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maviemesregles · 5 years ago

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Once I was an Eagle

Thanks to all who keeps following this story! For all your lovely comments and messages in DM. <3

I've had so much fun writing this chapter. Xmas music was on as early as November started and inspiration hit me to write a wee bit of festivity. Hope you enjoy it!

P.S. Of course for full experience turn on your Christmas playlist or just listen to Michael Buble album ;)

Thanks to my beta @eclecticstarlightconnoisseur as always :)

Read on AO3.

Chapter I: The beginnings

Chapter II: Sassenach

Chapter III: Catharsis

Chapter IV: Lovestruck. Part I

Chapter V: Lovestruck. Part II

Chapter VI: Flecks of Sun

Chapter VII: Mince pies & baubles

December

I used to think that I have grown out of loving Christmas time. In fact, I turned Scrooge-like and annoyed everyone around me with remarks about how this time has turned into something cynical, commercial, plastic. It wasn’t about love or family or Christianity anymore. Damn me, my Catholicism would be as fake as the myriad of Christmas advertisements. But this year something has changed. Or rather someone has changed it.

The snowflakes were dancing around the narrow streets of Edinburgh draping the roofs in white fluffy blankets. The naked trees outlining the alleys and parks and the dull grey sky were a reminder of the seasons changing. The chill in the air made people wrap their scarfs around their necks while their coats kept them toasty warm. Rosy-cheeked and smiling, the young, old and the smallest ones were peering into the shiny, glittery shop windows. My feet froze in front of one featuring a festive woodland scene. I noticed my own reflection in the shiny glass, seeing a smile touch my lips as I gazed upon the scene. The eyes of Beauchamp who was happy. I really was. Dizzyingly, drunkenly, unbelievably happy.

The whole month has passed since that horrifying evening that made me think of the possibility of losing Jamie.

The whole month of visits to Broch Mordha, of Jenny teaching me to cook (and failing), of Brian showing me different surroundings and telling me fascinating stories of the family Fraser (or clan as he called it).

Of me laughing until I would cry at the jokes Jamie’s godfather Murtagh made.

Of getting drunk and singing on the streets with Jamie and his childhood friends Angus and Rupert.

Of that sweet, touching feeling that made me so sentimental when Jenny and Ian’s children would call me Auntie Claire.

Of Geillis and me spending quiet cozy evenings together in my kitchen with a bottle of red.

Of Jamie and me trying to find a secure corner in Lallybroch to make love without being interrupted by his family.

Of us making plans for the summer and where we might spend our first vacation together. (me suggesting Rome, Jamie saying Amsterdam would be more interesting)

Of arguing over that for the first time and then having makeup sex that made the hairs on my skin rise and hide my eyes away from the neighbours the next day.

Of catching a cold and then giving it to one another, spending two days at home, snuggled up on the couch in the company of disgusting snotty tissues.

Of twenty-three mornings, days and nights of Jamie making me coffee, greeting the sunrise together and making love in the darkness of the night.

Of five hundred hours saying I love you.

* * *

“Claire? What takes ye so long? I’ll freeze all my manly bits down here waiting for ye.” Jamie’s voice sounded muffled, mixed up with the noise of the traffic outside. “Ye ken, ye could put on a Tesco bag as a dress and yer still be the most bonnie and sexy lass I’d ever seen.”

Snorting (not ladylike at all and reminding Adso to be a good boy), I put on the only pair of heels I’d own (sleek and shiny, black stiletto) finally making it outdoors.

December 20th was the day Geillis threw a Christmas party each year. Though this time I’d much prefer to stay at home with Jamie trying to recreate his mom’s Gingerbread cookies recipe. But, I could not say no to my best friend.

Jumping into the car I cursed feeling all the sharp embroidery of the dress I’d bought (a black bodycon, fully covered in beads, ending just slightly above my knees) dig into my skin.

“Jesus H.Roosevelt Christ!” I hissed as my hand immediately reached for the button of the heating control. “Of course you’d freeze everything in here, you bloody Scot.”

Expecting Jamie’s usual reaction - rolling his eyes, saying something in Gaelic I did not understand (on purpose), and then laughing at me, I turned my head.

“What?”

His mouth was slightly agape as his eyes travelled from my feet up to my body. Lingering for a second on my hips, he licked his lips. By the time his gaze reached my face, his eyes darkened becoming a stormy blue.

“What?” I repeated, shifting on the leather seat.

“Fuck,” All of a sudden he sounded exactly the same when he whispered my name with last thrusts inside me. “Yer the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen, Sassenach.”

My heart started beating out of control. The way he looked at me - I already was seeing the stars without even being touched.

“Fuck?” My brow quirked in a question as I leaned to him, taking a fistful of his white collar. “Are you suggesting something, my lad?”

He swallowed. Not able to resist I dragged my tongue over his Adam’s apple. His skin tasted bitter (the cologne he’d used) and a bit stinging (the remnants of the stubble).

“I’ll have ye until ye forget yer own name,” Jamie’s finger drew intricate patterns up my leg, sliding over the black material of stockings.

My breath hitched as his hand slipped under the hem of my dress.

I bit my lower lip thinking Geillis would kill me if we were late. And surely my redheaded friend will make all kinds of inappropriate guesses as to why we did not arrive not on time.

Jamie removed his hand just as if he read my mind.

“Though there are at least a million and one things I would love to do to ye right now,” he brought his hands back to the steering wheel. “I canna wait another hour for ye to dress. And ye’d definitely need to change afterward.”

Jamie gave me the most awful wink that made me laugh out loud.

“I’ll hold you to a million and one things, James Fraser.”

As the evening progressed, we drank (wine and whisky, clearly a regret in the morning), Jamie devoured at least a dozen of canapes complaining that there’s no real food (and Geillis assuming with a smirk that “Claire, do ye no feed yer Highlander?”). We danced. My cheek resting just above his heart, arms wrapped around his neck, Jamie’s hands on the small of my back.

I ached. I felt hot and needy. More and more with each hour of Jamie’s innocent (not at all) words and texts (though we barely left each other) of what he was going to do to me once we are home.

An accidental (not) brush on Jamie’s leg with the tip of my shoe under the table.

