Two for joy

An exciting phone call arriving at the same time as my coffee lead me to have iced coffee on a day that iced coffee was not necessary. I asked the guys at the counter if they could just heat it up for me, and the response....

"Heat it up? No way, that won't be good. I'll just make you a fresh one." - and a fresh one is what I received. They were happy to do it and I was happy to drink it. The coffee is amazing and the service is great. The vibe is quaint with some wifi, a little terrace for people watching and some good space in the back. 

I later found out that apparently this place is known for some of the best coffee in Amsterdam. Sometimes when places get those titles the service goes down, or an arrogance sets in. not here. 

Do you think the service sways some of those loyal customers? I sure think its some of the best coffee in Amsterdam. 

I want Two For Joy to be my local. 

Pippa

Two For Joy Coffee Roasters

www.twoforjoy.nl

4 Google reviews

Haarlemmerdijk 182hs, Amsterdam

+31 20 221 9552

more info

The Golden Temple, vegetarian restaurant

So, strolling the streets of Amsterdam, as usual, I keep my eyes peeled for the vegetarian restaurants. I am not a vegetarian but I am careful and picky with the meat I eat and love to be inspired by vegetarian restaurants and ideas. 

I spotted a restaurant, The Golden Temple, which was being decorated with fresh hand painting of swirls and Buddhist inspiration and an amazing decor through the window. The menu looked awesome and the vibe easily appreciated. 

After a long sunny boat ride through the canals, I arranged a dinner for 3. We were given a private table on a patio and were instantly drooling over the menu. 2 share platters and a pizza. 

Although the food was good, the idea of a share platter was quickly questioned by only receiving one bread per platter and after having to order more from a waiter who didn't get it, the value was quickly reduced. 

What if: they simply provided a basket of pitas? So simple. So easy. Or let us know that if we wanted more, we just had to ask. Price of pitas - maybe 2 euros, max. Price of happy and repeat customers, priceless.

Yes the food was good, the vibe was cool. Would I go back? For the price of leaving hungry, I'm not too sure. 

Hungry for more,

Pippa

Fairmont Live in Amsterdam

I had the joy of dancing and laughing to the sounds of Fairmont.

https://soundcloud.com/fairmont

Live at Air in Amsterdam where the doormen were lovely, the lockers are useful and the crowd oozed into the sounds of Fairmont. Smooth and chill with bursts of bounce and beats making the dancing fun and the vibe easy. 
Smiles rippled across the floor with hands flying in the air. It was an amazing night and I suggest you check out his new mix that he just posted online. 

Enjoy,

Pippa 

Alberta will beat the floods

I am sure of this because having spent a lot of time in Alberta, mostly Canmore and Calgary, especially in my year before coming over to Europe, I can completely and honestly say that I have felt the biggest sense of community EVER throughout Alberta. They are a beautiful and warm population of people who work hard and want to grow and maintain their community and province.

Many people have negative things to say about Alberta because of their involvement in the Oil and Gas industry, and yes, I have experienced those harsh characters with dollar signs in their eyes, however they forget about the other side - the people who have lived there for years. The real Albertan locals. The cowboys, the mountaineers, the skiers, hikers and farmers. The people who moved there when it was a western province with small cities. Yes, the boom has attracted a lot of negative attention, but it has also attracted an amazing group of young and motivated people with a desire to work hard and play hard. 

My time in Alberta has allowed me to experience a lot of moments that many communities should dream of. The togetherness and pride, the support and drive. The Folk Fest's (Calgary, Canmore and Edmonton), great cafes (The Purple Perk, Rocky Mountain Bagel and Communitea), Yoga studios (Canmore Hot Yoga, Bikram Calgary South and Yoga Santosha), restaurants (Tapas, Famoso and Mercato), amazing Vegetarian Restaurants (the Coup, Nourish and Padmanadi), and of course, the famous Calgary Stampede. I think it was easier to list off amazing places in Alberta than anywhere else I have been. 

