I made it to Amsterdam last week and was able to enjoy again the places I fell in love with last year. At the top of that list (except for the Rijksmuseum, which is a spiritual home for me) is Zuivre Koffie. This beautiful cafe is filled with friendly people, one friendly cat, fresh flowers, great food, and hot chocolate. I had breakfast or lunch there each day.

My other favorite place, found largely because it is a block away from Zuivre and I wanted to be close, is the Seven Bridges Hotel. The gentlemen who run it were incredibly kind to me last year when I was there by myself, and it was lovely to be able to take my parents there too. It's a quiet, small, beautiful building with lovely rooms and views and all kinds of comforts provided. They have given me an electric tea kettle for my room when I have asked and a mini fridge without my even asking. That is a lovely touch when I travel alone, because I don't tend to eat many meals out by myself. It's easier and more comfortable to just go home to my book and some lovely wine and cheese.