TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

One of North Holland’s gems: Monnickendam—not fully discovered by mass tourism (well, not just yet) but a favourite amongst local tourists passing through the town while on a fiets vakantie (bicycle tour) and stopping over at the haven to have lunch or freshen up with a quick drink. My pretty view from my terrace seat: Middendam corner Kerkstraat and the Museum de Speeltoren. I was here in July last year and spent some time sitting outside a Café de Zwaan watching everything and everyone around me while enjoying my Belgian beer. The fried mussels was nothing to rave about and I actually regretted ordering it. Weather was lovely, it’s one of those warm sunny afternoons, perfect to relax, sit outside and watch life go by with a glass of cold Westmalle. Hmm, life must be like this when you are retired... And funnily, I almost forgot about this visit until today when I accidentally skimmed through the album... oh wow, I haven’t really blogged about Monnickendam yet. In all honest...

Coming back from my Italy trip last month, I still had a week long to benefit from my free days before I start with my new job (I’m on my 3rd week already, time flies!). I’ve actually lined up several activities for that week. My inherited habit from the Dutch, the unyielding ‘agenda’, came in very handy. I can’t live without it anymore. I used to own one before in Manila for work but never had something for personal use so the work planner didn’t count. ‘Broeker’ houses in the Havenrak in Broek in Waterland. Now, I am obsessed with agenda planning my life, lol. Got to thank the Dutch for this but I am truly and really planning everything right to the dot. Jotting down my scheduled activities and appointment in my little book has become a pleasurable task, more like a hobby ha-ha. On the other hand, I need it badly as I have been betrayed many times by my poor memory. Part of me has become very process oriented, which is good, as I need this to aid my recollection deficiency. Anywho, o...