A squeeze of his hand on my hip as we danced.

A chaste kiss in the company of Geillis watching us and the one that took my breath away when no one paid attention.

On our way back the car windows steamed up with alcoholic breath or perhaps it was from the mist of desire floating between us.

When my aching feet crossed the threshold, kicking off the shoes, Jamie’s hand closed the door pressing me against it. The skin on my face was hot, flushed. But Jamie's fingertips ran over my heated body leaving a pleasantly cool trail over my cheek and neck.

I was nothing but my body. The dim hall light blurred into one endless mirage. He was kissing me then. The tip of my nose. With a quite mumble “cute one”.

His lips hot with desire blazed a path of sweet kisses. My eyelids. Cheeks. Lips.

When my dress fluttered down my body to the floor with a soft rustling Jamie led me to the bedroom.

Our lovemaking was the bridge to one another that we had built and rebuilt every time our bodies joined. In the aftermath, we laid in the darkness of the room with the only sound of Adso’s purring interrupting the pleasant stillness.

Limbs still entwined, Jamie drew me even closer seeking to imprint our union forever into the skin. I curled up around him, my lips pressed to a soft curl on his neck.

Through the soothing warmth of sleep, I thought I heard Jamie mumble something about buying a Christmas tree and going to Broch Mordha.

For where all love is, the speaking is unnecessary. It is all. It is undying. And it is enough.

* * *

Mornings in winter were very dark and cold. But at the same time cosy and serene, despite the cold that drew a frozen lace upon my cheeks each time I ran down to my car in a hurry to warm it up. Nights last much longer bringing that peacefulness with them. It was my favourite time. I could curl up covered by a heavy duvet, wrapped up in Jamie’s embrace, listening to his heartbeat. The darkness of winter mornings was a chance for my lips to find that hollow space on Jamie’s neck in the dark, where he was tender and delicate. I would press a kiss there, his skin smelling musky with his own perfume and the memory of our lovemaking.

Later, when the sun warmed up the room, my legs felt like Jello from morning sex and I dissolved limp and slick as I lay on top of Jamie. Despite my amorous morning activities, my mind was still partly sleepy. Jamie, on the other hand, was out of bed in seconds, urging me to hurry up. In the end, it wasn’t a dream about buying a tree. Jamie had the whole plan set up and I obediently followed him. Though I wasn’t sure why I’d need a Christmas tree when we were going to celebrate in Broch Mordha with his family.

Morning began with having fresh croissants in the bakery with herbal tea and polishing off with mulled wine from the market stall (Jamie saying it’s not a crime at this time of the year after my remark that we look like chronical alcoholics sipping Gluhwein in the middle of the day).

Jamie stoically handled my nagging about the pine needles that’ll be all over my beige carpet, Adso’s misbehaving and surely kicking the tree down, and how awful we are chopping down the real one.

He rolled his eyes only several times as I kept choosing one tree over another. We’d spent about three hours at the tree farm, becoming cold to the point I couldn’t feel my toes anymore. We struggled for thirty minutes to load the green beauty to Jamie’s car and laughed so hard, the passerby surely thought us mental.

I had spilled the hot cocoa all over my jacket and dropped mushy marshmallows to the car seat. Jamie hoovered the insides of his car for another hour trying to get rid of the pine needles and the mess I’ve created. He cursed in Gaelic every other second as he tried to fit the three through the doorway. All of this adventure was so far away from the perfect but it felt so real, so ours, and so magical.

“I love you.” I whispered into his lips, being held up high in Jamie’s arms. I retrieved a box of vintage tree ornaments and lights from the highest shelf in my flat knowing that they would be just perfect on our tree.

When the pink and fluffy skies turned into the dark-blue, Jamie and I sat on the floor amongst packets of tinsel, tangled lights, and shiny baubles.

My life never resembled anything close to what one would see on a TV commercial. It had been some time since I truly felt happy at Christmas, now I felt as though that feeling of peak and joy come back.

As the second mug of tea was drunk, I sat with my back pressed to Jamie’s chest, his knees as two guards around my hips. The Spotify Christmas playlist and the warmth of Jamie next to me made me feel half sleepy as I lazily dug through the decorations.

“Where did ye get all of those?” He pointed to the box of baubles.

My fingers that fought stubborn mess of tangled lights, froze.

“It’s from my childhood.” My voice sounded distant. “I know it’s a pile of old crap, but I could never throw it away.”

Jamie’s lips softly touched the back of my neck.

“Tis no crap, Sassenach. Tis yer memories. And ye should always keep em here.” His hand came around my chest and laid over my frantically beating heart.

Suddenly my mind conjured up the picture that was still so vivid. It is 1991 and our Christmas tree is ridiculous. At least that’s what four years old me thinks and I don’t forget to inform my dad of my thoughts. My father stands on the ladder that dangerously wobbles as he tries to secure a star on top of the tree. There is Miracle on 34th street rolling on TV and my mum plugs in the Christmas lights. I happily squeal and grin at the sight of it. My parents kiss and I say it’s gross but just then dad chases me over the room to give me sloppy kisses on my cheeks. I explode with giggles and ask for the hundredth time when Santa is going to come. We eat the best roast dinner and watch Home Alone, the three of us curled up on the couch. I’m beyond thrilled I’m allowed to stay up late but fall asleep right after the movie finishes. In the morning I am a proud owner of a doll in a blue dress that Santa had brought me.

And now I realize that Christmas tree from distant 1991 was just the perfect one. As perfect as the one I was looking at now, with Jamie’s arms wrapped around my waist.

It was tall, brushing the ceiling, filled with all the ornaments I own, bathed in tinsels and ceramic snowflakes.

“Shall we?” Jamie kissed the tip of my ear and plugged the lights in.

The tree shone and my heart together with it.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Well, now I have to move my things in here.” Jamie spun me in his arms humming to Buble’s version “It’s beginning to look like Christmas”

My brows furrowed as I escaped his embrace to steal a piece of mince pie we’d bought two days earlier. (Jamie with an almost childlike squeal plodded down the aisle of Christmas stuff in Waitrose, saying we must get these).

“Why so?” I pinched his jaw with my forefinger and thumb.

