Before we arrived, Robert responded to our requests by providing bedside reading lights as well as a hairdryer. He followed this by greeting us with a package of stroopwaffles (he was out of town when we arrived) and a bunch of little post-it-note signs with tips on how to use the apartment. The apartment is very light-filled with windows front and back. It has a great kitchen with a gas stove and a fabulous view of the canal and street beyond. The apartment is very well located on the edge of the tourist map. This means you can get to all the noted attractions, but that you are encouraged to explore more of the 'real' Amsterdam to the west and south. A highlight of our trip was a concert at the justly famous Concertebouw.