No need to be alarmed. We are indeed, in Amsterdam. Welcome to one of the oldest Botanic Gardens in the world: de Hortus, right here in my neighbourhood. The above pictures are from the 3-climate greenhouse that is just one of the many highlights. The 3-climates being sub-tropical, tropical, and desert-dry. In other words, my kinda-climate. As soon as I walked into the space I recognised so many of the plants, I felt like I was home. And now that I’ve bought a pass to the gardens, I know exactly where I’ll be coming to get a dose of Aussie heat when it is the middle of winter here…

There is also the Palmhouse (seen above), another jaw-dropping structure that was built back in 1912 for Professor Hugo de Vries. And inside, I found this little set up you see below. My guess is that the last lecture was about how to grow herbs and vegetables in everyday left-over containers. How fabulous. It reminded me of why I have held on to my Milo tins…

Then there is the butterfly enclosure…

Just being amongst these beautiful creatures brings a smile to my face.

And oh, the succulents! For me, this wonderful hothouse was like being in a mini New Mexico. Well, very mini, but inspiring all the same.

The Orangery terrace café is also lovely, and French Boy and I indulged in a wonderful long Sunday lunch there, complete with wine and dessert.

I will be visiting this special place often and want to show you more of it’s features, but I couldn’t hold back any longer, I just had to show you what I found so far! There is so much to see at these gardens, and this is just a snippet for you, so I do hope you’ve enjoyed this little wander…

Author’s Note: Just after I finished writing this tonight we ducked out for some Indian at our local – being the first time I’d ventured outdoors for the day as it has been a rainy, windy, and all together damp day. But there appeared to be a break. So off we went. And we were out for no longer than 50 seconds before it started to pelt down. With hail. With hail!?!!

Check, please.

Just a few inspiring things I’ve been wanting to share with you before we go for our little amsterdam wander…

First up is this book that I have begun reading. It is called The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society and is written by the unfortunately recently deceased Mary Ann Shaffer. I had no prior knowledge of this book or the author as it was given to me as a gift, and this offering is testament that books are the best gifts of all. So I am not going to tell you anything about it in the hope that you might just buy it blindly and enjoy it as I am. I will just tell you this: it is, without a doubt, the most inspiring piece of literature I have read this year.

It is published in Australia by Allen & Unwin, and available to purchase here and here.

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Sofia has come up with a rather lovely autumn inspired idea – it’s called The Autumn Swap. What is it? Its a means for us to send each other some special treats to ring in the change of season! And is just what I need, I can’t wait to put together my goodies for whoever I get to swap with. All the details for the swap are here. Please join us, it will be alot of fun!

The sweet image above is from Sofia’s personal poetry blog called Aller-Retour.

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This guy is wonderfully entertaining and is my new inspirational TV chef. His recipes are easy, enticing, and fuss-free. His personality is easy, enticing, and fuss-free. And he’s kooky. Just what I like in a man chef! Monday nights are dedicated to him.

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And if you need a good belly laugh, this video on Liberty Post Editor might just do the trick!

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Enjoy the links. I’ll be back soon to take you on our little excursion as promised. x

…tomorrow! I’m going to take you somewhere rather special in Amsterdam but for now, I leave you with this beauty to give you a clue as to where we might be going. It’s bedtime in these here parts. so slaap lekker. Bonne nuit… et à demain!

xx