“For one,” Jamie raised a finger to tap down my nose, followed by a slightest of lips brush. “I’m terribly worried for the health of yer wee cheetie. Those awful candles ye buy and burn, Sassenach. A Dhia, the poor cat will suffocate.”

I snorted.

“Nonsense. You love it.”

A high-pitched squealing left my throat as I tried to escape Jamie’s hand that made an attempt to smack my arse. Adso that has been observing his parents from a nest made out of a duvet on the couch sniffed, yawned and walked away, showing with all his being how ridiculous we are. (And yes, Jamie declared that now he’s the full-time dad to my cat taking into account the amount of time he spends at my flat).

“And second of all,” my boyfriend with a grace better than Adso’s reached me in two steps. “We have bought a Christmas tree together. That’s a commitment. A serious one.”

Failing in my attempt to hide behind the aforementioned tree I let Jamie take me by the wrist, drawing me into his arms. He let his hands scatter down my sides, stopped for a second to knead my hips, finally squeezing my bottom with the most mischievous look I’ve ever seen him make.

“God, yer arse.”

“A commitment?” I licked my lips feeling my heart beating frantically. “What you have in mind, Mr Fraser?”

Jamie started to sway us in a slow rocking dance motion, turning off the main light with his left hand. The room sank into a cozy glow of Christmas lights that flickered on the baubles and tinsel. The candles that lived on my coffee table (now Christmas edition - Spiced Gingerbread and Twisted Peppermint) gave a touch of a true home, drawing the shadowy patters on the wall. As the voice of Buble sang “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me…”

Jamie leaned forward to kiss me with a whisper.

“I think we should move in together, Claire.”

#once i was an eagle #outlander #outlander fic #modern au #outlander fanfic #the frasers #claire beauchamp #jamie fraser #maviemesregles #angst #fluff #christmas #xmas

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patruchilles · 5 years ago

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TAGGED BY HARLS ONCE MORE @serpenttqueen I LOVE YOU

top three cities you want to visit: amsterdam, vancouver and nashville! favourite marvel character: ummm maybe scarlet witch, or spider-man, because peter parker has my heart!! white chocolate: yay or nay?? i hardly have it but i LIVE for dark chocolate #healthylifestyle :DD favourite board game: MONOPOLY FOR SURE even though i uh . . . end up bankrupt . . . which is ironic considering i’m mostly the person managing the bank despite my horrid math skills how many countries you have been to: maybe around 4? i’ve visited some more than twice though favourite thing to do on a rainy day: surprisingly, be productive! or watch some netflix. or eat. both. your best friend’s middle name: kate favourite holiday: christmas! and my b’day, + halloween, only i wished it was more celebrated in australia pen or pencil: pen for writing, pencil for sketching favourite kind of soup: RAMEN. and this tom yum soup i just had for lunch your typical order at a cafe or coffee shop: hmm, maybe a chocolate croissant or a pie of some sort? some brownies? hot chocolate? basically chocolate lmao favourite ride at an amusement park: rollercoasters for sure. the ones that make you feel like puking but then you feel accomplished at the end. i also like the chill ones, like that little mermaid ride in disneyland the color of your sneakers: i have a lot of pairs but they’re all different colours favourite pbs show (or little kids show if you don’t have pbs): spongebob! I STILL WATCH IT NOW. and in the night garden. my childhood. five blogs you think deserve some love: @wespers @wizardra @thorne @phoenixfeathr @alekmorozova AND I CAN’T LEAVE OUT HARLS @serpenttqueen (that’s six but WHATEVER)

tagging: the people above + literally anyone BUT only if you want to :))

#tag game #tagged #reyasthoughts #THANK YOU HARLS #THIS WAS VERY FUN #why did that sound sarcastic #IT WASN'T I SWEAR #it was rlly fun!!

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interfailing · 4 years ago

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21/07/19- Food heaven

Tram-1

Enrique was so quiet that we didn't hear him arrive last night and he even offered us his spare weed (thanks but no thanks), we shall be sad to lose him as a roomie.

The tram is so infrequent that this morning it would have taken us 3 minutes longer to walk into Amsterdam (and cost us €3.20 less), so we chose to wander in to the center. The others were in search of Dutch pancakes, I however had promised myself a Bocca Coffee. After a chill morning sat drinking awesome coffee and writing the blog I set off for the Stedelijk Museum. I spent just under 4 hours in the museum and it was free to get in. Can you even call that value for money? The museum was an awesome mix of interesting concepts, the works of famous artists, and a room full of pinball machines to play on.

When I eventually exceeded the limit of my interest in art, I met back up with the others. Between them they'd been to both the Rijks and sex museums, as well as shopping and pancakes, we had covered most of Amsterdam. We had a wander round the market whilst Conor ummed and erred about buying 'the world's best hot dog' for €10 (it took the prospect of a €4 hot dog to finally deter him).

Choosing not to cycle through vondelpark as it was just too crowded, we walked past an open air concert, and found a cute rose garden. We spent a relaxing afternoon in the park, the boys slept on the grass, whilst I did yoga and Is went off in search for tissues (she's got another cold).

Anne Frank's house was an incredible experience, the museum is so well put together, but coming out at the end we were all emotionally drained. To counteract the melancholy we headed to a big indoor food market. It was exactly what we needed, nothing restores our mood like food.

Bellys and minds full we headed back to our hostel. On the way Conor jinxed me and yet again forgot my middle name, everyone else enjoyed the peace and quiet. There is someone new in the dorm who I only just saw come in, he was respectfully quiet so he's in my good books already (despite his snoring). After another soggy shower it is time for bed for almost the last time. It feels strange that this trip is coming to an end, but I am very conscious of not wasting tomorrow in that mind set!

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weseizethenight · 5 years ago

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1 - 50 ✌️🤡✌️

🖕🤡👊 Reblog the post COWARD!!

1. What's your sexual orientation?

Idiotsexual

2. What are you obsessed with rn?

Right now I'm obsessed with... Skyrim... Todd Howard has had my soul in a soul stone since I was 15. I can't escape.

