9THOLY5BH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love I wasn't even the oldest person in the room. And, no, we were not the first people to leave. We stayed for the entire show, Howard and Kate! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421167153890-48Q2C2I10PZO1W0W6NOK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421167809673-65GJV4XHC7R4E2SM3PO2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421167842628-KCKXCUJUYD9N4LRL7DY5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1421167934694-JG1FEEJFCROU9ZSVITZF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - From Rome, With Love https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2014/12/11/home-for-the-holidays monthly 0.5 2014-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418329915493-4S0YJMDU2XFFFKSZL8OH/10432543_1387385234888884_5338614345327164544_n.jpg Blog - Tradition! Nana surrounded by her grandkids. What could be better? Enjoying some delicious Chinese food during the visit? The icing on the cake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1419181052856-F3592LVC9ITG3CVJWSHQ/image-asset.png Blog - Tradition! Here is a poster telling you when you can meet up with Sinterklaas or Zwarte Piet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418414263762-N7TEANVQ27AMVEYII3JX/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! Here, Zwarte Piet is even asked to help sell the lingerie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418668781478-O3AIP0WT2A4N3NAP3CRW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! Our Dutch teacher, Nelleke, already clearly knows the way to my heart! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1419180609163-ZHLJHGFF9FW87UNK7PKR/IMG_2229.JPG Blog - Tradition! Pepernoten are only about 1 cm across. Doll-house cookies. You can't eat just one, even though that is usually all you are served with your coffee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1419181161973-53HQL4P3P0GVE9J2Q00G/image-asset.png Blog - Tradition! And these healthy treats are called Olliebollen, which to this Jersey Girl taste like fried dough that you would get on the boardwalk. Like giant round doughnuts, they are stuffed with treats like ginger, pear, cherries and rum/raisin. To add insult to injury, they are "dusted" (hit with a blizzard) of powdered sugar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418587489348-XLNM1HPELO457JT0ZMQE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! These are some neon trees outside our local posh flower store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418587608384-OP7Y4SDM5KGPZPC5O5UO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! This is the display inside the posh flower store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418587683740-HZKESLN3E71W4ERGBHUM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! This is our neighborhood. Because Sinterklaas comes in early December, these lights went up in early November. I love them not just because they sparkle, but also because they make it easier to cross the street when the cars, bikes, and pedestrians all converge to make a perfect storm of traffic at dinner time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418758571063-5EYNE7HTGACRL4NHC0F5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! The Christmas tree at the Rijksmuseum is truly environmentally friendly. It's a hologram! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418587770383-PCY956JFXX1RWS037RPC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! This is what the canals look like at night way before the holidays. This is a city that really likes its lights! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1418588459523-TP2PWQXYZVLV7L07LR03/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! Don't ask! Suffice it to say that my cheeks hurt from laughing. What more could you want from your family? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1419168730725-G3Y29OUNJTK5FGP69XFH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Tradition! Happy Holidays from the Drucker/Vines! Here's to celebrating traditions both new and old in the coming year! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2014/11/19/the-sound-of-music monthly 0.5 2014-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416420703640-V2OGMTRV19ANSO4JI7BE/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416421276814-K9FC5DA4Q9UTYR5AHNVP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music Here are the cellos lined up in this music store, like guests at a cocktail party, just waiting to greet me. My dad would have had a good time at this party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416421351360-6ONVJUDFG3W58D7QGKVP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music Here's another store with a really wide selection of sheet music. I was so tempted to buy that cut-out orchestra in the window, but this year at least, I have no class to pretend I bought it for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416421781357-B9CPOUB7TKD649E2LC3R/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416421910851-KR49453B1N1H92IWCG7D/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music This week's concert featured an accordion player named (I kid you not) Vincent van Amsterdam. I almost didn't go, imagining either Lawrence Welk-style schmaltz, or a straggly looking man with a monkey. I was surprised to find a black-clad hipster who would not have been out of place in Brooklyn. He played both classical music (Bach and Tchaikovsky) and two modern pieces with intense emotion and