Red Letters... Amsterdam

Dear Amsterdam,

There has never been a happier version of me, than the Amy who went to visit you. The freedom is almost tangible, as most people who visit are behaving vastly different than they would in their hometown.

I learned so much with you. From new sensations, to new experiences, to the culture shock of having the teabag laid on the saucer beside the mug! I learned about the history, and I learned about myself. With you, Amsterdam, I learned that I'm free to be who I want, and I don't have to ask for permission to express myself. I learned about the fuzzy numbness that comes from eating space-cakes with funny Italian strangers off the tourist trail. The sensation of feeling relaxed in a way I had never experienced before was odd, but lovely.

You're steeped in history, Amsterdam, and it's just the most bonkers, brilliant thing. The Red-Light District was truly an education in the most abrupt sense - the incredible Oude Kerk amidst all the debauchery, - how funny it seemed to me, that you've got a church that survived three disasters, slap bang in the midst of an area that is famous for weed and hookers. The night we visited the RLD, it snowed. It has got to be one of the most beautifully contrasted things I've ever had the good fortune and pleasure to witness.

The debauchery is incredible. I know I use a mildly negative term, but bear with me; You're the most famously relaxed city in the world. People come to see you, they come to spend time with you, without a pupil in their eye for the duration of their stay, however long that may be. They're missing out on the most fun things you have to offer. I'm just going to say it, The Sex Museum is hilarious, and a better couple of hours I've never spent, slightly uncomfortable in the voyeurism, but mostly wholly enjoying myself, the highlight of which was having my photo taken with what I can best describe as a six-foot-phallus. Hilarious!!

There is an innocence to you too, most people don't see that side, but it's there. Two hours spent with cats, on my 24th birthday, with my darling boyfriend, was the most innocently diverting thing I've done in years. To this day I still follow the Katten Kafe Kopjes on Instagram, and I keep up with your beautiful, esteemed architecture with Gotta Love Amsterdam. I've recreated your local fare, Dutch Apple Bacon crepes are a wonderful treat, that calls to mind a rainy morning spent planning the best tourist route to take.

You're wonderful, I hope you know that. You're fun, you're freeing, you're filling. I will be back to you, Amsterdam, that I can promise you. 

Til then,

Amy

xx

Red Letters is going to be an ongoing project where I will be writing to places I've been, so keep an eye out for Cork, Paris, Waterford, Wexford, Nottingham, and so on. 

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Perfect Packing!

As many of you may know, I'm off to Amsterdam on the 2nd of March with my gorgeous boyfriend Dexter, to celebrate my birthday. We're going for 3 nights, four days total. We fly out at 7am on Wednesday the 2nd and arrive home on Saturday the 5th around 10pm or so. So we're going to get the maximum experience we can, time wise! Because we wanted to allocate the majority of the budget for the Dam to fun touristy things like the Katten Cafe (That's the Cat Cafe, for all you feline lovers out there!), tour the Red Light District, and a whole bunch of other things, we're only bringing hand luggage. I'm bringing a cabin size case, and a small backpack, and he's just bringing his trusty JanSport backpack.

Today I'm going to run through some packing tips, to make the most of your tiny luggage.

First up are the things to remember, your baggage dimensions and the weight restriction. As I'm writing this, I've managed to get myself a nice new cabin size case in Penneys for €24 euro! Not bad, eh? Now, this bag is definitely cabin size as the overly prepared part of me whipped out her phone to google the dimensions of Ryanair luggage and checked it against the case in the shop... Ryanair will only let you have ONE bigger bag, measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, which cant weigh more than 10kg. You can also bring one smaller bag around 35 x 20 x 20 cm. So this means you can have a case like mine, and a backpack or a handbag too. To be very fair to Ryanair, that's a decent amount of luggage if you do it right. 

Photo: Pinterest / www.coralsandcognacs.com

Now. Packing. The part everybody hates. Funnily enough I enjoy packing, I get very particular and make lists of things for every aspect. Clothes, makeup, toiletries, everything gets a list.

Clothes

You're going to have to cover yourself. Google the weather, my dear. See what you're working with where you're going. If you're going to the somewhere with inclement weather, you'll need different items depending on the season. Spring in Amsterdam is going to be cool enough, possibly showery. Basically, a lot like Ireland. Plan accordingly.

Also, if you can, and if you want to, pick a color palette to work off. Black, white and grey is what I've opted for. This makes it easier when it comes to options, in that you have less chance of over packing with crap you wont wear. I'm bringing the following items of clothing in my case:

1. Blue Boyfriend Jeans 
2. Black Skinny Jeans 
3. Black Basic Skirt
4. Black/Grey Stripy Top 
5. Black/White Stripy Crop Top 
6. Beatles Tee
7. TWLOHA Tee

I'm also packing a small, flat, comfy pair of black and white Toms, one pair of plain black tights, pajamas, underwear and socks. The idea here is to pack with enough options that you can create different outfits, but pack lightly at the same time. By sticking to a palette, you're eliminating some of the chance that you might overpack. 

Toiletries and Liquids

When it comes to packing, everyone and their mother knows that you can only bring 100ml of liquid through security. Get yourself into Penneys (€1 - €1.50) or Dealz (€1.49) and pick up a travel bottle pack. I've had a few of these in my time, and it would be dishonest if I said they were super great quality. The bottles are great, but the baggies aren't. Decant the products you need into the various bottles and pots, label them and you're good! Remember you have to put your foundation and contact lens solution into the baggie too. If the baggie splits or anything, you can get them for around €1 in the airport, so that's handy! Sometimes the security men are nice when they check your bags and they will give you one from their private stash. 

I'll be taking the following with me, decanted into little bottles and pots.

• Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Cleanser
• Nivea Daily Essentials Micellar Water
• Garnier Fructis 2 in 1 Shampoo 
• Nivea Q10 Day Cream (small pot)
• Opti Free Pure Moist Lens Solution
• Cien Sunshine Shower Gel
• Good Thinks Manuka Face Mask (small pot)

Make-Up Bag 

My make-up bag for travelling is basic as basic can be. I try to save space and time by opting for palettes, miniature and multi use products where I can. I also bring cheaper products, in case anything happens to my high end stuff. I'm going to be taking the very minimum. You can see in detail what I take HERE but I'll give you the run down anyway!

• Rimmel Foundation
• Mini Benefit Porefessional Primer
• Isa Dora Face Sculptor Palette 
• Natural Collection Pressed Powder 
• Naked Basics Eye Palette 
• Catrice Mascara
• Rimmel Liquid Liner 
• A Selection of Lip Products.
• Basic/Mini Brushes.

Maximising Space in Your Case

Hands up those of you who just fold and stuff everything you can into your case. I used to be a culprit with this. However, I've seen the light, and I know how to pack my case properly now. What I do is I roll my jeans up. I fold my tops kind of strangely though. What I do is I pair up my socks and knickers, fold my t shirt half way, and then fold them both into each other. I do this with all my tops, socks and pants, to save space. It's also handy because it means you don't have to dig around for your stuff in the hotel when you want to go sight seeing, because it's all organised. When you grab your top, you've grabbed everything you need! 

So there you have it, a long, rambly post about what I pack in my carry-on case. I'm so excited for my trip away with my gorgeous man!

I hope this was even vaguely helpful, if you have any tips you'd like to share with me, please do! 

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