3. Have you ever done any drugs?

One wee puff of Amsterdam speciality 🤡

4. What piercings do you have?

The grand number of 0 babbbyyyy

5. How many people have you kissed?

8 🙈

6. Describe your dream home

A bungalow or flat in a town or city with nice cafes and shops. Flowers galore, pastel palette, gothic-esque artwork. A whippet for company 😎

7. Who are you jealous of?

Anyone with a good career job...

8. What's your favourite show to binge?

The Office US. I watch it every day because Michael Scott also has my soul stone.

9. Do you watch porn?

What isn't porn nowadays amiright?

10. Do you have a secret sideblog?

Two lmao but that's a secret

11. If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

Athens. I seriously want to go there and explore the city 😭

12. What's one of your fantasies?

Getting a big pair of wings and flying about. Also hitting people with them and wrapping them around myself when it's cold.

13. Have you/would you get your nipples pierced?

Nah and nah.

14. How would you spend a million dollars?

I would buy my friends and family houses, pay off my student loans and spend it on a whole bunch of crap

15. Are you in a relationship?

Nnnnnnnnnaahhhhhhh

16. Do you follow any porn blogs?

Nope, unless one has turned into one lmao

17. Are you angry with anyone rn?

@nomojave for doing 1-50, and myself for doing it!

18. What tattoos do you want?

A crescent moon made of my granny's favourite flowers. Moonlight is the nickname my Granny and Granda call/ed me 🙈

19. If you could change your name, would you? What would you change it to?

I wouldn't change my name actually. I gripe about it but it's the name my wee mammy gave me and it's a part of me.

Though I would change it to Charlotte if I HAD to.

20. What's something you're obsessed with?

Couples that are so different from each other! Height, status, human/other... For example, Garrus and Shepard 😏👌

21. Describe your best friend.

@nomojave Booboo the fool ❤

22. Tag someone you think is hot

🤔 @nomojave

23. Who are five of your favourite bands/musical artists?

Within Temptation

Aurora

Florence and the Machine

Billie Eilish

Blackbriar

24. What are three places you want to travel?

Greece, Japan and South of France

25. Describe your perfect Friday night.

Restaurant with friends accompanied with cocktails/or going to the pictures then heading to a bar for a good talk.

26. What's your favourite season?

Early Autumn

27. What's your pet peeve?

Open mouth chewing 😡

28. Who is the funniest person you know?

Myself 😂😂 Or... @nomojave

29. What's the most overrated movie?

Oft, idk uhhhh Joker maybe?

30. Tag someone you want to talk to but are too shy to message.

I would but honestly I'd do it then cba continuing to message

31. Do you like paper books or ebooks better?

Paper books for sure! Ebooks are handy but nothing beats the feel of a good book.

32. If you could live in a fictional world, which world would you pick?

Does Cirque Du Freak count? 🙈 If not... Buyrim

33. If money was no object, what would your wardrobe look like?

Like Amy Lee threw up in my closet with a mix of colourful long skirts, bardot tops and boots ✌

34. What's your coffee order?

Cappucino, two sugars.

35. Do you have a crush on anyone?

No 😔

36. Do you still have feeling for any of your exes?

Hell naw

37. Have any tattoos?

Not yet ayyy

38. Do you drink?

Yes, occasionally

39. Are you a virgin?

Ya man 😎✌

40. Do you have a crush on any of your mutuals?

My mutuals aren't idiots so no haha

41. How many followers do you have?

524... but only five active rebloggers 😂

42. Describe the hottest person you know

(I'll not say any of my friends since they're all goddam beautiful)

Dark hair, blue eyes, tall dude. Square jaw, nice eyebrows. Literal model.

43. What's your guilty pleasure?

Shitty YA fiction

44. Do you read erotica?

Eh very rarely tbh.

45. What's the worst date you've ever been on?

The guy didn't drink water and spontaneously dabbed🤦🏼‍♀️ ...

46. How many people do you follow?

877

47. If you could marry any celebrity, who would you pick?

Gotta stay true to my childhood self and pick a Mr David Tennant 🙈

48. Describe your ideal partner

Genuinely funny person that doesn't put pressure on you. Nice and chill and rich... I mean, money doesn't matter!

49. Who do you text the most?

I wonder who... @nomojave

50. What's your favourite type of weather?

Sunny weather, hot but not too hot. Nice wee breeze.

I can't believe I sat and done this omg! Had to write the questions out because it wouldn't copy and paste!!

@nomojave I swear... you better be reblogging that post...

#long post #personal #rebecca you ded

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hempowerment · 6 years ago

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7 Must Visit Bangkok Cafes

Bangkok is a large city the size of London, in both population and land mass, and can be overwhelming for first time visitors.

Most tourists head for the temples, Khao San Road and street food, but for people living in Southeast Asia, is a popular weekend break for spas, desserts and cafe hopping.

Although a cake and latte might not be at the top of your Bangkok to-do list, the city is home to many lovely cafes which can punctuate your holiday with little oases of calm and caffeine.

This is my must-visit Bangkok cafe list. It’s not exhaustive, and mostly revolves around Thonglor and Ekkamai. These neighbourhoods are adjacent and is the prime area for cafe hopping in Bangkok. I’ve included each cafe for different reasons: some for the decor, some for the atmosphere, and some because they have fabulous food and coffee!

1. Roast

Roast is located in The Commons, which is an eco-friendly mall, open-air with wood laminate flooring and greenery in little planters, and full of ‘artisanal’ shops and cafes. It’s one of the most hipster buildings I’ve seen in my life. When I went there, there were people sitting on the benches dotted around the building, working on their Apple computers and drinking lattes. It’s that kinda place.

The basement is called the Market Floor. It’s little food stalls in an industrial-chic space, more like the Food Hallen in Amsterdam or Gotham West Market in NYC, than the food stalls on the streets of Bangkok. There’s coffee here too: Roots, the more coffee-focused companion to Roast.

Roast is not so conveniently located in the basement. You have to climb the stairs to the very top.

When you do get there it’s an airy, light-filled space. The menu comes in the form of a little magazine. They do brunch, of the eggs benedict variety, and it looks fabulous. We had Roast iced tea (iced tea with lychee rose syrup and lychees, pictured) and amazing shakes: creamsicle and salted caramel. The salted caramel comes with a Pretz stick.

