Family Christmas

Had a busy Christmas Day travelling between cities and families.

Kinda feels like Christmas

What can I say?

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve, the pressies are wrapped, the baking is done.
Merry Christmas!

Pohutakawa

The Pohutakawa tree is the NZ Christmas tree. There is nothing more stunning than an old Pohutakawa in full bloom.

Up the Coro

Going 'up the Coro' is an essential part of Christmas and summer for me. This year I went up for 3 days with my mother and sister before Christmas to get away from the excesses of pre-Christmas hype.
It didn't disappoint - blue waters, flax flowers, paddlers, baches and wood pigeons.

Home

I have been home for just over 3 weeks now so this home-coming post is a tad overdue but...
I did hit the ground running.
Anyway first impressions back in NZ were - where is everyone? even arriving on the day of the RWC final the place just seemed empty. And light, very light. Amazing light. It felt like the earth had turned and warmed things up.  A welcome riot of blue flowers blooming in my front garden to greet me -  won't mention the weeds.

Max

Hometime

It's time to go. The 3 weeks have flown by. So hard saying goodbye, even more so now there is a grandchild. Hope to see you soon in NZ Max, until then I'll have to settle for 'Oma on Skype'.

Knopenwinkel

Went for a visit to Den Haan and Wagenmakers, the quilt shop that sells reproduction Dutch fabrics. Then on to Knopenwinkel - the button shop. I resisted the fabric but a few buttons will be going home with me.

Back in the Dam

Back in the Dam. Amsterdam smells like the Dutch shop in Hillcrest. Bikes everywhere, krentenbollen and Max's funny faces.

Arrivederci

It's time to go Florence, it's been great getting to know you.
Five days here creates one of those little windows in your life that you'll never forget.
Arrivederci!

What a Pitti

Today was the day to visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Those Medici's certainly lived in style and had a few nice 'pictures' on the walls haha - Rubens, Raphael, Tintoretto, Carravaggio, Van Dyke just to mention a few. Regarding the gardens, I consoled myself that they are in fact, the real thing (Italian gardens that is). Have you visited the Hamilton Gardens lately?
Passed over Ponte Vecchio several times but resisted all temptation to buy anything gold. Did succumb to a rock melon gelato though. Divine.

How many steps?

Had dinner at a little cafe right at the base of the Duomo. The size of this church astounds me. I was going to climb to the top today but it is overcast so I'll wait for clear skies. Or am I just procrastinating? Surely handbag shopping would be less tiring?

ARTartART

Today's art lesson was at the Uffizi gallery. The Christian story is extremely well documented - not a lot of still life painting in this gallery. In fact I have seen more religious painting in the last three days than can be healthy. I did enjoy seeing Fiorentino's Musical Angel.

Room with a view

This is the view from my hotel room - San Lorenzo church. Today all my plans came to fruition - I found a supermarket - no easy task in Florence - and bought some milk. Made a cuppa using travel jug bought off trade me and mug bought at Accademia gallery. Bliss

David

I wonder if he ever ate quiche?

Firenze

Hello Florence.
Climbed Giotti's Campanile (bell tower built in 1334), all 441 ste, to watch the sun set over Florence.

Rugby

Watched a lot of rugby this weekend, some good some not so good. Max was up and active to support the All Blacks! - although he did nod off during the game.

Kerks

I went for a wander today and visited two Kerks. St Nicholas Kerk and Oude Kerk.
Oude Kerk is under renovation and is the oldest church is Amsterdam. It's a gorgeous building, completely surrounded by brothels! - which made getting there interesting!

iThankYou

Anyone who knows me knows I am and always have been,  a 100% Apple fan for which I make no apologies. Apple makes computers that I want  to use and technology that I find inspiring. Currently I am roaming the streets of Amsterdam with my trusty iPhone3S with a downloaded App called The Map - it's free and it's got GPS!! - no more trying to read silly maps, my phone shows me where I am and how to get home! I have one for Florence too - next port of call. Thank you Steve Jobs. RIP

The Nine Streets

The Nine Streets in central Amsterdam comprise an area adjacent to three canals that are particularly picturesque with a good smattering of fascinating and quaint little shops and cafes. Yesterday I went for a wander there.

Trust...Sleep...Read

This boys parents already have a growing pile of books to read to him.

And that's one of the best things about being an Oma, you can justify buying kids books and toys again!

Bath time

Bucket bath with Kraamzorg and Paparazzi from Sheryl Nagels on Vimeo.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is having a pleasant autumn, the trees are only just beginning to turn but the Olliebolen stalls are popping up on the canal bridges - a sure sign of winter approaching apparetnly.
Sonya and Toby live in a residential area close to Vondel park - Wilhelminastraat 93.
On Monday I went to Nordamarkt, a textile/flea market and yesterday I went Birkenstock shopping - two new pairs for summer NZ!

Wilhelminastraat

Olliebollen stall

Nordamarkt