Amsterdam Sketchbook

Observations in Amsterdam

Insides of buildings are small, compact, narrow. 

Roads are have separate bike lanes, efficient. 

Bikes everywhere!

People dress well. 

Simple and straightforward. 

CLEAN. 

So much water. 

Organised fields, observed looking from the plane. 

Flat. 

Everyone appears healthy. 

Good food portions! 

Food from all over the world. 

Struggling to find traditional Dutch food. What is traditional Dutch food?

Good coats and scarves. 

Pedestrian crossings are different. 

Not seen any homeless people. 

Everyone speaks english. 

Fashionable/designer. 

Elegant style. 

People have places to be but don't seem rushed/stressed. 

Looking into offices, work environment feels relaxed and comfortable. 

Buildings are very wonky on close inspection. 

Buildings are deceptively similar, streets look the same but each building is slightly different. 

So many physio places - maybe people do lots of sport. 

Lost of cafés and lots of people in cafés at all times of day. 

No road rage. 

Business and casual dress look quite similar. 

Harmonious living, everyone seems to get on. 

Good bread. 

Dutch Lifestyle - Gezellig Research

• The dutch word 'gezellig' or 'gezelligheid' cannot be translated directly into English. 
• Its meaning covers cosy, friendly, comfortabel, relaxing, enjoyable, gregarious, quaint and nice.
• It can be used to describe time spent with loved ones, family and friends and general togetherness.