Another long absence from the blog! We are still in the midst of building chaos and living without a kitchen is starting to take its toll. I don’t think I can take many more microwaved meals and takeaway pizzas! Luckily, the husband and I had booked a very timely weekend break in Amsterdam earlier this month and it was the perfect opportunity to escape from all the noise and dust for a couple of days. It is one of our favourite European cities but the last time we went was at least 12 years ago so a return visit was long overdue.

{In the driverless pod taking us from the car park to Terminal 5 at Heathrow. Very high tech indeed!}

{After a slight mishap where we caught the wrong train at the airport and ended up at Amsterdam South rather than at the Central Station,  we arrived at the hotel and headed straight for the hotel spa complete with pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.}

{A pre-dinner drink in the hotel bar – we stayed at the Hotel Amrath which had fantastic service and was in a great location.}

{On the first night we had dinner and yummy cocktails at Tales & Spirits.}

{We spent many hours walking around Amsterdam taking in the sights. The weather was cold but (mostly) dry.}

{The sun came out when we strolled through Vondelpark.}

{A really cute side table at cool interiors shop Droog.}

{We visited the Gassan diamond factory..}

{..and the Foam photography museum.}

{We feasted on pancakes (a must when in Amsterdam) and…}

{…ate the most divine caviar, lobster and steak at the very excellent Restaurant RED.}

{A lie-in and breakfast in bed on the Sunday morning…}

{…before flying back home to London.}

It was the first time that we had both been away from the children for more than one night. We did really miss them but they had a great time with their grandparents and I think they’re old enough now for us to make a weekend away a yearly occurrence. We’re thinking of Rome next!