Gay Parade Amsterdam 2010!

Saturday was Gay Pride here in Amsterdam. As usual, whenever there is an event to attend, the enthusiastic Amsterdammers, along with thousands of visitors, were out and about in anticipation of the fabulous float boats to cruise down the canals.
And then RAIN... lots of it, but it didn't put a dampner on the body-painted boys on the boats. Nothing like a few raindrops to cool you off when you are so HOT, HOT, HOT!!

Here are the pictures I managed to take over the sea of umbrellas. Enjoy!

Who the hell is Jimmy Woo???

The most popular and trendiest nightclub in Amsterdam is Jimmy Woo's. After years of coming here in the Summer and going to every other club and party in town, and having lived here now for a year and a half, I finally managed to see the inside of Jimmy's on Friday night!
Well, to me it was not bad. Not the best club I have ever been to - and I have been to plenty, but it was nicely decorated, good music and an older, sophisticated crowd.
The question I wanted to know and no-one could answer was: " Who the hell is Jimmy Woo????" The cousin of Jimmy CHOO????

Well, according to Wikipedia, James "Jimmy" Woo is a fictional, Chinese-American secret agent in the Marvel Comics comic-book universe. Created by EC Comics great Al Feldstein and artist Joe Maneely, the character first appeared in Yellow Claw #1 (Oct. 1956) from Atlas Comics, the 1950s predecessor of Marvel.
James Woo is an Asian-American FBI agent assigned primarily to investigate and apprehend the Chinese-national mandarin known as the Yellow Claw, who attempts world domination. Complicating matters, the Claw's grandniece, Suwan, was in love with Woo in the 1950s series. As a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Woo went on to join its "Godzilla Squad" to hunt down the giant monster Godzilla.
Along with his fellow teammates he follows the Atlas Foundation all over the world, unlocking secrets about his teammates former lives, and eventually confronting Yellow Claw, who reveals that the whole ordeal was only a test. As Woo passed it flawlessly, he commits suicide, ending his long life and granting to Jimmy Woo his role as Head of the Atlas Foundation, and Suwan's hand. Woo later surfaces in New York, where he and Spider-Man shut down a rebellious cell of the Atlas Foundation.
and start a fabulous shoe emporium with Jimmy's other cousin Jimmy CHOO!!!
So there you have it! If you visit Amsterdam and you feel like partying, go to Jimmy's!

Wise words from Nelson Mandela

Some wise words from Madiba, our beloved ex-President of South Africa.


"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb."

I find that to be so true. Constant challenges, but, as they say: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!"

Muiden

This week we are staying in Muiden. Not too far from Amsterdam, but it is still country living at it's best. At least this time there is no neighbour rooster!
Muiden is a beautiful village, with a famous sluice and a castle! There are gorgeous restaurants, all within walking distance and I must say, I do feel happy here. Still - Amsterdam is where I want to be.

Not long now. The renovations are going well. EXCEPT for the incorrect bathtub that was delivered and almost installed! This is a MAJOR problem as the company who we bought it from in the first place and made the mistake are not being very helpful in taking it back. It is an ugly bath and I would never have chosen it! The Dutch are not very big on customer service. Hopefully we can sort this out today!
Besides that, the sun is shining and Kai and I are going to the little beach here.