Booming cities with mountains just around the corner. Young and inspired people with the locals maintaining the West Coast-ness. Opportunities and Adventure. And I can't forget the incredible amount of wildlife. 

I write this with my heart pouring out to the communities under water and the people who have lost their homes, businesses and belongings, and to those who have even lost family members. I am sad for you all but I know, more than ever, that if any community can pull through, it is you. 

My heart is with you and I hope to be back soon.

Pippa 

How to make a girl feel welcome

I feel so so lucky. I had the absolute pleasure of being introduced to Pasticceria Amsterdam, at the Van Woustraat in the district called De Pijp. I have been here a few times with the owner always running to and from the kitchen in the back and the front counter to chat with customers. The coffee is delicious, the ice cream is incredible and I haven't yet had the chance to dive into the pastries and sandwiches, mostly because I know I won't be able to stop. 

I stopped by the other night for a quick bite of delicious ice cream and as I was leaving I asked if he ever does ginger ice cream. He said not normally, but "I'll make it for you tomorrow". I was flattered and liked the idea but I wasn't going to rely on it. The following day I didn't have the chance to make it over to check and late at night after leaving a friends house I thought I'd take a cruise over just to check, and, holy cow....

They were just closing up, it was almost midnight. I rode my bike right into the front door and said I couldn't make it earlier. He was pointing at the cabinet saying "your ice cream is right there" and he handed me a scoop. Ginger, raspberry and apple. I felt like a princess. 

This is what every community needs. The ice cream, coffee and treats would be the bonus. Just having a lovely person who cares to know and please the customers on such a basic level is what makes everything seem safe and friendly. I feel like a local.

What if every company had some level of genuine community contact like this. I'm not being over the top and expecting this world full of rainbows and butterflies, but these connections are so simple and are what customers are looking for. Even had he not made the ice cream, I have been there almost every day of my time here simply because it is genuinely friendly. They recognize the regulars and the visitors and make everyone feel the same. 

Incredibly happy,

Pippa

Who could hire me

How could I live my dream of travelling and writing? My inspiration and true love of life comes out when I'm travelling. I actually love being in airports, on planes, driving, exploring, eating things I thought I didn't like, meeting people I'd never guess I could meet. You name it. If I'm on the road, I feel fulfilled. How can I turn this into a job? I know there are a million travel writers and bloggers, but maybe I could get hired to judge customer service rather than the quality of the product? A secret shopper?

Who can help me with this?

I'm willing to live and travel anywhere in the world. Honestly. 

I'm 30 and I've lived in Canada, South Africa, Portugal, Australia and France. I've visited Tahiti, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, USA, England, Holland and some more. I have so much more to do and see. 

Suggestions welcome. 

Pippa

Amsterdammitfeelsgood

What an incredible breath of fresh air to get off the train and all of a sudden be surrounded by smiles, colourful clothing and overall chilled out people. A sudden rush of relax pumped through me and the bricks were lifted off my shoulders. Some can argue that I am just relaxed and now amongst family (my sister) and her friends, however there is such a different feeling here. I feel human here. I feel like I am around people who have feelings and want to share them. I feel like I have my soul back. 

I strolled through the incredible Albert Cuypmarkt to find myself genuinely welcomed by local vendors who want you to try their delicious olives, juices, fruits and bread. Rode my bike through the crowded streets where traffic jams and the odd bump are greeted by a smirk and occasionally the roll of the eyes. Store clerks say hello, waiters actually care what you want to eat and baristas make the coffee. They like making your coffee. 

http://www.albertcuypmarkt.nl/ac_english.html

I cannot delve into too much at this point because overall I am just happy being around happy people who are friendly and open. What a world of a difference. 

Pippa

Paris on Wheels - with the Eiffel Tower letting us down....

