The Amstel river is the main river of Amsterdam. Around 1200 they build a dam in the river and that was the birth of Amsterdam (or Amstelredamme as it was called back then). This dam is now situated under the Dam square, the central square of the city. If you bike from the old city center to the south along the banks of the Amstel, as I do every day on my way to my studio, the city opens up and gives way to a lot of space. If you follow the river it will take you out of town more quickly then you'd expect since it is surrounded by a green corridor that get's larger and greener as you exit the city. In less then half an hour bike trip from the old city you can find yourself in juicy green pastures between grazing cows and sheep. Only the airplanes heading in and out of Schiphol Airport will remind you that the city is near.

I love to discover, explore and destroy photo books with my eyes and subsequently my portable telephone. A place where I love doing this is in the Stedelijk Museum. Yes, gift shops are typically stocked with pure Dutch gouda like any other gift shop but I find with enough dedication there is something to be found. I particularly enjoyed this one. Perhaps it is my Dutch affinity for milk.

Great Mexican food!

A really lovely restaurant with terasse with lots of sun hidden in the west and close to Erasmus Park. It is a place where you will a lot of locals catching up. The food is always great and there is a super cosy and friendly atmosphere. The kind of place you actually want to keep a secret so don't tell anyone! ;)

Best brunch I've had in Amsterdam :) Love their bloody mary, and negroni.  Also great for dinner! It's owned and run by Australians so it's super laid back and beautifully designed.