Summer in the City

with Jamie Li

You won't often see the television on at my home, maybe occasionally a Netflix show or the news while I do my makeup in the morning, but it doesn't go beyond that. And just when I thought I was done with vlogging Netherlands, Jamie Li turned on her camera. And the reason I like Jamie so much is because this natural beauty shows not just glitter and glamour in her vlogs. On the contrary, Jamie fills her frame just as well with a little belly roll here or there, an out of bed look, whiny kids, and late-night snacking on the couch. And do you remember when I took the plane to Rome a few weeks ago with a whole bunch of fun girls? One of them was Jamie. And, girlfriend, in real life, she is even more fun. With a cocktail on the right and an olive on the left, I asked her a few questions. Jamie, tell me, it's summer...

1. What’s in your glass?

‘Gin and tonic or champagne. And preferably as dry as possible. I genuinely find those very tasty drinks and they make me feel very sociable. For example, I get annoying from white wine and from red wine (which I also find very tasty) I get very sleepy. Oh, I immediately started talking about alcohol, haha. But generally, you’ll find diet cola in my glass. Absolutely delicious: in a can. I always feel like it’s even colder and has even more carbonation. Wonderful!’

2. Where do you settle when the temperature rises above twenty degrees?

‘Above twenty is still manageable, right? Above twenty, I enjoy a nice long lunch on a lovely terrace. Above thirty, I prefer to dive into a swimming pool.’

3. Your secret favorite spot to absorb extra, EXTRA hours of sun? Yes, we want your secret terrace.

‘I actually prefer not to sit in the sun. I literally melt away, start sweating, my makeup isn’t fleeky anymore, and it’s of course not good for your skin. But my favorite terrace? I like to sit at Morgan & Mees, the Pulitzer Hotel (at Pause or Jansz.), Waterkant, Brandstof, Meneer Nieges, Hangar, and Metropolitain.’

4. And what’s on your plate?

‘When it’s warm, there’s a fresh dish on my plate. If not, I often go for Asian. Recently, thanks to a friend, I discovered the crispy chicken ramen miso soup from Sapporo in the Pijp. Mmmmmmmm, I’m already drooling.’

5. What destination is on your ticket?

‘On my now-used ticket was Ibiza. That’s where we went last June; on vacation with the whole family. On the wishlist – in the short term – are the destinations Paramaribo, London, and Madrid.’

6. The three ingredients you need for the perfect holiday?

‘Sun, food, and coziness.’

7. What book are you reading this summer?

‘Oops, I hardly read any books, even though I enjoy it. I still wonder how people do that. Because everyone is of course busy, but when do you read a book and when do you exercise?’

8. And what’s coming out of your speakers?

‘My music ranges from Boef to Otis Redding and from the new album by Ronnie Flex (‘Remi’) to the greatest Motown Classics. Childish Gambino is also a real recommendation.’

9. Are you the tennis racket type or do your toes not come out of the sand?

‘Option 2 please.’

10. Your tip for when there’s a long flight on the agenda?

‘Start a new series! And take a backup device with you, for when the battery of device 1 is empty, so you can just continue on device 2 with a new episode.’

11. How does your ideal summer day go?

‘Sleeping in, going to the beach with friends, snacks, magazines, and music. Freshening up at home and then cocktails & clubbing.’

12. And what do you immediately grab from the closet to wear when it’s finally warm?

‘Denim shorts + a strapless top!’

13. Where did you go on vacation as a child?

‘I liked our vacation to Curaçao the most.’

14. Are you a luxury type or do you go back to basics in a tent and be green by the campfire?

‘I am absolutely not a basic tent person, so I go for luxury.’

15. What do you do in the summer that you would never think of doing in the winter?

‘Just enjoy walking instead of taking the bike/car/tram.’

16. Are you team soft serve or team water ice?

‘Neither, I’m not that fond of ice cream. I’m team fries with mayo!’

17. Your best memory of a vacation romance?

‘Haha, I don’t have one. I’ve never had a vacation romance.’