Well, I just spent an incredible few days playing host to family from overseas. My uncle, his helper, and my cousin were here from South Africa and we had a magical few days. The morning spent hovering over maps planning our days with baguettes and coffee surrounding us and the day spent walking/rolling, talking and laughing none stop. We managed to navigate the narrow side walks and stairs with the wheelchair, we conquered all! From Luxembourg gardens to St Germain and St Michel, Le Grande Epicerie to Notre Dame, Pompidou to Rodin, The Orangerie to The Arc de Triomphe, Chez Janou to Le Tambour, and then the finale of Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower.

Every single place was amazing and accomodating. Moving tables and chairs, putting out ramps and rollers, opening doors that did not exist - you name it, our days were smoothe and nothing could stop us. Until, we got to the Eiffel Tower. Every single place we went let all four of us in through the priority line allowing us to enjoy everything together. The Eiffel Tower, nope, they would only let my uncle and his helper through and my cousin and I would have to stand in the HUGE line, making it impossible for us to go up and enjoy it together; for me to point out what is where and to enjoy this last monument together. Nothing we said would make a difference. We were told they are the rules, if we were little kids it would be fine but but because we are adults we must stand in line. If they let us all up they would have to let everyone else with wheelchairs up.. there was NOBODY else in front or behind us. In fact I am sure my uncle was the ONLY wheelchair at the Eiffel Tower.

So, my uncle and my cousin went up, which was great, and his helper and I sat at the bottom. They still made it up but it sure did put a dull cap on the incredible few days in Paris.

Dear Eiffel Tower,

WHAT IF: you simply said only 4 people up instead of 2 adults and 2 children? Really, what is the difference? It is a mission in itself to make it there with a wheelchair so to allow the group up together would be such a lovely and friendly solution.

If you want any tips of where to go and how to navigate with a wheelchair, just ask. We had a magical magical time.

Pippa

Essential Oils DIY

I try to live my life organically and I attempt to make as many things as possible, especially those which I use regularly. It is fullfilling, fun, and saves alot of money. At home I always have:

• Tea Tree oil : great for cleaning anything ( I use it for my yoga mat, to do laundry, in a spray bottle for around the house), oils for skin irritations, directly on zits, in baths, shampoo and body soap. It is a miracle oil. 
• Peppermint oil: baths, digestion
• Eucalyptus: in the shower for a DIY steam room
• Lavender: occasional dab on my wrists or in hair, in candles for around the house, under the pillow to help me sleep - however I have the occasional allergy to it
• Patchouli: a dab on my wrists, occasionally added to my laundry soap, to release my inner hippy in a HUGE city

CLICK HERE for Great link for essential oil essentials - and an overall great website

I hope you enjoy this. I love these little projects!!

Pippa

"Grouponers" really don't get it.....and I do not mean the customers.

Since coming to Paris I have taken advantage of Groupon/Living Social deals, and all the other websites alike. Mostly for dinners, as in Paris they do not come cheap. I have been to 3 restaurants and I truly feel that none of them understand the point of advertising with coupon companies.... Get the customers in the door so that THEY WILL BE REPEAT CUSTOMERS!

Each experience I have left thinking

• They gave me yesterdays produce/meat/wine
• They seated me at the worst table
• I was treated differently/horribly!
• I WILL NEVER COME BACK - and in fact I will tell people to NEVER go!

My experience last night at PARIS 9 was just that.
When we got there they were friendly and then we said we had a coupon. They sat us in the side room, completely seperate from the restaurant. I asked to move to the room with "action", they did move us but we were not receiving the same attention the others were. The "deal" was for a their steak for 2 at 50% off. On the menu it states:

Fiorentina
Côte de bœuf XXL à la fiorentina (pour 2 personnes), pommes de terre
frites au couteau, haricots verts et sauce gorgonzola

We recieved a steak with more fat than meat, and chips. Thats it. I asked for the green beans (haricots verts) and we were charged an extra 5 euros, with no "sauce gorgonzola". I waited 10 minutes for them to bring mustard and until we were finished our meal, they did not come over once to ask how anything was. 

