HET SCHEEPVAART MUSEUM

Last weekend we went to the Scheepvaart Museum (Maritiem Museum) as part of our new resolution to go out and see more of the sights our lovely city has to offer. Boy, have museums changed from when I was a child. These days everything is much more interactive.

 We found the museum itself pretty interesting and learned lots of new things about our seafaring history. And while you are there anyway, the museum restaurant Stalpaert is pretty good.

The above pictures were all taken with my new Samsung EX2F compact camera. I purchase it because I find my DSLR too heavy to carry around on little trips like this, but I still like to have a camera around that can give me pretty good image quality.

MAARTEN

I met Maarten during the Amsterdam-Dakar Challenge 3 years ago and he has been a friend ever since. Last year he started his own business called TripGems. TripGems is a very handy website where people can leave their travel tips and find those 'hidden gems' left by others.

There is so much travel wisdom among travellers about what is hot and what is not, we believe we can unlock this value by providing a platform that works fast and is easily accessible everywhere.

 Check out TripGems and check out my travel tips there if you like!

THE HAPPIEST 5K

I participated in the first dutch color run today. The weather might not have been that awesome, but it was dry and who really notices the cold when you're busy color bombing your neighbors!!!

http://thecolorrun.co.nl

IN SPRINGS'S SWEET FLOWERY MONTH OF MAY

-We celebrated my dad's 65 birthday

-We enjoyed the spring weather

-I got my first pair of glasses

-I tried out a new lens for my camera

-I cooked for my in-laws

Pictures taken with my Nikon D700, Nikkor 85mm 1.8D & Nikkor 24mm 2.8 D

HERE COMES THE KING

Yesterday was a special day for us. After 33 years our Queen made way for her son. For the first time since 123 years our country has a king again. For my generation this is the first abdication of a monarch we could witness. Naturally there were a lot of festivities in the city. 'Lucky' for us our neighbourhood was the stage of one of the official events. Friends & family came over, there was food and plenty of drinks, and the afternoon sun made it a good day to be outside. A recipe for a great 'last' Queensday.

Picture taken with my Nikon D700, Nikkor 24mm 2.8 D

I LOVE THIS CITY: DE LAATSTE KRUIMEL

I'm a sucker for city trips! However with limited time and information, it can get hard to find those cute local spots without a little help. Since Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe, there is an overkill of options. I liked to share some of my favorite spots with you. Because I love my city, and hope you will too when you visit.

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For those who are strolling through the old city center, De Laatste Kruimel in the langebrugsteeg is the perfect place to stop for a drink and a bite, or pick up some supplies for on the way. It's the kind of place where it's hard to walk by without taking a glance at all the delicious food they have in the storefront. It comes as no surpise that it can get a little busy during lunch hours.

They are open Monday to Sunday from 08.00 - 20.00.
http://www.delaatstekruimel.nl

Pictures taken with my Nikon D700, Nikkor 24mm 2.8 D & Nikkor 50mm 1.8 D

HAPPY SNAPPING

DSLR are heavy and don't quite fit in that cool clutch. So sometimes your only option is your phone. I find it fun to document the little things in life. For me this comes down to mostly food, cat, home and city pictures.

Follow me on instagram @meretteketet

HERE COMES THE SUN

Last week it was freezing cold, but the sun gave us some glimpses of spring! Perfect time to get out and ignore the winter cold. I met up with one of my best friends, caught the ferry to the NDSM wharf (one of our favorite hang-out spots) and shot some pictures of her. I can't wait for spring/summer to really kick in!

Pictures taken with my Nikon D700, Nikkor 24mm 2.8 D & Nikkor 50mm 1.8 D

THIS CHRISTMAS

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas just like ours so far!

Pictures taken with my Nikon D700 & Nikkor 24mm 2.8 D

MR BRIGHTSIDE

Today I participated in a light workshop organized by foam. While doing an exercise outside on a busy Amsterdam street this cheerful fellow passed by and signaled to me to take a picture. He wasn't interested in seeing the result and was gone as quickly as he was there. Nice to meet you strange man. And thank you for the most interesting picture of the day!

Picture taken with my Nikon D700 & Nikkor 50mm 1.8 D

'T TWISKE

This weekend we went for a walk in 't twiske, a recreational area a little outside of Amsterdam. It's huge and has lots to offer: swimming, sailing, diving, surfing, cycling, horse riding and walking. In the summer it's pretty busy, but we love the peace and quiet of a rainy autumn day.

Pictures taken with my Nikon D700 & Nikkor 50mm 1.8 D

AMSTERDAM'S EASTERN DOCKLANDS

There's nothing quite like living near water. As we live in a huge city not even that near to the sea, we count our lucky stars that we managed to score a house on one of Amsterdam's Eastern Islands. Just minutes away from the buzzing city center yet blissfully peaceful.

 

All pictures taken with my Nikon D700 & Nikkor 50mm 1.8 D