David Beckett, author of Amsterdam... The Essence

David grew up in England and graduated from Warwick University with a degree in English Literature. He then embarked on a successful 20-year career in International Sales and Marketing, working for photography company Canon.

Both that work and his personal fascination with other cultures have taken him to 57 countries. He has lived in Amsterdam since 1998.

In early 2009, his job in the corporate world was moved to England. Unwilling to end his expatriate journey, he opted to pursue his two major passions: travel and writing. David set out on a world trip lasting nine months, during which he wrote an extensive travel blog.

One Sunday morning, wandering around Dorrego Square market in Buenos Aires, he came across a small book by Sally Roddy called Tango – The Truth, which inspired him to consider writing about his own city. On returning in March 2010, David began work on Amsterdam… The Essence.

“My dream was to create something exciting about the city 
I love to live in. Amsterdam is an inspiring and character-shaping place, and I searched for a concept to celebrate its unique qualities. The brand name The Essence™ came to me while hiking in the hills of New Zealand. I never dreamed it would lead to me meeting some of Amsterdam’s most interesting characters.

Following your dreams and your passions can take you in directions you might never have imagined!”