Gazelligheid (Or, Sunday, Part I)

Proof that Jane navigated around Zuid by bike!

Gazelligheid is a Dutch word regarded as untranslatable into English.  It refers to the cozy feeling of spending time with friends, particularly after a long absence.  I was really lucky to have a truly "gazellig" day during staycation.

Jane, my BFF from my year in Dominica, was in Amsterdam with her 13-year-old daughter, Melissa.  Jane and I left Dominica around the same time; she and her family now live in the UK.  Despite our best intentions we have seen each other only once since 1998, when she and her family traveled to Washington, DC, when Melissa was an infant.  This DC was one of many trips that Jane and her family has won (they are incredibly lucky like that).

From the minute I arrived at their hotel it was like I had just seen them the day before.  What I have always loved about Jane is her zest for life.  To say she is fun loving doesn't begin to describe her (and makes her sound like a party girl which isn't the case).  Jane is filled with an infectious positivity that just makes people love to be around her.

Our plan was to cycle over to Art Zuid, a large scale public art exhibit in my neighborhood, and then get some dinner.  While Melissa is an expert cyclist, Jane (like me) isn't super comfortable cycling on main roads and prefers to stick to less populated paths.  Despite this, Jane made it to Art Zuid, out to dinner (Where we met M and Peter who had their own adventure) and back without incident.  Jane and Melissa were the most fearless guests we have had to date!

The big sauna skull...

...and with a visitor inside.  Sadly we learned it smelled a bit like wee.

We all agreed this bit of bling was one of our favorites.

Melissa and Jane looking lovely (and proud!) after a day of cycling.