Roast

Unit #T1 (Roast), The COMMONS 335 Thonglor Soi 17, Sukhumvit 55 Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Closest station: BTS Thonglor

2. Shugaa

Shugaa is a dessert cafe and the main reason you need to go is because it is beautiful.

The space is beautiful, the desserts are beautiful. The decor is apparently sugar-themed, hence the geometric shapes reminiscent of sugar crystals. Everything is in soft, pastel shades. There is a small bear family made of, I imagine, fondant, sitting on the counter.

While it’s obvious that a lot of thought and care goes into the creation of the desserts, they run a little sweet for me, and heavy, for how sweet they are. These are substantial desserts. The different tiers of dessert are stuck together with syrup.

You know how on Bake Off: The Professionals people are sticking shards of sugar together with syrup and a blowtorch like they’re David Smith? Like that kind of industrial strength welding syrup. It’s instagrammable but if you like eating cakes you can do better.

Shugaa

27 The Residence at 61 Sukhumvit Soi 61, Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Closest station: BTS Thonglor or Ekkamai

3. Fill in the blank

Another cute cafe in Ekkamai, this is pretty much across the road from Shugaa with a totally different vibe. The feeling of this cafe is kinda Scandi/Japanese, light and breezy with lots of wood (including an indoor tree!). A great place to chill with a laptop or a book, they have some English and Japanese language local magazines with articles on trendy things to do and daytrips, etc. We went on a weekday and there was one (very friendly) member of staff. The place was pretty empty, just us and a laptopper.

There was a selection of cakes in a display box next to the counter but we didn’t have any as we were going to Shugaa after. I had a caramel iced latte instead which had cream drizzled with caramel syrup, very picturesque and not as sweet as a caramel Frappuccino. I also liked that it came with a little glass of water. Of all the cafes I’ve seen in Bangkok, I wish we had this one in London.

Fill in the blank cafe

28/10 Sukhumvit 61 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110

Closest station: BTS Thonglor or Ekkamai

4. Audrey Cafe

Audrey is an Audrey Hepburn themed/inspired cafe. Normally I’m not into themed cafes, but I like frilly pink cafes and Audrey is the super frilliest pinkest cafe of all. It’s a mini chain with a few different branches, but the one at Thonglor has a fountain and a little rocking horse (!) in front, and is well placed for a day of cafe hopping. Inside the tables are marble-topped and there’s Hepburn quotes on the walls. Some of the staff are dressed in little maid outfits which is interesting but service is a little slow.

We ordered some pastel-coloured drinks: Sakura Glazier (pink) and Audrey on my Mind (light teal). They’re sweet frappe-style and very photographable, I’m like 99% sure the colour is artificial. The pricing is in line with London cafes: as you can see from the sign in the picture it’s 135 Baht for Audrey on my Mind, which is about £3.20.

They have a pretty solid food menu if you’re hungry, it goes way beyond typical cafe food and enters the realm of pizzas, tacos and fried rice, but it was pretty hit and miss. We weren’t really going to order food but while we were there, a little girl was celebrating her birthday (it feels the right kind of place for a little girl’s birthday and a girly afternoon) and her table had a lot of food, all of which looked pretty good. So we capitulated. We got the deep fried chicken wings with nuts and caramel, stir fried morning glory, fried rice and sliced pork loin salad. I was hoping the deep fried chicken wings would be like pok pok chicken wings - they’re were, disappointingly, not. The sliced pork loin salad was the best thing followed by the morning glory, the fried rice was too salty. The little girl’s birthday party had ordered the tom yam pizza and when theirs came out I kinda regretted not having gotten that instead of the fried rice.

The desserts are meant to be good but we felt so sugared up after the drinks that we didn’t want any.

Audrey Cafe

Soi Thong Lo 11, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110

Closest station: BTS Thonglor

5. D’Ark Coffee

D’Ark seems like a pretty typical modern cafe: exposed lightbulbs, wood, etc. etc. I went on a rainy weekday morning for coffee and there was only one other person there. But! Their coffee is great! They have different beans you can choose from and roast their coffee in house, and you can choose how you want it made: Aeropress, cold brew, Trinity One (which I don’t think I’ve seen before in a cafe). I went for a normal iced latte and decided to go all out and add their housemade salted caramel butter sauce, which is seriously amazing. I strongly recommend getting whatever coffee you like there and adding the salted caramel butter sauce. The coffee itself is not sweet so the sauce isn’t overwhelming.

D’ARK

651 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110

Closest station: BTS Phrom Phong

6. The Asia Cafe

The Asia Cafe is a tall, bright cafe although it doesn’t have the window action of many Bangkok cafes. It’s bigger than it looks with an airy feeling. I like the giant wood cubbies behind the counter with piles of baguettes. I don’t think they’re real though. It seems to be...socialism themed? IDK. I say that because their front window has pictures of three dudes with little red stars, whom I think are (from LTR in the picture above): possibly Allende? maybe Ho Chi Minh? And some other dude I don’t recognise - his giant moustache + beardlessness stumps me.

I went because I heard they have sea salt coffee which I’m curious about, and also they have free rusks, and I like free things.

Sea salt coffee turned out to be an iced espresso topped with a salted creamy froth, kind of like the froth on cheese bubble tea but not cheesy. I really really like it this, the faint saltiness with the slightly bitter coffee go really well together and is refreshing, a little like when you have bitter unripe guava or grapefruit with salt.

The rusks are in a jar on the counter. I looked at the jar and was like, Can I have one? And the barista guy was like, Yes. You just kinda grab one from the jar, they’re rusks, they’re good.

I recommend this as a pit stop to revive yourself if you’re walking around Thonglor on a hot afternoon. It’s well located along a main road, the cafe has a relaxing atmosphere, is well air-conditioned, and has many plug sockets for your electronics and sea salt coffee to recharge yourself.

The Asia Cafe

159/15 Soi Thong Lor 9,Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan, Watthana

Closest station: BTS Thonglor

7. Caturday Cat Cafe

Caturday is Bangkok’s cat cafe. It has huge windows and is bright and airy, far more than Lady Dinah’s in London. There’s no cover charge, you just order a drink and you can be there for as long as you like - I think that’s why despite it being the most adorable of the cat cafes it’s also the busiest and most chaotic. They do food there though we didn’t have any. We had a Thai iced tea and an iced lemon tea, of the two the iced lemon tea was more refreshing, especially after walking around in the heat.

