Fantastic year spent living in Amsterdam, allota rain, some snow and those Dutch – straightforward and fun; a country full of merchants. I write about cultural realities and they are truer than ever.
Excerpt from my book, A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace: about falling in love with a typical Dutch couple from afar:
“If Paris and Edinburgh had an affair their love child would look like Amsterdam. Canals lined with savvy and kinky shops and services safely contained within a handsome, brooding exterior. And the citizens would be good looking and very tall; this last quality, quintessentially Dutch, came across like an unexpected perk. Short people can be annoying, while tall people, in general, are often not.”
“This was illustrated one beautiful day in early spring. It wasn’t raining as I walked along one of the main canals called Prinsengracht. A Dutch couple approached from afar, even at a distance of ten meters, they appear very tall. They were both around thirty years old and held hands in a relaxed fashion. Each opted for a smart overcoat, his was charcoal, hers dove grey, unbuttoned. Both were made of wool gabardine and worn right above the knee. Each had on a pair of black wool slacks with sleek creases, dark leather shoes beneath, flat, not too shiny with tips not too sharp. Far above, the man’s brown hair was slicked back, making it look almost black, a common look, a little wavy at the base covering the back of his white collar. His button-down shirt was neatly tucked beneath a dark brown wool sweater and I don’t think he was wearing a tie but my attention was drawn to the woman’s long, perfectly straight hair. It had to be admired, flowing gently away from her face, with natural blonde highlights and skin that was pale and pristine; she looked shy.”
“As they approached it became apparent each had a matching set of large hazel colored eyes. Her silk cream blouse hung below her beige cashmere sweater, a v-neck and very stylish. Both of their long bodies were in fine shape, faces slightly chiseled, they could have been twins if they weren’t so deeply in love. I assumed their engagement was recent, that their wedding would be intimate, surrounded by close family and friends and they will live happily ever after.”
Had to cycle out of town to see my favorite Van Gogh – Cafe Terrace at Night. Well worth it and awfully fun.
