One week to go…

We’ve signed the contracts, for the new apartment as well as selling the houseboats. Next week we’ll move to my houseboat. We’re getting the keys for the new place at the same time, so we can start remodeling and redecorating the new place. It’s going to be a busy time the coming weeks. All being well, we should be in the new place before Christmas. We’ll see…

On the move

We’re going to move house(boat). The houseboats are for sale (see here, and here). Although we have really enjoyed living on the Amstel, we feel it’s time for a change of scenery. We’re looking at a property (in the center of Amsterdam – we’re not ready for the country life yet) but nothing’s finalised so far.

And yes, the Ayor is for sale too. Exciting times…

Jonathan for sale

Jonathan for sale

Libby does Amsterdam

From the official website:

“This year we celebrate 400 years of enduring friendship between the Netherlands and the United States. Four hundred years ago, a Dutch ship called the Half Moon guided to the shores of what is now New York City with Captain Henry Hudson at the helm. This lead to the establishment of New Amsterdam and the New Netherland colony. Some 167 years later, in 1776, the Dutch were the first to salute the flag of the United States of America. NY400 celebrates the free spirit, openness, entrepreneurship and tolerance of those Dutch-American pioneers, and their continued relevance today and beyond.”

Coughing and wheezing

Yesterday Jan wanted to check whether the Ayor had survived the winter. With some gentle persuasion, and a heavy iron rod, the Ayor started up, blowing clouds of blackblue smoke. But the engine started, and after a couple of minutes, all the pistons were firing. So we took it out for a short spin. It was cold, and the sun was fading, but it was nice to be out again. Now all we need is nice weather.

pizzaboy: he delivers

Living in an A1-location like we do, we sometimes get requests to film on our houseboat. Sometimes we let them. This was the most recent effort. Rest assured, the special effects were just that: effects. And we don’t even have guineapigs…

To see what I’m talking about here, click the image.

aaargh

American invasion

boatride with Charles’ parents, Charles and DavidLast week we had an American invasion. David and Charles were (too) briefly back in town, and almost all my American relatives came to visit as well. David and Charles were here on their grand tour of Europe with Charles’ parents. We offered them a boat trip around Amsterdam, and thankfully the weather improved just in time.

My American relatives were here in honour of my mother’s 80th birthday party. She had her birthday on March 1st, but threw a party in May, figuring that the weather would be more agreeable than in March. It almost was not, but we were lucky: Friday (the day of the party) in the end turned out excellent. All together there were 54 guests for the day: first we took them on an excursion to Pampus, and afterwards there was a lunch in Muiderberg. The day was a big success, and I think all had a good time. But it has been a busy weekend.

winter in Amsterdam

This year, we’re having a very mild winter. This picture was taken a few weeks ago, but it was still on my camera. Right now, I’m busy preparing for Karneval in Cologne, and I needed to make some room on the memory card of my Canon.

So be prepared for some pictures after this next weekend!

Rainbow over the Stopera
(click the thumbnail for a larger view)