The cats are very sweet, in particular the little grey kitten. Like other cat cafes expect half the cats to be asleep and to be basically ignored by the other cats, although a few come and hang out with you especially if you sit quietly and drink your tea and ignore them.

This is by far the cutest cat cafe I have been to, ever. Granted I’ve only been to two, in Amsterdam and London, but still. There’s a giant cat mural of cats in a fairground, illustrated Caturday glasses and little coasters (I ended up buying one as a souvenir), and it’s all a pastel-coloured cat wonderland.

#bangkok #travel #holiday #cafes #cafe hopping #bangkok cafe hopping #thailand #cat cafe #coffee #latte #wanderlust

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lorux · 6 years ago

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Tips on where to eat and drink in Amsterdam

A cloudy and rainy day is the perfect occasion for spending some time on my Tumblr and uploading something that has been in the back of my mind for too long. After 5 months of my relocation in Amsterdam and almost 2 years after I made this city my new home, it’s arrived the time to wrap up some of my best recommendations on where to eat, drink, where to have a coffee, or have typical Dutch sweets!

If you have received this link from me, you are most likely traveling soon in Amsterdam, so I’m very happy to share with you my recommendations and maybe we can do something on this list, or explore something new together 🙂

Disclaimer: in this list are missing all the most touristy stuff to do. For those, you can easily google “What to do in Amsterdam”, what I’m trying to do here is giving some insider tips.

Enjoy!

Where to eat: 🧀

Worst Wijncafè - delicious place based on sausages cooked in a very particular way.

Café Restaurant Amsterdam - Serving brasserie-style dishes, this restaurant is perfect for groups both large and small. The place is located in the former engine room of a pumping station dating back to the late 19th century.

Bussia - (Photo Above) Fancy restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam based on the Italian food traditions. The staff is extremely nice and pays attention to the very details. Menu based on 4 - 6 - or 8 courses.

Wilde Zwijnen - extremely popular and delicious - not cheapest option

The Avocado Show - place based on avocado’s dishes - very popular needs booking in advance

De school - (Photo above) Fancy dinner? This is the place to go - elegant restaurant, with high-level cuisine built in a former school.

G’s jordaan - American style brunch

Loetje Centraal (Multiple Locations the Centraal one is the most touristic though) - Excellent Dutch style steakhouse (Extra points for ordering the off-menu “Biefstuk Bali met Knoflook” — Bali-inspired steak with garlic)

Jansz based in the heart of Jordaan neighborhood is a very nice place to have a lunch.

Foodhallen this place is just great to go with friends and spend some time tasting food from different street food kiosks from all over the world. Very hype place and most of the time super full. The building is a very interesting one with also a movie theatre, library and makers shop.

Bella Storia or Fuoco Vivo - best pizzerias in town

Moeders Restaurant recommended as one of the top 10 restaurants in Amsterdam is the best place to taste local food at a very reasonable price.

Morgan & Mees beautiful and cozy restaurant inside a hotel, good food and cocktails as well.

The Lobby Nesplein - nice classy place, perfect for having a brunch and a good glass of wine in the heart of the city. Super nice staff!

Where to drink: 🍸

Lotti's Cafe Bar & Grill - Terrific cocktail bar, with a very nice hipster atmosphere and DJs playing music live based in the lobby of The Hoxton hotel.

Waterkant - Surinamese restaurant very popular - perfect for chilling when the sun is out

Vesper - little and cosy bar in the west centre of Amsterdam. The place reminds me of a classic speakeasy style of bar, and the staff is very well prepared on cocktails.

Amstelhaven - this is one of my most recent discovery. Amstelhaven is a bar/restaurant which has an amazing water view - if you are lucky enough you can find a spot on the benches that are literally 30cm from the water.

W Hotel - the terrace on top of the hotel is beautiful with also a pool. The view from there over Amsterdam is breathtaking.

SkyLounge - located very close to the central station is an award-winning rooftop bar with an amazing view over the city from the top.

Zoku - Zoku is a combination of Hotel, bar, restaurant and coworking space. Is a super nice place with a friendly atmosphere where most of the time there is also live music. During sunny days its terrace is the place to go!

JD William's whiskey bar - an unbelievable variety of types of Whisky in the heart of one of the best neighborhoods of Amsterdam

Hannekes Boom - a nice hip place to go to for a cold beer and nice brunch.

EYE Film Museum - the restaurant of the theatre is a very nice place for a glass of wine and a beer to enjoy an amazing view over Amsterdam. Don’t forget that boats to get on the other side of the river are free!

Bar Botanique - very interesting place well designed with tropical flavors

Shiraz Jardin des Vins | Wijnbar & Boutique - Amazing selection of wines to go with some snacks

Venster33 located in one of the most hip neighborhoods in Amsterdam this bar/restaurant offers a good choice of beers and good food to go with it.

Kanarie Club massive place with a very interesting look and feel inside. Food is in the average, but drinks are very good.

Coffee ☕️

Pluk nice place, lovely atmosphere with good food and coffee. Super instagrammable shop!

Toki - hipster but very nice coffee shop

Sweet tooth 🍦🍭

Ree7 super famous place for its colorful freak-shakes but also other delicious desserts

Van Wonderen Stroopwaffles as clear from its name this place is very well known for its typical Dutch Stroopwaffles

Pisa ijs a bit far from the city center this is the base ice cream place in Amsterdam

Peejays doughnuts - most famous doughnuts place with lots of flavors and variety

Winkel 43 - legendary apple pie

Mook Pancakes - best pancakes in Amsterdam

What to see: 👀

Jordaan Neighborhood - the most beautiful neighborhood in the city - just walking through the canals

Van Gogh Museum

Stedelijk Museum

Rijksmuseum

Science Center - NEMO - Nice view from the top of the building

Zaanse Schans, Zaandam - Windmills area 20 mins from Amsterdam ( you can get there on a bike or with a bus that leaves people in front of the entrance)

Amsterdam Noord - IJ-Hallen if interested in street art and graffiti

Parks: 🌳

Westerpark - second largest park of the city, where usually held food and music festivals.

