We finally moved to our new apartment! It took two days — the first day the movers came with our shipping container and moved everything in and the second day we rented a car and hauled all 8 suitcases, the pets and all the other stuff we’ve accumulated since getting here a month and a half ago.
I’m just going to be perfectly honest — we got a really amazing apartment. It’s a beautiful “garden apartment” in Oud Zuid (Old South), three blocks from Vondelpark. The location is ideal for James Wilson’s school and for accessing the museums. We’ll miss all the amazing food and hustle of De Pijp, but we’re so happy not to be dealing with all the stairs and to have more space. And it’s weird for me to admit this, but I do like the quieter vibe in this neighborhood.
We’ve been working hard over the last two days, and we’ve still got a lot to do, but it already feels like home, and we are totally ready to receive guests, so come on over, everybody!
Surveying her new domainHow lucky are these guys to have that back yard garden?Wishing we’d shipped more of our bedroom furniture overJames Wilson’s room has a working fire place and a terrace.JW’s sleeping on an aerobed until we buy him a real one, but I wanted to make sure it was all set up for him when he got home from school so he’d feel more at home amongst the chaos.First time she’s been outside since we moved. We won’t let her in the garden yet. Need to wait as long as we can to make sure she knows this is home.I’ve been worried for months that my precious green velvet couch would get sliced while getting unwrapped, but it is fine! I did fulfill my prophecy by slicing through the cushions of one of the patio chairs though.My baby is safe and soundThis guy deserves all the beersThis is the front room. Probably going to be used as dining room, but if we get lots of guests at once it closes off with huge pocket doors and could function as a lovely guest room.James had to do a meeting between moving furnitureReunited with my furry accessoriesI took this picture when JW wasn’t paying attention. We’d stopped by the new apartment for a few minutes for him to see it on his way home from school, but we were spending our last night in De Pijp. His expression is so vulnerable and unguarded, and captures the emotions we’ve all been feeling. Today, he said he loves this new place and that “There’s an air of familiarity to it.” It’s weird, but I felt the same way. The moment the broker showed it to us I felt like I knew we were supposed to live here.Brian almost had a heart attack when we got our suitcases out again to move from De Pijp, and once we got the new place he followed me everywhere I went, including the bathroom. He finally relaxed today and he’s out cold!
Laura!! It is crazy beautiful here. It’s like a dream.
James,Jennifer and James Wilson,
What a delight to follow your Blog and view your photos! While I have visited Amsterdam in the past….the times I was there were short lived as I was traveling and had some time in stop overs there. I loved what I saw and am envious of you getting to spend real quality time there.
Be assured that I have you all in my prayers for your safety and happiness and success. I look forward to your future reports!
Love to All of you!
Your Very Holy Uncle Monsignor Steve
Hello Holy Uncle Steve!!! It’s so good to hear from you. Thanks for following along. I’ll be censoring my reports so you don’t witness the goings on in the Red Light District, as you know full well my colorful history, and I’d hate for you to worry excessively over my eternal damnation. xoxo
Love your travelogue! It is fun to keep up with you guys this way. Know it is grand to finally be settled. And I love my couch 🙂
Hi Page! Thanks for following along. I’m so glad you love your couch! Yes, it feels so, so good to be settled in. I’m having such a lovely time nesting. And our neighbors are all very curious and friendly, and so far they all love Brian, so that’s a good thing! xo
It’s sooooo beautiful, guys!
Laura!! It is crazy beautiful here. It’s like a dream.
James,Jennifer and James Wilson,
What a delight to follow your Blog and view your photos! While I have visited Amsterdam in the past….the times I was there were short lived as I was traveling and had some time in stop overs there. I loved what I saw and am envious of you getting to spend real quality time there.
Be assured that I have you all in my prayers for your safety and happiness and success. I look forward to your future reports!
Love to All of you!
Your Very Holy Uncle Monsignor Steve
Hello Holy Uncle Steve!!! It’s so good to hear from you. Thanks for following along. I’ll be censoring my reports so you don’t witness the goings on in the Red Light District, as you know full well my colorful history, and I’d hate for you to worry excessively over my eternal damnation. xoxo
Love your travelogue! It is fun to keep up with you guys this way. Know it is grand to finally be settled. And I love my couch 🙂
Hi Page! Thanks for following along. I’m so glad you love your couch! Yes, it feels so, so good to be settled in. I’m having such a lovely time nesting. And our neighbors are all very curious and friendly, and so far they all love Brian, so that’s a good thing! xo