Strolling around Amsterdam

In 2020, Tom Jongbloed and his daughter Josephine, both natives of Amsterdam, launched the Instagram account @ommetjemettom to gather and share Tom's delightful stories about the city. This book is packed with short stories and compelling facts about Amsterdam, brought to life in Tom and Josephine's unique style and complemented by Lou Flór's beautiful illustrations. Allow yourself to be inspired by the enchanting tales of Amsterdam through the eyes of these passionate storytellers.

‘In gentrified Amsterdam, everyone looks identical and frequents the same places. This book offers an escape from the monotony, guiding you to beautiful, hidden corners of the city which each have their own unique story to tell.’ Jonas Kooyman, Havermelkelite

‘Tom and his daughter Josephine, of course along with Lou's illustrations, focus my gaze on the beauty, joy and melancholy of Amsterdam – to aspects that have always been there yet ones that I had simply never noticed before. Although I know the city, each time I look around now I discover something new. Every time.’ Tracy Metz, journalist, author, presenter and director of the John Adams Institute

‘@ommetjemettom encourages you to view the city from a fresh perspective. It is wonderful that all these captivating stories, facts, and strolls are now together in one book!’ Alice Boothby, journalist for Het Parool and others

‘Tom and Josephine invite you to take a closer look at the city with a contagious level of enthusiasm. Amsterdam is brimming with unique places and stories – @ommetjemettom will guide you through them all.’ Tom van der Molen, curator of the Amsterdam Museum

Tom Jongbloed was born and raised in Amsterdam. Coming from a family of nine children, he learned all about the city from his father, who was a tour guide. In 2020, he started the Instagram account @ommetjemettom with his daughters. Tom lives in Amsterdam-West and works as a banker at a Belgian bank. He has two daughters and a son.

Josephine Jongbloed grew up listening to her father’s wonderful city stories and wanted to find a way to remember and collect them all. With a background in communication and art direction, she successfully turned the Instagram account @ommetjemettom into a hit. Josephine now runs the account full-time and lives in Amsterdam-Oost.