BFF dinner

BFF diner at Momo. Mixing ex-pat moms, cougars and career women becomes easier once you pass 40! Conversation switches effortlessly from the troubles of living abroad to pre-teenager penis sizes, toy boy conquests and office politics. And old ladies like to take a lot of photographs...

Rijksmuseum garden party

Sunny day for Summer Cocktails at the Rijksmuseum. A bit of a stag party as you can see. And yes, that is Harry Mulisch in the background wearing a white suit. From the series: more pictures of silly people in front of Rembrandt's Nightwatch: check this, and this, and this!

Morning stretch

Last morning in Manhattan, so we headed for Bryant Park for a group yoga lesson (not really...but was fascinated by this phenomenon) and a pinot grigio induced lunch (really) before heading back to Amsterdam on the red eye. That's what we call a power trip,. I didn't even get to mention the great food we ate (Cipriani, Spice Market) and gay pride parties we attended...

Picnic Time

Picnic Salon NYC took place at the New Museum at the Bowery. Inspiring presentations by among others Carolien Gehrels (Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam), Michael B. Johnson (Pixar) and Kevin Slavin (Area/Code). Topped with G-star sponsored cocktails at the terrace, again with spectacular views.

Droog in Soho

Renny Ramakers showed us around in the lovely new Droog Design gallery in Soho. The Rietveld chair is made of Lego, which is very clever. We wanted to buy the tree tunk, but apparently only the bronze chair back rests are for sale. You´d have to cut the tree yourself!

Pedal pushers

As the Dutch delegation of Picnic Salon NYC, we showed off our heritage on a cycling tour through Manhattan and over the Brooklyn Bridge. We split up in groups, but this was, of course, group 1. The helmets were mandatory...

The High Line

Our powertrip to New York City was made extra special by our stay at the fabulous Standard Hotel in the meatpacking district. The High Line, 1.5-mile of abandoned elevated railroadtrack turned into a park, runs right through it. What a magnificant project! Serenely peaceful, lush and green landscapes mixing with wood and steel, fantastic views over the city and the Hudson river... New Yorkers make such good use of this stuff!

Gate to another world

Okuribito (Departures) is only playing in six cinemas across the country, which is a shame because it is a rightful Oscar-winner. I was really touched by the slow deliberate death rituals which offer comfort and solace to surviving loved ones. And, believe it or not, it was funny at times as well! Great performances by all, especially by Yamazaki (whom I loved in Tampopo!). Go see it if you can!

Sibling rivalry....

We sing America!

Froana and I are really getting into the spirit at the 'I sing America"-poetry festival along Leiden's street canals.

Glorious Whit Monday

Lovely sunny day for a relaxed boating trip in Amsterdam with Bart & Flip and their friends. What a way to end the long weekend!

Kinky Boots

It can get chilly on a motor cycle after an evening at Vooges, Zandvoort...