I will not go back. I will never suggest it. They do not get it. And, I am finished with coupons.

WHAT IF:

•  they asked us which table we would like
• brought us a taste of a homemade starter or a sip of something yummy to get our taste buds excited
• told us that initially the beans etc would not be included but they will be including them for us

If all of this happened, I can guarantee the fatty meat would not have upset us.

Since I am on the topic of EXPENSIVE, I feel like the worst cousin in the world. My cousins are visiting for a few days and we met and went for a drink. We should have just bought some gold instead. What on earth justifies a drink on a terrace of a cafe/bar costing over 10euros - which unless its sprinkled with Fairy dust and truffles I still do not understand that price. Last night at Cafe Delmas in the 5th,

1 pint of 1664 (beer)    13.00

1 gin and tonic               15.50

1 Pastis                         6.00

1 ginger ice tea               13.00

TOTAL                        48.20 for a round of drinks.

WHAT IF:

• they had brought a nice selection of olives or a steaming bowl of homemade fries to the table and offered a carafe of water? 

Their cost, 2euros. Their gain, our return.

RIDICULOUS.

I would love to know your thoughts on whether or not I am unreasonable or if this is just simply INSANE. 

Pippa

Nothing speaks louder than your body!

So, I have been practicing Bikram Yoga for just over 4 years now. I am a strong practitioner, a bit of an A-type in the studio. I am my biggest competition. I love the yoga, it has changed my life, but I have gone through fazes of not being sure if it is helping my body or not. I have had serious back pains, leg pains, knots and kinks, you name it. I am often told that for strong students like me these things tend to happen, to the extreme.

Since I have moved to Paris I have internalized alot of stress and after just 2 weeks of being here my yoga practice had completely changed, for the worse. I was used to a quite flexible practice, which I worked hard for. I was used to making it quite far in certain postures, standing forehead to knee, backbends, balancing... I was proud of myself. 2 weeks in Paris and I felt like I had never done yoga before. I was blocked.

I wont get into too many details but I have felt like a weak and ill person. I have been very confused and frustrated as I eat very well (with some indulgences), I have a regular yoga practice, I don't over indulge on alcohol or cigarettes - I consider myself healthy. I have been experiencing serious knee and back problems, taking me to the osteopath. My asthma has returned after 16 years. I have had rashes, cold sores and headaches. Am I allergic to Paris? Is this a sign I should not be here?

I went to yoga last week after a month off during some adjustments with my osteopath. I made it through the first two standing series' and then we hit the floor. I was taking the class easy, we got to Cobra and all of a sudden something happened. I have no idea what and I tried not to be dramatic, but my back was having spasms, I could not lie still or move, I could not breathe, my legs were shaking. I was trying to not be scared but I was. I set my pride aside and left the room.

The owner, an osteopath, quickly came to help me. Knowing NOTHING about me, he adjusted and settled me and said "there is a vampire taking your energy and it is time to live for yourself. Nobody but yourself". I cried. What does this mean?

I have reflected and spoken with people and just allowed what happened to happen. I feel a weight lifted as I think something told me to just enjoy the now but to really concentrate on myself. It is really intense when your body tells you things like this.

So, I went back to the studio yesterday and I felt like a new student. Some energy has been released, my balance and knees are still a bit sore and my spine series is tight, but I am now much more aware of the idea of listening to your body. It is all we have. In the end, it is me, myself and I.

Listen to your body. Listen to your gut, your back, your shoulders, your knees. Heal and care for yourself.

Namaste,
Pippa

Carrots aren't just for eating - best skin ever!

Forget all of this rage in stores and magazines now for BB cream - whatever the promise is for this new fad. I have discovered Carrot Oil.

I use it every morning. Nothing else. I use Almond or Avocado oil to remove my mascara and other than that, in the morning I always finish my shower with freezing cold water and then splash my face with freezing cold water again and put on carrot oil and my skin has never been better. You get a little bit of colour on your face as well due to the carotene and my face is clear, CLEAR, nothing!!!! I also feel like my little bit of aging that I was seeing has settled and my skin tone is completely even. 

