16/08/2026
So… those adventures I was telling you about…
Well, it was super hot in the wonderful part of the south of France where I live—where I also run Tan’s Cooking Club—so I decided a little break was probably in order. Of course, that meant a trip involving the non-negotiable, obligatory involvement of food 🤣… plus adventure, cooler climates, and, as it turns out, trains! 🚂
So, very small bags packed… along with a tent! 🤭 And I was offskies!
Antwerp and Amsterdam were first on the stop-and-stay list—and wowzers, what a great start!
I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves, but if you’ve never been to either, I highly recommend them.
Before I get to the food, I have to mention the joy of cool—no, COLD—nights under small, light canvas. That quickly led to one of my very first missions in Amsterdam: searching for a shop selling super warm joggers and warm clothing to wear at night - all night - in the very blissfully cold tent!! I feel those of you in the south of France are enjoying reading this almost as much as I enjoyed the moment itself—July was cold, people! 🤣
The history, the architecture, the colours, the bikes… Yes, I risked life and limb riding a bike in Amsterdam! For anyone who’s done it, you know it’s not for the faint of heart—definitely not a gentle pootle vibe on those cycle paths! 🤣 Though that was the vibe once I left the central parts to explore the beautiful outer edges. Wonderful! And sooooo flat—no gears required, which was lucky considering my bike had none! 🤣
Now, food highlights—because you know that’s what I really want to tell you about! 🤣
Arriving in Belgium, crossing the water on a free local ferry, taking a gentle walk to the site, and getting the tent up at 10 PM… well, of course I wanted Belgian chips! 🤣 And I found them—a fab couple running a place (frituur Patatje) less than a 10-minute walk away. They gave the warmest welcome despite the hour and served up fab chips with homemade sauces to die for. I instantly knew this trip was going to be a good one 🤣 (and it had nothing to do with the obligatory Belgian beer! 🤭🍻).
Amsterdam food highlights, of course, included stroopwafels, pastries, bitterballen, cheese, chips with cheese and truffle (they weren’t even mine 😬!), and all the little extras! All must-dos, right? 🤩
BUT—the absolute culinary highlight was actually a campsite experience. The most beautiful family—living in a new country to do what’s best for their family due to circumstances that most of us only ever read about, working hard, and making it their home—were also on a little camping trip. They shared their wonderfully made evening meal with me! A complete surprise and the warmest gesture as they said "excuse me" and handed me a plate full of joy. We all need moments like this to remind us that the world isn't just the concerning place we see in the news—there is a whole lot of good out there, often when you least expect it. That was a moment! ☺️
If you want to stay on the journey with me, next stop: Poland. Now that was something! 🇵🇱🙌
