rainy day

I love rainy days - I don't know why - but I always have, and it just so happens that today is a rainy day.  I ventured out for lunch in the neighborhood with an amazing book on the history of the village (Geert Mak's fantastic Amsterdam:  a brief life of the city).  Sitting outside under the canopy, with the heaters blazing and the rain pouring down, the restaurant was buzzing.  It just so happens in this neighborhood that lunch is a serious outing... Louboutins come out of their boxes, as well as the "good" jewelry.  It is such a site!  I absolutely love it!

I have to give it to the Dutch... when they get dressed up, they don't mess around.  None of that deconstructed chicness of the French, or understated American, or even haphazardness of the Brits.  No, the Dutch bring IT - and strong.  So today I found myself more focused on my fellow diners than my book.  The first thing of note:  I was the only person without a glass of wine or champagne.  These people are fabulous!  If it is noon on a Friday and you have nowhere else to be... start pouring.  Second observation:  Instead of the traditional 3 kisses rule when saying hello and goodbye here, apparently if you know someone really well you revert to one kiss.  I love this efficiency and resolve to make deeper friendships if just to enjoy this exception.  And lastly, which comes as no surprise, lunch can last several hours if you wish.

Usually, I have a very hard time slowing down and stretching my meals out for hours (I am American after all!)  But today I had a nice, long, leisurely lunch of tomato soup and a grilled cheese (aka "tosti" if you are native).  It was the best 12 euros spent in a very long time.