I have had very sensitive skin my entire life. I have bought products upward of 70.00$ and done magical maintenance routines which have done nothing but burn my skin. Now, wake up, cold water, carrot oil and thats it. Oh and it costs about 8.00 Euros.

You can buy it at a health food store, mine I bought at Monoprix here in France. LOVEA is the name, and I love it! 5 drops every morning massaged into your face and neck! If you can find an organic carrot oil, it is best. MELVITA makes one.

You sure cannot beat a completely natural solution for your face. No alcohol, additives - nothing. Never forget, everything you put on your skin gets ingested through your skin. 

I really hope this helps. It has changed my life!!!

Pippa

I owe more to Portugal

I feel like I owe much more to Portugal. My visit there was magical, as always. The people are lovely, the food is amazing, it is ridiculously cheap and so so beautiful. Having spent a lot of my summer there growing up, unfortunately, it is also quite sad.

 I spent a lot of my time in a beautiful fishing village west of Lisbon called Cascais. I remember the generations of families hanging out on benches, the beaches full of locals and some tourists, the shops catering to the locals, the smell of sardines and cod wafting through the streets. Now all shops are catered to tourists, apparently the locals can barely afford anything local, stores are boarded up and most restaurants are for tourists. 

The economy is the most painful part. As much of Europe, and the world is experiencing, the recession has hit hard. I attempted to buy and eat local as much as possible to support them, however it is hard to decipher what is still owned by locals. 

My favourite beach, west of Cascais, is called Guincho beach. It is surrounded with kite surfers, VW vans and lots of wind. The bar tucked away in the back has had bob Marley on repeat since I first went there over 20 years ago and the salted peppers and caipirinhas are e way to go!

A beautiful town across the being from Lisbon, Alcochete, is also picking up. I hate to write these things because the last thing I want is for it to be invaded by tourists but they need the support of customers. I forget the name of the restaurant and I feel awful for this, but just go there, find a restaurant, and you are guaranteed delicious bacalhau a bras - cod, garlic, olive oil and chips!. The boardwalk is under construction so do yourself a favour and park a bit further out or you will be stuck in serious traffic and people doing 50 point turns.

And finally, Vela Zul. One of the best seafood restaurants in Cascais. Mom and pop hosting the joint tend to have a bit of a rough edge but its all worth it. Their stress comes from making sure e food is great, not because they are rude. The lulas, rice dishes and rice pudding are to die for. Do yourself a favour!

I actually could go on forever. 

Go to Portugal. Support the locals. Hang out and drink wine, listen to fado and just laugh. Rent bikes, relax at the beach, get lost in time in the side streets and castles and eat until you can't anymore. It's all worth it. 

Feel free to send me questions and suggestions. 

Pippa

Even when the weather is drizzly in Paris

There is still a lot to see and do. It actually blows my mind when I think of all the things to do here. Friends have been popping through regularly and it's never hard to show them around. I think the hardest part is to not overindulge on all the French treats which everyone obviously wants to eat. A few of my favourites so far are the ceiling at Galleries Lafayette near opera - go during the week, on a weekend you cannot enjoy it.

A picnic on the grass near the Eiffel Tower, where I have learned that Starbucks associates are very friendly in Paris and will often provide free cups with ice for rosé. A cruise through the Marais with a stop at Le Progres for cheap drinks and food, great people watching and not always awful service. The summer will come soon, but if not, at least it's still pretty. 

Dinner at Chez Janou is guaranteed fun and yum however make a reservation and make sure your entire party is there on time. 80 varieties of Pastis make for a yummy aperitif and do yourself and your friends a favour by ordering the chocolate mousse for desert. Just trust me. 

Ok. Thats it for now. Enjoy. Indulge. 

Pippa