TEN STARS - seriously.

I was going to give 5 stars for Ester and her apartment. It's a lovely bright space, spotlessly clean, beautifully designed with every tiny detail thought of (our baby was provided with bath, baby bubbles and even a teddy bear). A wonderful welcome pack of fruit, tea & coffee & wine was left for us, along with fresh flowers and even a Christmas tree. The De Pijp area of Amsterdam is buzzing and vibrant, great to walk around and very close to the touristy bits but with a real 'local' feel.

And then...

One of our party became ill and needed hospital treatment. We're not Dutch speakers and had no idea what to do. Ester dropped everything, organised phone calls and appointments with doctors, found us transport to hospital and insisted on staying with us whilst we sat for 7 hours in various waiting rooms. She sorted out bills, made sure we were seen promptly, followed up with staff, and provided such huge kindness and moral support, we never once felt alone.

I'm sometimes skeptical of these community plays but our experience showed the power of a community. We will never be able to thank Ester and her family enough, and are so glad we met such wonderful people.