Amsterdam: Part I

Jeff was in Amsterdam for a week in a half in mid-November for work.  I flew there for the weekend and we spent the weekend being tourist.  It was a bit chilly there compared to Barcelona, which we weren't prepared for.  Here in Barcelona it is still in the 60's during the day and it is mid-December.  It was in the 40's in Amsterdam the weekend of our visit.  I know being from Chicago that is nothing, but our blood has thinned out since moving here ;-)

This is the central train station in Amsterdam.

Dam Palace.

Sights on our canal cruise.

We visited two markets in the area and one flower market. 

Here is a bunch of fried seafood at the market, not really my thing.

The smallest car ever...I think it was even smaller than the "Smart Car".

Waffles and Pancakes are big in Amsterdam...both sweet and savory.  Here was a stand at the market that customized waffles.

Jeff and I got one with chocolate and almond slices.

Oh no

Jeff and I got food poisoning...it hasn't been a good week.  We have had to be near a bathroom at all times, it is kind of a bummer.  I hope it leaves before the weekend starts.

Christmas at the Hecker's

On Thanksgiving Day while our family and friends ate turkey and pumpkin pie I decorated our Christmas tree.  Here she is, isn't she a beauty?  The best part...it is still in the 60's and sunny during the day here!

Thanksgiving results....

Well Thanksgiving dinner went well everything turned out, but I still missed having it back in the States.  I made a turkey roast thing, green beans, corn bread, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin bread and sausage, apple and cranberry stuffing.

Here is the turkey thing I purchased...it was okay.  I did find an actually turkey breast last week so I might try that later.



TV commercial

A few weeks ago there was a commercial shot in our neighorhood.  The crew was right outside our apartment window on the other side of the street.  Here are a few shots from that morning.  We have lots of commercials/videos/photo shoots in the area.

Thanksgiving

Yesterday was Thanksgiving in the States and Jeff was traveling for work so I was all by myself.  Today I am going to attempt to cook a Thanksgiving dinner with what I could find here.  On the menu is:

Turkey-breast thing
Sweet Potato Casserolle
Green Beans
Sausage, Apple & Cranberry Stuffing
Corn Bread
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Bread

Finally our trip to Madrid

One weekend in July Jeff and I took the train to Madrid.  It was a nice weekend, but extremely hot.  It was in the high 90's and if you haven't been to Europe before air conditioning isn't extremely common.  We did a lot of walking and sweating that weekend.  We decided on this weekend because we found a good deal on a hotel in Madrid. 

Here we are on the train.

This is a little tray of goodies we received upon arrival.  Spanish champagne (aka Cava), bottled water and fruit. 

Circulo Bellas Artes:

I had Jeff take a picture of this is because he calls me the "Minister of Interior Affairs" that is what this says in Spanish.

Puerta del Sol:

One of the many street performers.

This is strawberry tree and bear statue that is the symbol of Madrid.

Plaza Mayor:

Of course we had to stop to have a jar of sangria.

 Me and a Spanish Elvis that Jeff insisted I have a picture with.

Templo de Debod: An Egyptain temple that was relocated to Spain in 1972.

Palacio Real & Church of Saint Nicholas from the Templo de Debod:

Here I am sweating like a pig.

Palacio Real:  It was closed to walk around as the Pope was to be there the following week.

Church of Saint Nicholas:

San Miguel market:  In the market there are many vendors and counters where you can enjoy a glass of wine and beer along with some tapas.  Locals can also purchase produce and speciality items.