Celebrating a wonderful woman

Some people dread turning 30, or 40. Not me. I thoroughly enjoyed both occasions as great opportunities to gather friends and family. Today, it was Femke’s turn – she is celebrating her 30th summer. Although not as relaxed about it as I was, I do think she enjoyed the day.

She already received most of her gifts, so we started with breakfast in bed with freshly baked bread from the bakery. The big event, however, was to be in the evening, when we spoiled ourselves with a magnificent five dish dinner (plus surprises) at the elegant Restaurant De Kas.

A glass of white wine in the gardens was followed by gazpacho with tempura-courgette and courgette flower, Dutch shrimps with an aubergine compote and Indian papadam, and as a third starter, a marvellous lamb dish served with chanterelle mushrooms, green beans and pea puré. To this, we drank a nice Italian Primitivo wine.

The main course was a delicately cooked seawolf resting on a bed of barley, green peas and a lobster sauce. The recommended Belgian chardonnay (wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen 2006) was a very good match, with its powerful nose and full taste.
As dessert, we devoured a splendid concoct of pannacotta with strawberry sauce and a berry sorbet.

But the evening didn’t end there. I had arranged for us to stay over in a very special place – one of the former secret catholic churches from the 18th century, now transformed into a one room-hotel in central Amsterdam, called Op Het Altaar (under the altar).
As I am writing of peculiar lodgings in the Netherlands, this was just another case of my diligent research. And I think Femke appreciated the sparkling wine and the strawberries.

Family weekend

This weekend, my Mother, Sister and her daughter Veronica came down for a visit. My mother came first, unfortunately when it was raining cats and dogs in Amsterdam. But we had a great time anyway, strolling, having a drink at a café and in general just being together.

Saturday, Femke’s family came over and we had an enjoyable dinner together, combining a house-warming party with my 40th Birthday. Femke cooked some lovely food and it was nice to see our two families mingle.

Our home is almost ready!

Today, Femke’s parents Jelle and Piun came over to help us fix the last few things in our home. Their knowledge, tools and sheer energy have been an invaluable support for us when turning our apartment into a home. Femke and Pin laid the carpet in the hallway while Jelle installed spotlights and lights in the hallway and kitchen, and helped us with a number of other things. I tried to do whatever I could, but next to these expert DIY:ers, I am but an amateurs.

You see, in Sweden, the homes are more or less complete when you move in, with proper floors and walls, fixtures for curtain railings and even plug holes and hooks in the ceiling for lamps. So you never learn how to do all these things, unless you are renovating a house of your own (and even then, you wouldn’t touch the electrical system as it is illegal and requires certified electricians).

But I learned a lot from my Dutch family, and now, our home looks brilliant. Pin & Jelle – thank you so much for all your help!

In the evening, Maarten popped by and we had dinner together the five of us. Then, Femke, me and Maarten went down to our neighbours below to celebrate Hyshil’s 25th birthday. Congratulations!