Amsterdam - a European city to revisit and love

I didn't expect to love Amsterdam, afterall I had been there before and my memory from more than 10 years ago was a seedy cold place that was like most other European cities. However, visiting in the middle of Winter doesn't really allow you to explore and appreciate Amsterdam in quite the same way that a few relaxing days in Spring does.

The canals are lovely and it has a very different feel to Venice, though you do derive the same delight in getting lost as you cross bridge after bridge.

The street art above shop fronts and on market sheds was fascinating. Bright splashes of paint compliment the charm of the vibrant city. .

One boat owner decided to construct his own art with bottles. The Dutch aren't just clog wearing, cheese eating bicycle riders. They have flair, treasure their gardens and enjoy simply sitting on a bench outside their apartment to watch the world go by.

The flower market is extraordinary and full of colour. You can pick up trinkets, seeds, bulbs or just go to marvel at all the different flowers that you can buy there.

Several stalls are set up and I confess that I couldn't help but spend a small fortune on bulbs. I was inspired. Sadly only a handful of my bulbs actually rewarded me with plants, and I am yet to see any flowers. It is possibly my own ineptitude as a gardener. It was fun to bring home a small piece of Amsterdam in any case.

Rembrandt's house was worth a visit. You step back in time to see how the artist and people of his time lived. I spent several hours wandering through the house.

My top tips for Amsterdam:

• do not go in Winter! It's cold, grey and miserable.
• Visit the flower market and Rembrandt's house. I previously had been to Anne Frank's house and that is definitely a must see, though you should plan ahead as it can be very crowded.
• Spend a few hours wandering around the canals. Get lost in Amsterdam and enjoy it.
• I didn't visit any sex shows, the red light district or try any of the other recreational legal activities that Amsterdam is also well known for. If you do, just remember to be careful.
• I stayed near the new museum and spent some time walking around a beautiful park, It was a very safe area and I even passed my a hotel that Justin Bieber was allegedly staying in. (There were teenage girls screaming outside a building at 10pm at night.)

Amsterdam is a remarkable city. It has a character that you can easily be charmed by so that you may be tempted to revisit it again.

London's Covent Garden - a top ten hotspot

London's Covent Garden - is it a tourist trap or the place to be?

London v Paris - battle of the cultural meccas

London is a cultural magnet with opportunities and scope for artists and creative types. I met a Parisian photographer today. Imagine my surprise when she said 'London is much better than Paris.'

M&M World London - The Magic of Chocolate

The guys at M&M World London bring fun and magic to London's Leicester Sqaure. All aboard the M&M bus to go on the M&M road to discover your M&M mood.

The Man That Makes Women Go Hmmm - Michael Buble O2 London 10 concerts

 

It’s not about the way he talks, the way he swaggers, that he looks great in a tux - it’s that Michael Buble sings about love. He sells romance and hope.

c25k - learning to run when you've never run before

Everyone seems to be running, it is the latest craze and c25k has been my way in. I've never been a runner. As a child, I hated when we had 1.6km runs and the humiliation of coming last or second last. When you are a high achiever, you don't want to suck at anything. Running is one area in which I truly do suck.

Peruvian inspired Corn Pancake with Guacamole and Chili Chocolate

A Peruvian inspired Corn Pancake with Guacamole and Chili Chocolate - it's oh so yummy, so healthy and a lovely quick treat to spoil yourself with or to impress your friends when you have them over.

Winter in London

It's not all grey skies and miserable cold in London in the Winter. Throw on a gorgeous scarf and hat. Don't forget super warm socks. Stop and explore all the beauty and wonder that London has to offer.

Amazing Peru - Go Back in Time to the Magic of the Incas

 

Peru is  one of the world's most amazing holiday destinations. Memorable, magical and an absolute must.

Explore the natural beauty and history of Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The journey itself will blow you away and the altitude, well that's another high that you will not be able to imagine! You'll walk, you'll climb, you'll sit and wonder why you are doing it, but at the end of each day, you'll be so glad that you have had the experience of a life time.



Cusco, Sacred Valley & Lake Titicaca

Nothing can prepare you for the experience-

the camaraderie of fellow travellers, the enthusiasm of the locals, the endurance, perseverance and character you will discover within yourself.

So much to see, so much unexpected pleasure and surprises. One traveller had gone for days crawling through blizzards to see Machu Picchu. Many endured hours of rain and fog whilst exploring the site and were rewarded by afternoon sunshine.

See the amazing crafts - alpaca and wood carvings inspired by the culture and history.

 

Check out the flowers - so many varieties and from all over the world. And there is corn galore and cooked so well. Cancha - omg! Lima was gastronomical, the beach and sunset simply stunning.

I love London - even in the winter (see Winter in London), but Peru was a wonderful adventure which I want to hold on to. I've even started trying to create the flavours of Peru (Peruvian inspired Corn Pancake with Guacamole and Chili Chocolate). Peru, it's a journey for young and old. Machu Picchu is truly one of the greatest wonders of the world, and Peru has so much to offer.