Vondelpark - most central park perfect for a nice walk or long run

Amsterdamse Bos - If you are in Amsterdam in spring a must-see is the Cheery Blossom in the Japanese park area of the main park.

#Amsterdam #travels #insider tips #The Netherlands #food #drinks

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coffeeshopdek · 3 years ago

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#best coffee shop to chill Amsterdam #coffee shop to chill Amsterdam

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greenhouse-coffeeshop · 1 year ago

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Checkout the Good local coffeeshop in Amsterdam with the most diverse and fun experience. Get complete info here! The Greenhouse Effect is a best local coffee shop in Amsterdam with terrace that boasts a chill atmosphere. With a wide variety of quality products and a cool collection of drinks to accompany your purchase, we aim to provide you with the best of what Amsterdam has to offer.

#good local coffeeshops in Amsterdam

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luckythings · 6 years ago

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Six Days In Amsterdam

Day One.

Luggage didn't arrive with me. Some idiot in Charlotte took it upon himself to not put the right end location on my bag's tickets. I still walked around though, I couldn't wait & couldn't contain myself. One of my favorite people associated with the team was there. He's a wanderer too so it was fascinating walking around with him. My two day high began with him after we got lunch & proceeded to walk down a tourist location that led us into a rural area. We walked a lot, went grocery shopping for the week, got some vodka, ran into another member of the team, eventually found the gay strip after I got us lost, found the first coffee shop; named Mediterrane & it was filled with Indian guys with full beards & full eye brows. *Heaven*!!! Got a full chocolate weed muffin & I was lit all night long into the next day.

Day Two.

After twenty four hours of wet feet, my bags still didn't come in until the afternoon. They said they would be there by the morning but that was a lie. Everyone was pissed; including me then those idiots only sent the big bag. My rugby gear didn't make it there yet. I had blisters on my big toes but I was still high, took some shots of vodka with some raspberry syrup & proceeded to venture into the city with Rikki again. We found a farmer's market, found this shop called Kaassie Kaassie that had the best pesto deli sandwiches we've ever tasted. We found a famous park, that's also know for it's gay cruising spots. It was beautiful in that district, then we went back to the hotel to get some things for me since my luggage arrived; then went to go check in at a different hotel. We found a different coffee shop called Reefer & their weed made me paranoid. Still high but paranoid. We went out drinking & partying again, met some other people on the team & connecting with other people that came to play for our team. I started relaying messages about how to get around the best, how to read the maps & where to go sign in for the tournament.

Day Three.

Wednesday, my rugby bag still hasn't made it to Amsterdam & it was the first day of practice. People were confused, then they got mad cause my luggage hasn't made it there yet. I met a couple of local women & we engaged on me actually moving there; they said it was easy. They said they would help me out; so whenever it's time to, I'm bringing Ricardo with me. Later on that day, I rendezvoused with my favorite person from the DC Scandals' team. I love seeing Shane. Rikki & I eventually checked out of the other hotel to come back to the host hotel. I think we went on the team boat cruise through the canals that day. It was splendid & we found some tall cans of beer that were filled with alcohol; they intensified the high that the weed muffins I got from Mediterrane again. I was gone. XD

Day Four.

My rugby bag finally came & I was able to participate in practice; this was the hottest day of the week there. We did some team bonding thing that revolved around these pastel colored foam rings. Had to wear them at all times & if caught with out it; have to do something embarrassing. One person got caught with out his ring through out the whole week even though I forgot it once but no one said anything to me cause I'm a thug. The opening ceremony for Bingham was that night too, but I started talking to a local that actually wanted to meet. So I opted out of the opening ceremony which pissed some people off but I'm in Amsterdam & I always do what I want. He was this Turkish guy named Ergun; pronounced as (air - gun), he gave me Ricardo vibes even though he looks worlds different. He took me through different areas of Amsterdam & showed me what he does over there. He works for the college & is still in school there; he's twenty three & has an excellent head on his shoulders. A gay muslim who lives a very chill life & protects his identity very well even though you can tell it's him on his on the app. I learned a lot about moving to Amsterdam through him.

Day Five.

Friday was the first day of the tournament, we won both of our games. Everyone was on fire! We had a ball! But I ripped my hip again & this time, it was the worst. I'm still limping actually. Fysio gave me bad news & they told me I shouldn't play again. But I came there to play rugby, so; I sucked it up & did what I could do for the team. I played the second game & was still able to help the team win. Everyone was in good spirits! After the games, everyone parted ways to experience Amsterdam some more & I met up with Ergun again. He took me to Amsterdam Forest; then we got this Turkish dish he likes a lot. We bonded more then he had to disappear to get with family for Ramadan.

Day Six.

Saturday, we lost both games; I only played the second game but I did enough to help save the teams' face. No one could keep their hands on the balls but we didn't give up. Rikki's boyfriend's friend was over in Amsterdam cause he travels for work; so we ended up going to Volendam Beach; north of Amsterdam. This is where a lot of the photos of the trip were taken. I like Dan & Tim so much we might become traveling buddies, we are planning on either going to Malta or Thailand; yes, Ricardo is in the group. And I'm trying to make sure the guys that joined the team with Rikki are included in that. Volendam did more solidifying of me wanting to move there. Great times all around, it was a sad bus ride from Volendam but the windmill I saw was beautiful; then I went to the hotel to pack for my trip home.

#Misadventures With Terrance #Good Times #Amsterdam #Volendam

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travelhorrorstoriespodcast · 4 years ago

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Reminiscing Rudderless - After Brussels, the next destination was Amsterdam (@Iamsterdam) Netherlands (@Visit_NL). YAAS! Let's just say I was very excited to visit this city. From the Coffee Shops" to the "Red Light District" and delicious beer. Everybody here is SO chill. Speaking of beer, it's home to my favourite "safe" beer @heinekenca (By safe I mean, when in doubt I know I'll be good with a Heineken). Speaking of which this beer tour (The Heineken Experience @heineken) was one of the best beer tours I've taken. Slightly inebriated, from the samples, free beers, beers I drank from my beer pouring mistakes and @gordanagrubor 's beers - the ending of the tour takes you on a boat ride through the network of canals. The canals BTW are pretty cool, some call the area the Venice of the North and after having been to Venice a few years prior, I'd have to agree. I also love the network of bikes and bike lanes. It makes ours here in Toronto look silly. This is my vibe! 1000% up there as one of my favourite cities. I can see why my friend @samseesworlddd chose to move there. I can't wait to return !!

