My Top 5 Obsessions This Week

This week is a double header. A recent trip to Amsterdam has inspired me as always as I have a true love for this amazing city and have been visiting for almost 20 years.

1) My love for the canals knows no bounds and a canal boat excursion is even great in the rainy November weather. The beautiful Hermitage Museum Amsterdam is located in the old Amstelhof built in1683 on the banks of The Amstel River. We checked out the latest exhibit on Catherine The Great "Self Polished Diamond " Do not miss this. The audio tour with the beautiful cameos and jewelry she so lovingly collected.

2) One of the newest additions to the skyline is the modern A'DAM  building with a revolving bar and restaurant called Moon and Europe's highest swing Over The Edge lets you swing out high above The Amstel River.

3) Christmas time in the city is a joy to behold with all the delish speculaas cookies and hot cappuccinos. Shop til you drop but save a bit of an appetite for The Vlaamse frites at the well known Manneken Pis. Share any size a you will be treated to the buttery crunchy goodness with your choice of sauces. I prefer a War Sauce or a Curry and Peanut Sauce. Enjoy!!

4) When you are craving a beer, head to some of my favorite Dutch bars. Mixed crowds of Gay and Straight mingle at Barderij and 'T Mandje. Mostly locals with lots of history. sing, dance,drink beer and enjoy the moment.

5) A wonderful way to wrap up an evening of shopping in The Kalverstraat is a dinner at Humphrey's. A three course pre fixe meal of fine European fare in this rustic chandelier'ed establishment will make you want to come back and visit Amsterdam again and again.