Gezellig!

This word is the best way to describe the Jordaan (the name of the area in Amsterdam that I've been living). . .too bad there is absolutely no translation for this word in English! You'll just have to come out and experience it for yourself one day. If I try to describe the word I would use adjectives like: fun, cozy, cheerful, festive, relaxed - but really it's a combination of all these words and more! From what I've heard, in the past the Jordaan was the poor area in Amsterdam but that has now changed. I see many ritzy looking people riding on their bikes in nice suits and dresses - probably on their way to their work. There are lots of cool art galleries and specialty stores up and down the many tiny streets. And the cafes, there are so many cafes! This is really cool because in the early evenings. . .when the weather is nice. . .there are many people sitting outside - drinking and socializing together. The buildings and canals are so wonderful as well here - they really add to the atmosphere. Along with that there are many "hofjes" to be discovered. These are beautiful old secret courtyards that the rich made for the poor and the sick to enjoy. From the street you would never guess they were there, you enter through a door only to find some of the most beautiful and peaceful scenery in this crazy city. What a blessing it is to step into a hofje - a great chance to enjoy a bit of nature and silence! Another "gezellig" aspect to life in the Jordaan are the great markets that happen a few streets down from our house on Saturdays and Mondays. Anything and everything is sold here - from bras, to batteries, to broccoli for example! Not to mention delicious cheeses, beautiful flowers, and an abundance of second hand treasures that I typically don't have the patience to search through. It's such a great chance to be amongst the many people that live here or travel to this area because of all the great things they've heard about it. Well, I hope I have been a decent tour guide and that you are now convinced to come and experience the gezellig nature of this wonderful part of Amsterdam - as I think about leaving I know for certain that a part of my heart will remain!