This is the Vondelpark, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in late October. It isn't the biggest park in Amsterdam, but it seems to be by far the most popular. It's quite close to the city center, and it attracts hordes of people on the weekend when it's sunny. The loops are also good for jogging, and are much more pleasant than the streets of Amsterdam that are rutted with tram rails.

Scenes from the Amsterdam Marathon, which took place on October 16. It was a nice and flat run, partially following the Amstel river as it flows south of Amsterdam. I finished it in 3 hours and 55 minutes, and more importantly I actually managed to run the whole way this time!

My room, along with a view towards the Opstandingkerk and, just past it, the highway.

A few pictures from around where I live, the Foyer Building in Bos en Lommer. This neighbourhood lies towards the west of Amsterdam, and is good 20 minutes by bike to the city center. The top two floors of the Foyer Building are rented by students who are studying at the Vrije Universiteit, where I am registered.

Welcome to my new blog, imaginatively entitled Vikander. You can check back every once in a while for updates, news and pictures from Amsterdam.

Nick