◊ Please scroll down for info about Partnerships
I go by Ana V. Martins, but my ID card states a five-name-long identity, which perpetually confuses Dutch people and me too, in all honesty. I am a cross-channel storyteller, a made-up term to describe the various activities that my work entails. Like my birth name suggests, I am many. Whether in blog format, video, or live, I like to spark lust for life in the people around me, especially those with a background of migration like myself and those who yearn for a more creative life.
This blog Amsterdive, is made of life revelations and the wonders of Amsterdam culture. My newsletter – my most personal venue of work – is all about personal tales of self-development. The YouTube channel covers creative living and adventurous travels. I am also writing a book about the bold, offbeat Amsterdam that I love.
And now for some quirky FAQs:
“Ana V. Martins, I know you from somewhere”
You may. I was an actress in a past life. Amsterdam turned me into a writer + content creator. In a nutshell: Portuguese roots, Amsterdammer at heart. Background in Theatre and Journalism. Yoga teacher.
“Amsterdive, as in scuba dive? Or what?”
Amsterdive is a platform that has been slowly shifting from personal to community driven. It invites you in on my ongoing exploration of Amsterdam and The Netherlands while aiming to spark energy, ideas and lust for life in every reader. Consider this a dive. I am the host. Amsterdam is the pool.
“Why Amsterdam (of all places)?”
Amsterdam feels like home to me. My fascination with the city comes from its international environment, its relaxed and tolerant atmosphere, its feel of a vibrant metropole within the size of a big village. The quality of life over here is brilliant: picture a UNESCO-listed old town, bikes, green spaces, bodies of water and people of all walks of life enjoying the luxury of safety and an overall generous salary. The cherry on top of the cake: how diverse & culturally rich this place is.
“Shall we work together?”
We could. Would you be so kind to scroll down and read Amsterdive’s guidelines for partnerships first? Thank you in advance. If you believe we’re a good fit, definitely send those ideas my way!
Partnerships: Amsterdive’s guidelines
First of all, thank you for your interest in working with Amsterdive.
Amsterdive aims at exploring and promoting different artistic scene(s), more sustainable ways of living, as well as bringing people together.
As a blogger, it is my responsibility to present my audience with reflections and ideas that come from an authentic place. My readers trust me and expect that I curate experiences, initiatives and objects that I consider relevant myself, and of which values align with the philosophy of the blog. That honesty is where my credibility lies.
I am interested in working with organisations or businesses that fall into a combination of the following categories:
- Eco-friendly businesses with a clear and credible public stance on sustainability
- Companies that ensure humane and dignified working conditions to their employers, and sell a product that is produced fairly (for people and environment)
- Companies that don’t test on animals
- Companies who sell vegetarian and vegan products
- Organisations that focus on personal-development, creativity, and health from a holistic point of view
- Entities that promote arts and cultural activities in their various expressions ( I have a personal preference for contemporary art, theatre, performance, world music, smaller and more alternatives venues, Dutch culture)
- Initiatives that have innovation as their core and people as their focus
- Companies that are progressive and socially responsible
Examples of organisations and businesses I have collaborated with: museums, yoga schools, vegetarian/vegan restaurants, cultural venues, small-scale festivals and venues with a focus on art and community, fair fashion shops and brands, art galleries.
I will not accept to:
- Publish content on my blog that I didn’t create myself (unless it is a guest post from an Amsterdive’s contributor or a fellow blogger I am running a partnership with);
- Create content for commercial companies that don’t align with the guidelines stated above;
- Vouch for things I didn’t experience myself, that I wouldn’t spend my money on, and that I don’t consider relevant.
Thank you so much for understanding.
This being said, if you have an idea in mind and you feel we would be a good fit for each other, definitely drop me a line. I will get in touch with you asap!
💌: anavmartins@amsterdive.com
Picture by Andra Stefan
amsterdive.com 
Dermott Hayes
I’ve been to Amsterdam a few times; once to see a football match, two times attending concerts and once, for a weekend break, cruising the canals, strolling the streets, hanging out in coffee bars and visiting the Van Gogh gallery. I liked it but the best time I had was when I stayed with a friend, a local, who lived in one of those tall, narrow houses, beside a canal. Could be anywhere, I suppose.
Amsterdive
Very true Dermott, that’s why i almost always travel to places where i know a local or, at least, somewhere i have a list of good recommendations for, made by locals. For instance, I know how tricky Amsterdam can be when you don’t know anybody here or don’t have interesting tips from someone who knows it well. It can be the easiest city to explore but exactly because it’s become so crowded and branded, it can be difficult to ‘separate the wheat from the chaff’ (specially when you’re short in time). Luckily, nowadays personal blogs help a lot in that task.
kidsandcompass
I’ve never been but look forward to living vicariously through your blog!
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healingpilgrim
Lecker blog, Ana! I was in Amsterdam once, many years ago. (And in Schiphol many times, on stopovers 😉 I too fell in love – especially with the canals and stroopwaffel. I look forward to another visit sometime… Meanwhile, I look forward to experiencing more of the city through your eyes.
Amsterdive
Thank you so much for your comment – you are too kind! Next time you come, let’s go for a stroopwaffel together! 😉
Once Written
I love Amsterdam! Great blog.
Amsterdive
Thank you very much! 🙂
kevinashton
Dear Ana,
As a young chef, I worked for twee jaar at the Krasnaplosky. Even though it was a long time ago, I still have vivid memories of my time in Holland. The wonderful art, both past and present and how Amsterdam is alive with creativity, from the galleries to the street performers.
I think of late nights listening to Hedi Lester and her brother singing duets at their parent’s restaurant at the Leidseplein.
I think of the Dutch girl I dated who worked for Greenpeace, and the times we partied on Rainbow Warrior, the boat that was later sunk by the French secret service. I think of Oliebollen and other delicious things to eat at the street cafes. I remember being amazed at the art and skill of chocolatiers on display in their shops.
I think of a friend called Hans and how he’d create a parking space by shunting the car in front and the car behind back a little, as he explained this was possible because most people left their hand bake off. Is parking still done in this way?
Perhaps I was just at the right age to appreciate it, or perhaps Amsterdam had a little bit of magic about it?
Jude
Wonderful – how long ago was this?
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