Meeting Nathalie Lété at Villa Augustus

It is good to be back (but more on that at the bottom of this page**)!

This past saturday after reading here that one of my favorite illustrators/designers would be visiting Villa Augustus for a book launch and book signing  I got in the car (with my 13 year old) and headed to Dordrecht.

I've been one time before to Villa Augustus (see here) and couldn't wait to be back. Thankfully both times I've been there the weather has been just perfect, making this place even more magical.

I think having Nathalie Lété here to open room number 24 which has been converted into a gallery called Herfst (Autumn) was the perfect choice, and fit for this exhibition. Don't you agree?

It was so pretty that day. The food from the restaurant super delicious, and the conversations with my son too funny. I'm so happy I get to enjoy days like this one, and share them with him.

***so as I was saying… it is good to be back. sorry for taking longer, my kids are on vacation and that always interferes with my blogging enthusiasm (wink), but here is the news which in reality are not really news because it has been going on for awhile -the fact that we need to move because we can not afford Amsterdam anymore, the problem to the news is that we still don't know where to go or when to actually leave. it can pretty much happen any day. the day i wrote the post, it seemed that we would leave in december to stay at my mom's for sometime- for now i'm pretty much ignoring the uncertainty and going day to day (as i should) and i'm trying not to worry too much (trying).

I wish you a colorful week ahead filled with lots of inspiring moments,
Giova

Visiting Villa Augustus in Dordrecht

For the longest time I've been wanting to visit Villa Augustus without ever finding the time or energy. It is just one hour drive from Amsterdam, but there was always something to do (isn't it always the same reason to postpone things?).

So this past friday and because the day was beautiful and also the last days of my sister's visit, we got in the car and drove straight there for lunch.

It was the perfect outing and place to spend a few hours with my sister. We took so many pictures, it felt we had visited another country. Everything is filled with beautiful details like the menus and flyers illustrated by Dorine de Vos, or the writings on the walls, beautiful lamps and flower arrangements, collections of vases or plates. So many things, no wonder we took so many pictures.

My first thought upon seeing the massive tower from the parking lot was; "what took you so long?" And then my next thought was: "what on earth is that?" Well, it used to be a water tower, and now it is a hotel.

It was all beautiful and well worth the hour drive. The garden, restaurant and market were all "just my taste" and the hotel? I can't really say, it looked amazing and hopefully one day not too far, I get to spend at least one night there.

Have a lovely day,
Giova

Oh, and the garden salad was one of the best I've ever eaten!