musicality. It was an amazing performance, maybe especially because it was so unexpected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416423045893-IMD6L8B2RE85GSKDIQPS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music In full disclosure, this photo is from another free concert at the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. The set up is the same, however. Those ladies taking a load off on the seats will get up and "cut" to the front of the line when the time comes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416423205422-NCYJTFRVT86WN1YK42T7/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music You can see that even the actual line is not really a line in the way a 4th grade teacher would define a line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416507711234-X99JE64CQHFDCI2AIVDG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music I wish I could post the video I took of this 6 year old who drew in a huge crowd. She played a few solos, and then was joined by her trombonist. He must have known what actors mean when they say that kids and dogs steal any scenes they perform with grownups. She was outstanding! The little furrow between her eyebrows during difficult passages was the only signal that the music was at all challenging for her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416586912877-1BIQZ83ZIGRJGZRUFWNN/IMG_2143.jpg Blog - The Sound of Music Here is proof that I am actually playing my violin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416588226944-0W4K9QTO67NUOUHVKLNS/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music In loving memory of my dad, Sherwood Vine, (February 27, 1921-December 5, 2009): a professional amateur musician, and a joyful lover of all types of music. This photo was taken in 1965. He took up the cello at age 40, after playing the piano since he was a child. If he can do it, I can do it, right? A true inspiration to all of us to keep learning new things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1416588357969-1G6EASAIXV1ORYLG15DR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Sound of Music My dad, circa 1979. I know you would be living the good life here, vicariously, through my blog, Dad. When I want to think about you, I listen to the following song. Then you are here in Amsterdam with us. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2014/11/11/flowers-are-a-girls-best-friend monthly 0.5 2014-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415793439887-C2YTK2XLWBWP0Z4NL4OK/IMG_2035.jpg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend This is our "go to" flower market in our hood. Nothing fancy, but the flowers are amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415822829431-IYBUJ6P9W26NNYWMEJJ0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend You can see the elegant orchid plant on the left that my mother-in-law Lenore gave us when she came to visit. I see many orchids in people's windows here. More of my visual eavesdropping later. And for those of you who were wondering, the bell is an award that Peter recently won from his company for his outstanding legal work. Glad to know they appreciate him and that this move was not for nothing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415823007508-PR4ESTH0P7Y0USM0Q1VH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend It's sort of flower porn, isn't it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415823167505-HTV1U4OEI97WBYMOLQ79/IMG_2028.jpg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend There is a reason that tulips are so popular here. It's because they are simple and beautiful. We got the plate from the market. A man sets up shop with pottery from Tunisia (where this one is from), Turkey, and Morocco. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415823223039-UYITRX4UD49ZZ84X3AHR/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend The pumpkin-like blossoms on the right are Chinese Lanterns. They are everywhere in Amsterdam, both growing outside, and in vases. The florist told me that when the stems wither, I should pluck off the flowers, dry them, and put them in a bowl or vase. So I did! It makes me feel like an insider. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415901485360-NQWOSD69DE6OBFDRKO4X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend Here's the Chinese Lantern plant growing outside. It just says The Netherlands, doesn't it? One of these days, someone is going to emerge from their house and wonder why I am snooping around. Until then, I'll continue to pry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415823285472-84PKOQCUHCVZ4S7OF2T1/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend Flowers even in our bedroom. We're living the good life here in Amsterdam! I know I need a more recent photo of Ben and Rachel, by the way, but I just love this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415903310040-P1QNH3NFWQ5ZCLWR8O5K/image-asset.png Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend There's even a magazine dedicated to tulips at the grocery store. I haven't figured out yet if the Dutch leaf through it at the checkout line, the way Americans look at People Magazine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415901823306-XUGUTJ285EF76UJKF4UD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend I didn't have to peek inside at all to see this lovely display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415902631146-51B51MKXXAWWX3G7B7E4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend And no staring into someone's living room needed to see this display. Just a little Rear Window-ish checking out of the neighbors. I feel like in New York City, this little display would be tucked away in an inner courtyard, away from prying eyes. Here, it is front and center, for all to enjoy. I have to encourage Casey with a hard tug on the leash not to "enjoy" the flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415903058412-LUPA58OJXX0LKHEYRL69/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Flowers Are a Girl's Best Friend Stunning photo taken by Ben when we visited the Butterfly House at Hortus Botanics, the botanical gardens in Amsterdam. I could survive months of rain and gloom with this photo to sustain me. