First snow

Thanks to my obsessive monitoring of the weather reports (which are always accurate here), I was prepared for a cold snap this week—temperatures ranging from -15℃ to -1℃. It would be the first time this winter that temperatures dipped below zero. This meant that yes, it would be freezing, but we could also have snow and go ice skating on the canals.

On Monday morning, I woke up to this.

Nope, it wasn't snow yet... only frost that had formed overnight. A teaser of things to come, this scratchy thin layer of ice soon melted away.

Today, it finally happened. As soon as the snow began to fall, a little before lunchtime, I went crazy monkey giddy. I was glued to the windows shrieking "Let's go! Let's go!" like a banshee on crack, forcing Marlon to call it an early lunch so we could get dressed and go out into the fast-falling whiteness. When we stepped out into our street, I learned the difference between frost and real snow.

 

The air outside felt completely different, not the normal heavy cold of the Dutch winter. It changed us into kids again. As you can tell, Marlon was really happy to be working from home today.

The street was completely deserted but for the two of us and a woman sprinkling salt on the road. We must have looked like lunatics to the neighbors. We couldn't help it... it was our first real snow!

Click on through to enjoy this snowy day with us!

Around the Zuid

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day, full of sunshine and bright blue skies, which made it so much fun to do my errands. I put on a pair of hot pink socks and matching hot pink lipstick to go to the market, haha.

I did my market shopping last Monday and nearly half the stalls on Albert Cuyp were closed. Wednesday seems to be a much better day; the market was really bustling. I counted at least three more flower stalls which seems like a wonderful sign that spring is on the way.

One thing I love about this city is how the neighborhoods are so distinct. We apparently got a bargain on our flat, which is in a ritzy neighborhood (locals I've spoken to have used the words "ooh la la" and "chic"). When you cross the boundary of De Pijp, you know you're in our area when you start seeing the real housewives of Amsterdam Zuid.

Taray ng lola mo!

After lunch I went to ABN Amro at the World Trade Center, which is a 10-minute walk from my house. It's one of my favorite walks, especially crossing the river at Stadionkade behind my house. It looks like this on a normal gray day, but yesterday it was sunny so people were sitting out on the bridge chatting and reading.

Along the river I came across another fabulous old dame out for a walk in an ankle-length fur coat, leopard hat and giant pearl earrings. Taray! She caught me by surprise, else I would have taken her photo. 

The WTC is a big business area, all shiny and new. The metro station (which takes you further out of Amsterdam, as opposed to the tram system that runs within the city) is there as well, which is turning out to be really convenient for us. 

There are also buses direct to and from Schiphol airport.

As per usual, gorgeous design is everywhere. 

On the way there and back, my walk takes me through gorgeous Minervalaan. I can only imagine how stunning it will be in full bloom when spring comes. And the pollen these trees are sure to generate! I will need my asthma inhaler with me for sure.

The fact that it's lined with actual houses, not apartments, with at least two cars per driveway (even spotted a few sports cars and vintage cars) tells me that this is Millionaire's Row. At dito lang ako nakakakita ng mga Asian yayas pushing prams with European babies. Having full-time help here costs a bomb, and it's not something I've seen in other neighborhoods. And yet the houses are so understated; there's nary a cherub-topped fountain or Corinthian column in sight. 

Maybe I'll take a walk again today :)