The first is called the Snowman by Jo Nesbo (his fifth book).  Thought I’d give it a go and I wasn’t disappointed, it’s a truly exceptional crime novel.  More of a ‘man’s’ book I think but nonetheless a really good storyline with a few twists and turns.  The book itself has been translated into English and the quality of the writing (and its translation) is very impressive. The story is about a particularly nasty, hyper-intelligent serial killer, a person with serious psychological issues rooted in a past event.  I shall say no more but definitely a 10 out of 10 for me.

The second is called One Day by David Nicholls.  I’ve seen so many people read this book on the tube so I had to give it a go.  It’s a brilliantly funny and moving will-they, won’t-they romance tracing a relationship on the same day each day for two decades.  Hilarious in some places, sadness in others, moving and edgy – another 10 out of 10 for me.

We stayed in the centre of the city, right there on Dam Square in the NH Hotel.  It poured with rain but we were not to be defeated. We trudged on taking in the beautiful scenery of the flower markets, the street canals and the parks, even the Heineken Brewery.  We visited the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s House (did not go in as most of us have been before but worth a look while you’re there – the queue was too long this time), the Tulip Museum and even had time to do some shopping. There’s lots to see and do in Amsterdam so best check out the link here.  We did contemplate taking in a canal hop on/hop off ride bit it all looked a bit too choppy for me.

We found some lovely restaurants, one in particular called Eet & Bierencafes De Beiaard, great atmosphere and food wasn’t that bad.  Bars too were a plenty where I was loving the Blonde Ros.

Saturday night was Supperclub night.  So if you’re up for  an extraordinary venue and can handle the customer- friendly but crazy and eccentric staff, and you like your 5 course meal served by a cross-dressing gimp called ‘Hettie’ then this is the place for you.  The place turns into a club after a certain time not finishing till 4am.  There was also live entertainment from the staff as well as resident DJs mixing their stuff (a lot of R&B).  Sunday was a lazy day.  Late breakfast/brunch and a walk to the Jordan area for coffee and cake (and I mean real coffee and real cake – not the other stuff!).  By the way, I’ve kept this write-up very clean!

The other book is called Bloody Valentine written by author James Patterson.  A fast-paced chiller, which keeps you enthralled to the very end – a whodunnit it is most definitely. If you don’t like gore, don’t read this book which was a bit too late for me as I was too engrossed to stop (just wish my mum had forewarned me!). Lots of twists and turns in this one too. I thoroughly recommend both of these books so get reading!

Once you’re done, Wellington Arch is opposite and all around you is the beautiful Hyde Park for some sunbathing and some needed relaxation.  Check out the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen for a well deserved beverage and chocolate chip muffin.

]]> http://michelleserenabearcroft.com/2011/05/29/kettners/feed/ 0 mbearcroft 1214_1251303145460 http://michelleserenabearcroft.com/2011/05/26/twitter/ http://michelleserenabearcroft.com/2011/05/26/twitter/#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 19:36:45 +0000 Michelle Bearcroft http://michelleserenabearcroft.wordpress.com/?p=872 ]]> After disabling my Twitter account approximately one year ago, I’m now back online.  If you wish to follow me, you can find me here: https://www.twitter.com/mbearcroft