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2014/11/4/food-glorious-food monthly 0.5 2014-11-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415133335524-Q1CF16TKW961DGZTZYDS/IMG_1971.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! Here is the fruit display from the Noordermarkt, one of the many outdoor markets that dot the city. We have been there several Saturday mornings already. Can you see why? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415219324651-TRTQR83KTF2HB4XQBMW1/IMG_1969.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! Who knew that there were so many, many varieties of mushrooms? This is one of Peter's favorite stands at the market. He has created some delicious pasta dishes with assorted mushrooms. Even the mushroom seller is smiling. How could you not love working amongst all this beauty? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415216452607-0FVCURVOQWIFK27IFGIZ/IMG_1594.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415297613531-G4D49V3WLTUN4QNPN153/IMG_1624.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415216632483-L9Q03YCZBSEVL2B9HKPJ/IMG_1990.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! Rachel Drucker, this book is for you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415217093581-W30UXG112GRTXGQ4W3AB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! Here is our very own romanesco broccoli, before we ate it for dinner. Please don't say it looks too beautiful to eat. There is no such thing, in my book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415218021901-F77TEAEZ163BN3WKDD11/IMG_1975.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! Notice here that these are free samples. The city abounds with them and I'm in heaven as a result. There is a certain cheese shop that we visited in which Peter and I ate so many free samples that we fear our pictures may be hanging on the wall, like some sort of Most Wanted Cheese Eaters poster because of what we did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415298045709-QD8U8LFRYQM6KAUFZT66/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! This should give you an idea of the revered status of cheese in the Netherlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415218392492-AG5H6HUNSQ3DQOXHRZO0/IMG_1974.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! I am still in search of my Able Baker replacement here. My search continues for a scone that will live up to its Maplewood archetype. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415218638435-O76LXT8MCICXA7LEYNJ9/IMG_2008.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! De Bakkerswinkel has the charm, it has the bench in front. What it does not have is the scone to make your heart sing. My quest for the holy grail continues.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415220502052-WSAN6F8WMAX3UCE40SLD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! When I sent this photo of my breakfast to Carrie and her son Josh, she said it was "cruel-sli" of me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415295179636-E4WKQR7JVHMUCQ6R45PF/IMG_2016.jpg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! Here is the Frietboutique, the trendy new place near our apartment. Notice that there is no photo of the fries I ate (for research purposes only, of course). I was too busy eating them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415296922307-BH2IUHL6UE2TII66TYZB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! Here is a charming little place that Emma Sedlak, daughter of my teacher friend Linda, introduced me to. It's tucked away in an alley in a spot I could never find without Google Maps. The soup is the best! As we head into the winter months - think cold and grey, I'm warned constantly - I plan on getting well-acquainted with the many varieties of Dutch soup. Thanks, Emma for this inside scoop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1415298513667-2RKDODTPHX4HLKKC3R6P/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Food, Glorious Food! Many of you asked how much we had left over. The answer, I am proud to say, is not a morsel. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2014/10/27/getting-my-dutch-on monthly 0.5 2014-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414855536455-J7JSXAFBLX04ZFC0CYK4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Getting my Dutch On https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414770964043-S4DZHBQL9USQDZLEN9X7/IMG_1965.JPG Blog - Getting my Dutch On Hard to believe that this little girl could inspire me to learn French. Now you know something about the power of chocolate in my life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414771938263-LSFS11B3CP0J7NZ4VP95/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Getting my Dutch On Beautiful Delft pottery display. The violin seemed to be not so quietly reminding me that I lugged my violin to Amsterdam and haven't played it once. That's on the to-do list! