This rather rainy Thursday I spent together with my dear mother, who came down to Amsterdam from Sweden yesterday to see me, Femke and Femke’s parents. We are both somewhat strong personalities (read stubborn) but most of the time we manage to have a good time together, and today was no exception.

 

Taking a guided boat tour on Amsterdam’s canals might sound a bit boring, and very touristy. Touristy it is, nevertheless it is a handy and somewhat charming way to get acquainted the city. Remember, my mother has not been here since the early 80’s.

 

Afterwards, I made futile attempts to find an open proeflokaal. Apparently, Dutch people have an aversion against alcohol, at least before five in the afternoon. Now, I was not up for a genever either at this moment (in proeflokaals, which are always very very old and traditional, you try and by different genevers, a special Dutch alcohol), but my mother was looking for a little glass as a gift to my sister’s son, who collects them.

 

Instead, we had lunch with Femke, who was also in town. She had made some satisfying hard-core shopping and had the bags (and glowing credit card) to show it.

 

In the evening, Femke’s parents had invited my mother to dinner at their place. Since it was the first time they were going to meet, there were some nerves here and there. But they are all decent people, so was not particularly fearful. In the end, we had a lovely evening, enjoying Philippine’s (Femke’s mother) cooking.