Run With Me, Along The Amstel

Training for the Amsterdam half marathon started this week! I'm excited to have a goal (I want a PR) on the radar, it helps me motivate, gives more purpose to my runs and somehow makes feel less guilty/selfish when I make time to run (I know I shouldn't feel guilty...).

Lucky for me, Amsterdam is a gorgeous city to run in. Today's longish route hugged the river.

If my half marathon is really slow, remind me that it's because I stop so often to snap photos! (Remember, it's true what I told you...).

I love how many of these homes have names.  Its hard to tell in the photos, but they do.  I love when homes (and cars, and bikes) have names.

Fierljeppen

Ever since seeing this video (before we moved here), a fierljeppen competition was high up on this-former-college-pole-vaulter's to do list.  Last night the kids and I made it happen.  We all loved it.  We'll be back for more!  Maybe the national championships on Aug 24?  

Below is a video I shot, of Jaco de Groot.  He is famous - for real - check out this NYT piece from last year (and this video).

I wonder if there are scholarships for fierljeppen?

W was really impressed by the hardware.

Here is a shot of Jaco doing his thing.

We left before the finals (which started at 9pm by the way - no big deal here, it is still light as day at that hour)...and that means we left well before the "Drive In Discotheek de Gertons" was able to do its thing.  The scene was quite festive, I have a feeling the Fierljeppen crowd goes big at the drive in disco.

PS - check out the schedule for the national championships.  Looks like we should be there at 13:00 hours...gonna be a long day!

Rainbow Day

The Amsterdam Gay Pride parade was yesterday, and it was no small event.  I think it was a bigger fete than Queen's Day.  The parade (which happens on a canal) passed just behind our house, and it was quite an experience!  Love is love...and who doesn't love rainbows and sparkles?!

Be sure to watch the video at the end of this post.  Unless, of course, you see guys in foil chaps riding jet packs down canals everyday - then it will be a bore, skip it.

Even the police have a float (a barge) in the parade, so cool

Our favorite part, without a doubt, was the dudes in silver chaps riding jet packs down the canal...it was crazy.  Check it. 

Shoulda

I think I regret not buying myself these fun Pom Pom Greek slippers and this super fab bust while in Athens. Onward.

24 hours in Athens

Street Art

I love city life

Photo du Jour

Precious Cargo: Starbucks, Tom Brady and SweetP

Home

A morning run reminded me that it's good to be "home".