What’s your name, where are you from and what do you do?
Shalom, I’m May, and I’m from Tel Aviv. I’ve lived in Amsterdam for two years and I’m Karolina’s Israeli counterpart.
What’s your favourite thing about working for Starboard Boats?
Being able to work alongside my best friend, Sherpa the office cat. He is a calming influence on a stressful day and is always by my side (especially when I have some Msabbaha, one of Sherpa’s favourite snacks). Being able to spend time on our beautiful boat in the city I now call home is also a wonderful part of the job.
What is your perfect weekend in Amsterdam?
Friday
Friday is a special day for us (Shabhat) and I like to eat something from home. I’m a terrible cook, so I let my boyfriend get on with the cooking whilst I clean and tend to my flowers (although I lack in the cooking department, I am a domestic goddess in all other ways). After a long week at work, I like to chill out with a bit of yoga by candlelight, before tucking into Bourekas (my favourite Friday night meal).
Saturday
On Saturday, I’m working all day for our Amsterdam boat rentals, hosting people from all around the world. I really love this aspect of my work and enjoy showing off my new home to our guests. On a sunny day, you can’t beat this city and I love showing people my favourite spots around the canal belt. After work, I head straight to Bar Bardak for cocktails and plenty of food. This Tel Aviv style street food restaurant is a fantastic spot in De Pijp and the perfect place to eat and drink if you’re in this part of the city. If I have friends visiting, I take them to somewhere like Shelter in Noord but if it’s just me, I tend to chill at home and watch Tichon HaShir Shelanu with a big bowl of hummus.
Sunday
On Sunday, I start the day with yoga and meditation followed by a hearty breakfast of Shakshuka. After this I like to stick my headphones in, get some Shlomo Artzi pumping, and head out and about in the city on my bike (renting a bike and exploring the city is the best way to get a feel for Amsterdam through the eyes of local people!) and if the weather is good, I love to head to Westerpark for a BBQ with friends (or to the beach at Bloemendaal aan Zee if it’s really nice and sunny!). I also try to squeeze in my Dutch homework when I can (I am undertaking a Dutch language course).
My Amsterdam Top Tip
Although this may seem a bit ironic for an Amsterdam Top Tip, my top tip for people visiting Amsterdam is actually to explore outside of the city itself! Holland has some of the most beautiful countryside in the world and getting out of the city and exploring places like Zaanse Schans or Volendam on a Dutch countryside tour, or heading to the beach at Zandvoort is a great way to enjoy a summer’s day! Jumping on a scooter and getting out of the city is also a great way to explore away from the beaten track!