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414855029099-S8AGOE0X7FXMTBTONK98/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Getting my Dutch On Even the cards here are colorful and beautiful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414854745203-D9DMC9O428FQHV3C5GZ5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Getting my Dutch On Now that I have told you how moeilijk (difficult) Dutch is, I have to concede that I realize English is no picnic. Through, though, thought? I guess it's true what they say about how people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Here is het Glazen Huis (the Glass House) in Amstel Park to remind us of that point.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414854563773-3DAQTF2V50BZZSTHS2M9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Getting my Dutch On Some days I feel like the big clumsy duck in the back, struggling to keep up with the graceful speakers in the front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414773569262-ZV6T49H7Q447GLXY4YMV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Getting my Dutch On This is from an exhibit at The Amsterdam City Museum. 2001? They were just a bit ahead of the U.S. on this issue. There's also their famous tolerance for people from other cultures, and of course, their liberal views on marijuana and prostitution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414774318305-AJ7FEMHBA545DRJSF6SC/IMG_1934.jpg Blog - Getting my Dutch On Here are Casey and Ruby just before Casey was shown how the new guy in the park is treated here. Ruby is forever grateful that chivalry is not dead! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2014/10/13/the-language-of-coffee monthly 0.5 2014-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414253420126-BQEJVBZSGFOPOR9R3P54/IMG_1864.jpg Blog - The Language of Coffee Here's the tiny doll-sized cup of "to go" (known here as "take-away") coffee. You can see that this would not fortify our American friend Jeff on a long car ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414255288571-L9890L2U6TJTHFMJ0Z11/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Language of Coffee Just to help you with the dimensions, the brownie is about the size of my thumb-nail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414254951220-LHOMDEQONPXAAMGDNJGH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Language of Coffee Here is the coffee set up at Casey's vet's office. He was delighted that the treats (pictured on the far right), are not chocolate or a cookie, but dog treats. He enjoyed them immensely. I passed this time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414255109617-XNE98KQKV1SJ31DD75OJ/IMG_1935.JPG Blog - The Language of Coffee One of the great things about my coffee routine is that it forces me to keep up a reading routine. Here is a Dutch magazine that I am really enjoying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414254024432-OHTAO2T11YZ0YKWI3R7W/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Language of Coffee This is a coffeeshop. I am standing outside for research purposes only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1414255403667-K0KL9WZ5ESA3Y3KMMDX5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Language of Coffee Once again, thanks to my social media and coffee coach, Ben Drucker, for pushing me to write this blog and to treat my self to good coffee! https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2014/10/10/is-it-like-riding-a-bike monthly 0.5 2014-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1413042880826-HTG0ESL9QPSF2VTD3Q08/IMG_0153.JPG Blog - Is it Like Riding a Bike? Ben finally got me to smile while riding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1413042137621-TDCMR2C0G1HTA9WKPRNL/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it Like Riding a Bike? Here's our upstairs neighbor's bike tote. it doubles as a landmark to help me figure out which one is our apartment. For those of you who know me and my sense of direction, you know just how important landmarks are to my safe return home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1413044770235-UMFJIA6MLVMUKSSGB3MG/IMG_1725.jpg Blog - Is it Like Riding a Bike? Ben "graciously" agreed to be photographed with Peter's bike, which Peter graciously loaned him for the week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1413044829263-UUJVRC120SO9U35SO6GC/IMG_1724.jpg Blog - Is it Like Riding a Bike? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1413043260448-4S5JHENFXO4HSPHCIAP6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Is it Like Riding a Bike? If he can do it (man on right, with white hair) I can do it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1413043331928-EMUYV6I1PDZ0EC1WB43X/IMG_1794.jpg Blog - Is it Like Riding a Bike? If he can do it (boy on left, with white hair), I can do it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1413044558257-31T6X5Y0S5YNWTK4MFGY/IMG_1791.jpg Blog - Is it Like Riding a Bike? If all else fails, I'll just have Peter push me around town in one of these. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5432a2d4e4b055d241641973/1413044981551-GWMR4HLZDPTOIA12356P/IMG_1718.jpg Blog - Is it Like Riding a Bike? Many thanks to my social media guru/bicycle coach/photographer/son, Ben Drucker, for a wonderful week in Amsterdam. https://suzanne-vine.squarespace.com/blog/2014/10/6/welcome-in-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2014-10-09