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Insider's view · Europe · netherlands · Amsterdam

Insider: Loes Goedbloed

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Insider: Loes Goedbloed

"Go to Prinseneiland..."

Loes Goedbloed is a lawyer and art collector who has also studied Japanese and theatre criticism in her day. Born in the southern region of the Netherlands, she has spent the last thirty years living in Amsterdam, in a 19th century house located in the Nine Streets neighborhood of the city. Loes lets out one of the apartments in the house to guests. Simply called Room, it is actually one of the most vibrant lodgings in Amsterdam - even if it's just for a short period of time, it will really make you feel like a local. The apartment used to be the site of Loes' art gallery, which mainly featured young artists; some of the works still decorate the walls of the rental space. Loes invests all of the profits gained from letting out the apartment back into art, thereby continuing to support young artists.

What do you love most about Amsterdam?
I like the international aspect of the city - the fact that Amsterdam is full of people of all nationalities. Even though I've lived here for more than 30 years already, I still enjoy walking along the canals in all seasons, and especially in the evenings. I never tire of it.

What do you hate about Amsterdam?
I hate scooters because their drivers tend to be very arrogant - they believe that the world belongs to them. Truth be told, there are also too many bicycles in Amsterdam right now. Compared to, say, twenty years ago. There are evermore young people moving here permanently, and we all have bicycles. At least they aren't being stolen as much anymore.

Which is your favourite neighborhood in Amsterdam, and why?
One is Prinseneiland, on the other side of Central Station. It's a wonderful place - a small quarter surrounded by water, and still very much like an ancient, self-sufficient village - a really typical piece of old Amsterdam. Very many warehouses from the 16th and 17th centuries still stand there. It has a completely different urban feel - and it's only a three-minute bike ride from the centre of the city. If you haven't yet been there, you must go!
In terms of architecture, a really good place to take a walk is the Eastern Docs. The northern part of the city is also becoming more fashionable.

How would you describe a perfect Saturday spent in the city?
Saturday mornings I usually go to yoga, and after that to Noordemarkt, where there's an organic farmer's market on Saturdays. A terrific atmosphere! I usually have some coffee or lunch there, too. For dinner, either Hotel de Goudfazant, or Stork. Both are in the northern part of Amsterdam, in what used to be old industrial lots.

Which are your favourite design shops, and why?
Neef Louis - housed in an old warehouse in the northern part of Amsterdam, it's a grandiose vintage shop that specializes in industrial design. You can find anything there - chairs, sofas, industrial design lamps from the 70s, etc. For me, it's like paradise. The owners travel the world over to find new treasures because you can't find vintage things like that in Amsterdam anymore - they've all been sold.

Which are your favourite restaurants/cafes?
Hotel de Goudfazant - Amsterdam's cult restaurant for five years running. It's in the northern part of the city, in an old warehouse; the interior alone is an experience. Also, Fa Speijkervet, which specializes in French cuisine. They literally put everything on the plate - from the head to the tip of the tail, be it animal or plant.

What are your favourite architectural landmarks in Amsterdam?
The new film museum, Eye. It's futuristic and a bit supernatural. The museum has a beautiful terrace and a really good restaurant as well.

Do you have a favourite view of the city?
The terrace of the Hilton Hotel, which is not far from Central Station. On one side there's the Old Town, and on the other - the Eastern Docs. An amazing panorama.

If Amsterdam were a perfume, which notes would come to mind?
Apples - because they are fresh and Amsterdam is surrounded by water. Then cinnamon, and a bit of roses.

What is your favourite book featuring Amsterdam?
The Coffee Trader, by David Liss. A wonderful story about old, 17th century Amsterdam.

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