weekend break trip: Château St. Gerlach

Desire a romantic weekend away in Burgundy but lack the resources*? There’s no need to travel long to get a taste of France: just travel 2 hours south towards Château St. Gerlach. It’s breathtaking, relaxing and divine! 

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amsterdam pop up shops

Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you are going to get. That’s surely the case at the Amsterdam pop up locations! I celebrate pop up shops as they allowing young designers and start ups to personally sell their products for a few days.

Tell me where >>

Astonishing Amsterdam: the green rof top of Verdana 

Designed by NL Architects, the roof of the 10 attached houses is coated with moss-sedum. The result: a valley-like, reddish moss roof intercepted by private patios.

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terrace of the week: cafe cobra

Whenever the sun shines in Amsterdam, then you can catch those precious rays on the terrace of Cafe Cobra for sure. Why?

1. No buildings cast shade on the terrace.

2. The terrace is not occupied with local yuppies lounging for hours.

3. The terrace is large.

Recommended Weekend Break: Winselerhof

Set in a former country house built in the 16th century, the hotel offers a pleasant surrounding to relax and enjoy good Italian food. The sunny weather in combination with great uncomplicated Italian home food of Trattoria Luigi, truly makes you feel like being in Tuscany.

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What’s on right now: World Press Photo exhibition

Life is easier when you close your eyes and turn your head. The winning photos of the World Press Photo are hard to look away from though. Find an hour in your agenda and head to the stunning Oude Kerk for a visit. Go there with a friend or alone - but do go! … and if you go on a Tuesday at 14h or Saturday at 16h you’ll be treated to a (free) carillon concert!

Exhibition is on till 17 June. Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23, nearby Central Station, Amsterdam. more amsterdam spring happenings >>

Restaurant of the Week: Blauw (Indonesian)

As a daughter of an Indonesian mother, it’s hard to be impressed by Indonesian restaurants. However last month, neighbouring wine bar SoVine urged me to try the place Blauw again ‘there's a new chef, you should really check it out!’

So I did, and I was in for a positive surprise...

Gimmick of the Week: Amsterdam Wall Stickers

Two friends of mine are leaving Amsterdam with their two little girls. The boat, the bakfiets, the house on the canals… everything has already been sold. Now what can I give them that will give their new home an Amsterdam feel? And then I remembered seeing these Zuuz wallstickers! They are available in black, white, gold and blue (E46). We have opted for the blue version, which have a Delft’s blauw feel to it.

Also fun are the Amsterdam chalkboard version or window sticker. Sold online on Zuuz.nl or at Keet in Huis, KNSM-laan 297, Amsterdam.
more Amsterdam gimmicks & gifts >>