Nature just around the corner

May 5, 2017May 3, 2017 / cultivatingjoy / 2 Comments

JOYFUL GRATITUDE #25

I am deeply grateful for living in a part of the city that also has nature close by. It looks like I’m deep in a forest, but this picture was taken just five minutes from my flat.

After a day sitting at my desk, it feels so good to go for a walk and stretch my legs, and feel the sun on my skin.

Today I was accompanied by bird song from the trees, and when I listened carefully even the buzzing of some bees and other insects.

Just taking the time observe these plants and look at their details is like a meditation for me.

Short walk around the block

April 28, 2017April 27, 2017 / cultivatingjoy / 2 Comments

JOYFUL GRATITUDE #24

In the last few years I usually try to flee Amsterdam on King’s Day to avoid the crowds of people dressed in orange who hit the streets to celebrate the King’s birthday.

This year I’m in town but I took the opportunity of this day off to chill at home and do some spring cleaning at home whilst listening to S-Town (I’m hooked!).

Neverthelsess with the sun shining so nicely outside, I decided to get out of the house and go for a spontaneous photo walk around my neighbourhood, where luckily there are no crowds.

Despite May being just around the corner, it was still pretty cold, practically glove weather. The flowers popping up on every corner, bushes growing shiny fresh new leaves of all different colours and trees in full bloom tell another story. Winter is over!

It was a pleasure to be mindful and take in all the colours and textures to be found on a short walk.

Amsterdam Bee Park

April 11, 2017March 31, 2017 / cultivatingjoy / 1 Comment

While Paolo was living in the Far West (Geuzenveld) we discovered a few lovely places to escape from the rhythm of the city for a while. The Bee Park is one of them, a hidden haven of peace, where you can admire flowers and observe bees close up.

It’s lovely to walk along the tiny paths between the hedges of the allotments, catching glimpses of the carefully tended gardens and small sheds.

As you explore you may bump into a beekeeper, fully clothed in this protective gear like an astronaut, carefully taking care of his bees and hives. If you’re lucky there may even be some of this delicious local honey for sale to take home with you.

Bijenpark Amsterdam is open from April to October, I recommend to check the times and dates before going.