#throwbackthursday

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breakingmllc · 4 years ago

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chaletnz · 7 years ago

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Farewelling The Netherlands

(This post has quite a few personal jokes that you may not understand!) A year ago when I arrived in the Netherlands in the pouring rain with two heavy bags to drag to my shitty hostel in the central city I never thought I would be finding it this difficult to leave. I felt the same things when I left Israel; a comfortable place to call a home away from home with more good friends that I've met in the past year, but in my heart I know it's time to move on. The comfort and the routine isn't for me. While it certainly makes things easier when you know where you live and can count on a paycheck at the end of the month, I feel stifled by the lack of freedom to explore new places. I chose the Netherlands for its position in Europe, yet I've realized now that it is a little isolated on the corner of Western Europe! I've exhausted my travel options by bus and rail and now new adventures must be reached by plane and it depends on seasons and prices and too many factors that are out of my control. So now I'm feeling a little worried and disappointed that I have to leave the Netherlands but I'm excited by the new opportunities I will have and the new people I will meet when I move to Germany. At least now I am working within an international company and transfers are easy enough to acquire - the German language skills are a different story! My path leads me on to Frankfurt, certainly not my first choice of interesting cities to live in but I know I need to be sensible and take a great full time job offer to keep my cash flow going over winter. At least I'll have some Christmas markets this year! I'm also going to rent a car to make the drive there because then I can simply pack up all my things and move them, my dearest orange bike Jaffa and all! Nothing left behind, thrown away, or sold needlessly! Amsterdam, you have been a blast for the last year but it's time for us to part ways unfortunately. I'll see you around I'm sure, and some of my friends there are friends for life that I will catch up with years from now on different continents (or maybe even the moon if that's the way travel progresses Emma and Liz!). It wouldn't be a proper farewell unless I made a list of all the good (and maybe some bad) memories of life in 'Dam so here is my year in review... -Spending one week living on Przemek's couch in Zuid Oost and cooking for him as my form of payment. -Moving into my apartment in Slotervaart and meeting my very strange landlord who still has the poorest English of all the Dutch people I've ever met. -Relentlessly job hunting, printing CVs and applying online only to hear back from around 20% of my applications. -Struggling to register as a resident and get my residence permit and open a bank account and dear Lord the struggle to get Internet at my place! -Starting my first job at the Ecomama hostel which was just awful. €10 an hour to be a receptionist (but it actually involved doing all of the cleaning and wearing a walkie talkie for guests to call me back out to the desk every five seconds for reception stuff). -Getting a second, and third job in two hotels. The one I accepted forced me to take out my earring permanently and also to quit the hostel job. -Quitting the hostel job and then having the manager refuse to pay me for my shifts saying they were only training. I had no contract so took half the cash I was owed and walked out vowing never to return. -Celebrating Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Year with the hotel gang who weren't all super cool until January when Michael and Hannah joined us! -Having an early Christmas meetup in Paris with Emily and her Australian buddies and the family that she nannies for. Almost getting food poisoning from our Thai dinner but the overall banter and jokes being well worth it. -Taking a holiday in Dublin after working about 14 days in a row having only Boxing Day off. -Staying executive style at the Hilton with Lozi, visiting some Amsterdam landmarks and trying my first space cake and giggling uncontrollably. -Finally getting my barista skills down to an art working on coffee for breakfast service every day. -Going home to visit all the friends and family back home in NZ and having some great weather, road trips and a visit to the cat cafe with Jo. -Catching up with Olga when she came to stay with me in Amsterdam for a few days, seeing some of the best tourist spots and proving to her that I can actually cook! -Getting our orange leis and drinks on and celebrating King's Day in Leidseplein after work with the Dutchies. -Requesting a day off work with Hannah so that we could be super touristy and take a trip out to the Keukenhof to see the tulip garden followed by some shopping and pizza in a weird Christian themed restaurant that Hannah swore by for its massive €5 pizzas. -Taking a spontaneous day trip out to Zaandam where Quincy picked me up on his scooter and showed me all around the Zaanse Schans heritage park. -Celebrating my birthday in Rotterdam chilling with Michael and then being super touristy again and riding the waterbus to the Kinderdijk windmill farm for the day. -Meeting Tasha in Tilburg for an amazing concert that I could've only dreamed about 10 years ago - Simple Plan! -Finishing my first contract and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel that led me on a much needed holiday away to Albania, Budapest and Croatia. Although I almost missed the flight as I was so hungover from the previous night's farewell drinks with my fantastic colleagues. -Coming back to Amsterdam to begin my new job working at a modern hotel in the airport which ended up being about 10 times better than my last job! -Adventuring on the road to Antwerp, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Cologne and Düsseldorf handing in some job applications along the way which eventually led to my new position in Frankfurt! -Finding some great flights to and from Scotland for a three day getaway to see the best of the amazing whisky world! -Farewelling the airport hotel after four months and many more great breakfast colleagues. I'll especially miss my parents Richard ("Mennnnnoooooo") and Mama Kim ("fresh juice, water, you wan fry egg omelette, the warm buffet, you sit anywhere you like my colleagues bring you coffee to the table") Now my disclaimer; I've not forgotten all the people whom I caught up with in this past year whether it was in Amsterdam, another Dutch city or somewhere abroad. They were all highlights to me! Przemek, Alex & David, Mel, Emily, Hamish & Aleisha, Pascale, Bryce, Lauren/Lozi, Anni, Gal & Tomer, Shani, all the friends and family in NZ, Olga, Hugh, Emma (two separate occasions!), Diego, Ruby, Melissa and all the new friends I've made this year that have welcomed me into their cities and homes and made me feel so comfortable and happy here. You're all amazing!

#Netherlands #Amsterdam

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