Today we are featuring an entry from guest blogger Özge Lokmanhekim, from Turkey.  Özge is a great lifelover. Özge is really enthusiastic about stationery, food, lifestyle…which she shares on her blog.  Started in 2010 she writes tips from the places she visits, including this post from trip to Amsterdam, which we’d like to share with you.

Born in Istanbul on Valentine’s day, 1980, Özge studied Law: “I am a lawyer and still practicing. I deal with commercial law and prepare contracts, intellectual property and internet law. I travel a lot because of my work and also for holidays and so I started to write a travel blog. It is not my main profession, but a hobby that has lately taken most of my free time”.  In addition to travelling and writing on her blog about her trips, experiences and her interests, she also writes for several magazines as a journalist.

Places to visit:
Magere Brug is one of the most beautiful bridges in the city, a canal house Van Loon Museum takes you back to the 18th century (especially its kitchen).
Museum Het Rembrandthuis now a museum, was the home of Rembrandt during his successful period.
The Museum of Bags & Purses (Herengracht 537) for those who love fashion this should definitely be on your list.
Art: Annet Bride Gallery, Galerie Mokum, Nederlands Media Art Institute, the SMART Project Space which gives spaces to young artists, are my favorites.

Dining:

Bridges, the city’s best fish restaurant. Fresh and quality fish presented in the simplest way. Service is a bit slow but it is ok.
Mazzo; an Italian-style cafe in Jordaan serves pasta, pizza, risotto for those who crave it.

If you want a drink after dinner, Marquee has the most popular drink “My Hemingway” cocktail.
For lunch I suggest De Bijenkorf Kitchen in Dam.
If you want to try cuisine from the Netherlands go to Brasserie Harkema and De Bolhoed for the vegetarian cuisine.

Shopping:
You will find the work of more than 100 designers’ at Droog Design, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings Magna Plaza shopping center (formerly the central post office), Alfons de letter b.v. selling vintage style plates (if I had time I would have liked to get a stamp made for myself – they can deliver in 3-4 days).
BPD where you can find many gift items at from fridge magnets, pencil boxes, lemon juicers and plastic cameras.
Sabon selling scented soaps and body products,Annliz selling organic designs, Love Luha for handmade jewellery, hats and scarfs, for vintage furniture Neef Louis.
Van Ravenstein on Nine Street selling luxury design brands are my favorite addresses.

If you love antiques and second hand: I recommend Raw Materials, Laura Dolls, De Weldaad, Het Grote Avontuur, T Runertje.
Like me if you enjoy checking out big supermarkets in every city you should visit: Albert Heijn. There is one close to Dam Square. Go there is you want to buy Heineken, cheese, wooden shoes, etc.., the prices are more reasonable than in the tourist areas.
If you want cheese Henri Willing Cheese & More is another option, other than the De Kaaskamer.
Take a walk in Jordaan to see nice cafes and shops.

When to go to Amsterdam.
On 30th April every year (if Sunday falls on the 30th or on the 29th) Holland celebrates Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag). This is the symbolic birthday of the Queen and the most spectacular celebration is in Amsterdam.

Transport:
The easiest and cheapest way to go from one place to another around the city is with… A BICYCLE! For an average 7-8 euros per day you can rent one. Mac Bike, Rent a Bike Damstraat, Frederic Rent are some addresses for bike hire.
Iamsterdam Card. Free entry to most of the museums, also provides free public transport. The card can be purchased from the tourist office opposite Central Station.

Interview:

-        If you had to choose a travelling partner, who would you choose?

Depending on where I go, I like to travel with my husband, with my girlfriends and sometimes alone. My best travel partner is my husband since he does not complaint walking more than 14 km per day to discover a city.

-         What would be your favorite things to do on your spare time?

I organize my photos and write my blog! I read travel magazines (I don’t like reading them online!), try to cook new recipes (most of the time cakes, cupcakes, pastries), do pilates and go out with my friends for a tea.

-         What will be your next destination?

I’m going to London on 20th April 20 a week and then to Berlin in May. Looking forward to it.

You can read more about Özge at her blog: www.seyahatperest.com
If you want to suggest a post to us about shoes, life or more, give us a shout. We’d love to hear from you.