IAMsterdam

(David and Dirty Dancing dancers trying to do a model-ish pouty sexy look at dinner...)

This week will be the last week that we spend in the rehearsal studio -- next week we move into the theater in Utrecht. David and I will commute from Amsterdam to Utrecht. We -- and most of the creatives -- decided it would be nicer to live in Amsterdam even when we moved to the theater, because this way, at least we have more of a city life during what free time we find.

Things continue to be busy, although we are really getting used to the Amsterdam life. We make lunch every day, and have even managed to feed a couple of our colleagues on some days, thus saving them from yet another trip to Burger King. We feel very much at home in our apartment, and have gotten used to buying most of our weekly groceries on our day off at the De Natuurwinkel (organic food market) and buying chicken and other little bits during the week at the supermarket around the corner, as needed.

It's all simple and normal-seeming, but this is a routine that has been difficult to follow during rehearsals all over the world. Somehow, Amsterdam has been different and I am enjoying cooking everyday.

It's very special, living in Amsterdam. I wouldn't want to live here forever, per se, and there are things about the city and the culture that takes getting used to, but we've found a peaceful life pattern. We're appreciating our opportunity to have a sampling of life in Amsterdam.

I've even grown fond of our tiny oven. It cooks evenly and suits us just fine for what we need.

(David perched on the steps to our apartment while we wait to get picked up for work...)