deadmillion

I actually read a book this week. People than know me, know I'm not much of a reader, but I read this one in less than a day. It's called "My 'Dam life", and it's written by Sean Condon, an australian who lived in Amsterdam for 3 years, and it's about his life there. A lot of the situations he's gotten himself into are very familiair, and he's such a funny writer (especially the little asides). I just couldn't stop reading. I have another book of his (which has been on my shelf for months already...), about a road trip across the USA with his buddy (also published by Lonely Planet), which I'll start reading shortly.


This weekend I went to Amsterdam for some shopping. I took my bike with me on the train, and went for a ride across town. I've never actually ridden in Amsterdam before (I do go everywhere by bike here in town, and I go to Amsterdam often, but I never combined the two), but it was actually quite nice. Nice weather (even though on the chilly side), no crazy traffic, just a great day to ride around.
My first stop was a farmers' market near Amsterdam's central train station, where I picked up some organic lamb for a tajine (I might post some pictures) and herbs. Then it was off to a street market on the south side of town for some more groceries, and my favourite little spice shop, which is just off the market. Close to the street market is a kitchen supply store, which I couldn't resist visiting. As you might remember from my big Christmas blog, I've been on the hunt for a Christmass-y cookie cutter/mold, and I figured I might find one there. While I couldn't find what I wanted, they did have a cookie cutter in the shape of a windmill. I just couldn't resist. It even has separate sections for the body and the sails. It's so tacky, but I love it.

I finished this trip off with a ride along the canals. It was beautiful, I love this city.

I finally got the quote from that contractor that came by a few weeks ago. I had hight hopes, as I heard a lot of good things about this particular contractor (especially about what he charged). It turned out to be the highest of all the quotes I got so far. So it's official now: I'm going to do most of the work myself. I'll probably have the foundations done by a contractor, as the soil here requires piles being driven 20 feet into the ground, but the rest I'll do myself with the help of an electrician friend. I have done plumbing before, as well as dry-walling and framing, but it's still going to be quite an adventure. Wish me luck!