Still 15 days until Christmas but it already feels like it's going to be over soon. It's been a while since I've explored the center during this time of year so I was quite happy my soon to be ex-colleague agreed to meet up for a somewhat spontaneous brunch close to Dam Square. It was a restaurant in Hotel V that happened to serve American-style pancakes, enough for me to consider stopping by. Given its proximity to the Dam I was surprised to find it incredibly quiet and low key, which made my decision even more satisfying. The pancakes though could stand to be bigger - it wouldn't be American otherwise - and the bacon less crunchy. The cappuccino was however good that I ended up getting two, with the second one smiling back at me that I hesitated a few seconds before spoiling it with my spoon.
The rest of the time after brunch was spent walking around the bearably crowded Bijenkorf where I got a little somethin' somethin', then around Kalverstraat, Spui, and the Jordaan in order to soak in the yuletide atmosphere. A quick stop at a cozy cafe bakery and more walking later, it was time to call it a day. The following day proved uneventful apart from another pilgrimage to our local garden center - the third this season - to savor the festive atmosphere that put regular Amsterdam markets to shame.
It's already looking a lot like Christmas.
Labels: Amsterdam, Holidays, Travel
