TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

They say here in the Netherlands that the IJ-Hallen is the biggest flea market in Europe. I'm not sure really. I have been to many larger-than-life markets in other countries. Such as the huge and bustling El Rastro flea market in Madrid which I have visited more than a decade ago. My friend G kept telling me to mind my bag because of the pickpockets. Nonetheless, I was here at the IJ-Hallen last year together with Bru. We had our usual catch up and we did this over drinks at the Smederij Restaurant of Brooklyn Hilton Hotel, which by the way has a very cosy lounge, bar and restaurant. It was really timing that there was a flea market at the IJ-Hallen on that day, so Bru and I decided to rummage the area. Unfortunately, we did not find anything persuading us enough to part with our cash. I found though some really cool industrial hanging lamps which were probably used in a factory in the past. It is just too bad because they would not fit well in my home. Maybe I will come...

Housing shortage? This is your answer! There has been a shortage of student housing in the Netherlands for YEARS. I remember posting a similar topic about this a long time ago in my blog. Unfortunately, I could not find the blog post anymore, haha, but yeah, I remember I wrote about it. Anyway, last year I happen to pass by this area in Amsterdam North at NDSM and saw the container box houses. I just had to stop and take a few pictures! I then realised they were the (temporary) student housing mentioned many years ago in the press (which I believe I wrote about in the blog). This is indeed a very ingenious way of solving the student housing problem in the city. I will not bore you with stories, you can find more information about this project and more pictures of how they looked like inside here: Keetwonen Cool huh? =) Temporary student housing in Amsterdam North. Quite colourful huh? Visit Period: May 2015 Destination: Amsterdam North (Amsterdam - North H...

These pictures were taken at a work event I attended during the SAIL 2015 Amsterdam in the EYE Film Museum. We had a terrific view of all the boats that passed by. The event rented a boat as well where all the guests (sailing per batch) were taken on a tour of the IJ Haven passing by all the tall ships on display at the SAIL 2015 event . Unfortunately I didn’t make it to the boat tour as I was busy chatting with a number of guests. They actually sailed 3 times, which means I had 3 boat tour opportunities that I missed! Helaas. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the event. We had a lovely view from a great location on the Het IJ River. The weather was fantastic and everyone was out. The EYE Film Museum is located in the north of Amsterdam. To get here, simply take the blue and white GVB boats (take Buiksloterweg) at the back of the Amsterdam Centraal Station and this will bring you across the river, near the EYE building. They go frequently and the boats are free of charge. Thanks to the Am...