Zandvoort, July 29th. My beach club Tyn Akersloot it preparing for another two busy beach days. Weather conditions are very 'summery', hot and sunny a bit humid but perfect for a good beach day. I am here this morning before work to enjoy the breakfast special and a newspaper, no more than 1h30 on the beach and back in the city by noon. I am sure it got really crowded today and tomorrow is going to be another great day for the beach.
Zandvoort, July 28th. Despite a canceled BBQ on the beach with friends -because of expected thunderstorms- me and my friend Julia still went to the beach today and got there round 3 pm. It was a steamy day, as it has been the last few days. Obviously the rest of the country expected it to be a lousy beach day, because the beach clubs hadn't bothered to put out the sun beds and there were only a few people. But it turned out to be a wonderful evening with lots of prosceco, good food and good friends. Since I am more of a morning-beach-go'er, it had been a while that I saw the sunset here in the Netherlands and to be honest, it is pretty amazing to see the sun lower into the water and the atmosphere is so great.
Amsterdam, Sunday July 27th. It is early! Last night it rained and thundered and this morning I am catching an early train to the beach. It's so early the direct train service has not started yet. This photo is taken at the back of the railway station of Amsterdam. This is where the free ferries leave for Amsterdam-North. What a serene atmosphere. Well it's not thatearly, it is 8 am.
Zandvoort, Saturday July 26th. Unfortunately I have had to miss some good days on the beach because of work. But I am back, early on Saturday and it is HOT and HUMID. Now I love these conditions, especially from my time in Miami. That city gave new meaning to the words hot and humid... damn! Today is one of those days that you fantasize about in winter, when it is cold and dark. At those moments you think: "how wonderful would it be to be walking on the beach in nothing but a pair of shorts, hear the sea and be so hot, all you want to do is get in the water". Well today is such a day and to be honest: it really isn't that nice. Hot & humid days are severely overrated. It must be 26 degrees and maybe 80 % humidity which is not to bad compared to New York or Miami this time of year, but for the Netherlands it is too much. So the beach remains pretty much empty. No wine for me today, just a latte and a fruitshake. Which is delicious by the way!
Zandvoort, July 24th. While I was in Ibiza for the last couple of days my eye feel on the Dutch newspaper sold there, and it was opening with a big photo, showing some dramatic shot of a family at a camping ground somewhere in the rain in the Netherlands. Obviously the Netherlands was hit by a low pressure weather system while I was in Ibiza, causing it to rain, be cold and windy. On the day I returned to Amsterdam I saw the same dutch news paper announcing (also quite dominant on the frontpage) that summer weather would return to the Netherands in the next few days. Although the Dutch tend to be calm and controlled, the weather really gets them going. So all media was hyping the good weather to be arriving this Thursday, like it was the first good day for the beach this year. Anyone that has been going through my blog knows it has been beach weather since early April. But it definitely was a good day and I was there in the morning a few hours before returning to work that afternoon. For the next few days the Netherlands got its beach weather causing traffic jams, people to get sunstroke, drown, etc. Unfortunately I had to miss these days since I had to work, but I do think it was busy, hot and fun at the beach!
Talamanca, July 24th. I am leaving Ibiza again around noon and this morning I took the small ferry from the port of Eivissa to Talamanca. From there it is just a 3 minute walk to the beach. I discovered this beach a few days ago and was struck by its cool vibe. This morning is no different. Just at the beginning of the beach is this simple cafe, perfect for breakfast, with great view over the bay. The beach is starting to get to life and is a funny mix of people ending their night of partying and others who starting the day fresh with a swim, chat or breakfast.
Talamanca, July 21. Wow. I have said it before, Ibiza beaches all have their own identity, atmosphere and they keep surprising you. Today it was my first time at Talamanca Beach. this beach is located on the other side of Eivissa, no more than 10 minutes from the centre. I had never been before, after I read it was a 'child-friendly' beach I felt little desire to go here. Big mistake: what a gorgeous beach and great atmosphere. We were here early and had breakfast on the beach. The beach seemed to just get to life with a few people jogging, swimming, practicing and the sun just about to start a long and hot day. This beach has a very 80s vibe, a bit of the Caribbean, Miami Beach in the 90s, very low key and very cool. It was early and I dont know what it looks like during the busier hours, but this beach is defenitely one with its own character and one I'd like to return to.
Sitges, July 20th. Don't get me wrong, I love Sitges. I think it's location, people, old town and even it's beach are great, just not in high season. It is too many people on a beach that is way too small. I love to come here off season, even in winter you can catch a day good enough to go to the beach.
