Last night I participated in a survey that is being conducted (managed by a colleague from swimming) to determine how the City of Amsterdam can attract more people like me to the city.

Yes, they want more of me.

The survey itself (accompanied by a very nice home cooked meal) was relatively painless and interesting. The questions focussed on what type of outdoor activities I participate in, here and also before I relocated.

After some initial confusion about whether ’shopping’ is an outdoor activity (what else do I do?) I finished in about 45 minutes.

I’m well aware that I personally am not really the type of expat Amsterdam wants to attract, and most people will realise that I don’t really have a huge interest in ‘improving’ the city. I mainly participated because I know the horror that a few select individuals will experience when they find out my opinions are being taken into account (probably a lot more than theirs) in the future planning of their beloved city!

[evil laugh]

So if you start to see Starbucks opening up on every 2nd corner - you know who to blame (actually, thank).