People often ask me what I miss about living in the U.S. Well, there’s one thing I DON’T miss: Minnesota winters. As temperatures dip below zero Celsius here in Europe (in the 30s Celsius), people are whinging about the frost and cold. Ah, if they only knew what winter was like in Minnesota. First, it […]
Ten Tips to Survive Winter in Minnesota Read More »
There are many things we take for granted in the U.S. Can you say air conditioning and central heating? We Americans like our creature comforts, but Europeans are not as demanding as we are. Or maybe they just don’t whine as much as we do. Here are 10 things that make me confused. 1. AIR
Ten Things About Europe That Make Me Crazy Read More »
Europe is lighting up! Glowing holiday illuminations brighten up the dark winter skies as Christmas markets spring up across the continent. Millions of people are heading to the markets to capture the spirit of the season. Even the Grinch would get into the holiday spirit here. Vendors across Europe have settled into wooden chalets to
Five Best Christmas Markets in Europe Read More »
I’m talking turkey, but no one is listening! It’s November, the month of my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. Here in Europe, it’s just another day on the calendar. Color me blue. I miss family and friends and the camaraderie that comes with the holiday. And, of course, I miss my Butterball turkey! Some Americans living abroad
When it comes to advance travel plans, I just can’t seem to get it right. For the third time in a row, it looks like another bucket list travel plan is foiled. Political unrest, wars, earthquakes, bad weather. There is so much that can go wrong. With more than 50 countries under my belt, my
Curses! Travel Plans Foiled Again! Read More »
When my company relocated me to Belgium in 2016, I was clueless about this amazing country. Or, more accurately, I was totally clueless. So were many of my fellow Americans. In fact, I think only a handful of my friends and family (travel industry buddies excluded) could correctly mark Belgium on an unlabelled map. “Good
Why You Have to Visit Belgium Read More »
Where should I make my forever home? I always thought it would be in the U.K. or Virginia. I could have moved to Mexico, Panama, or Portugal. My friends are enjoying inexpensive lives there. Some have retired and are living luxuriously for less than $1,000 a month! But no, I decided to move to Belgium.
Moving to Belgium – It Ain’t Cheap Read More »
The beauty of the area where I live in Belgium never ceases to amaze me. Orchards pop with color in the spring. In the summer there is an abundance of apples, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears, and plums. In my garden, more than a hundred clusters of grapes hang above my head on the covered terrace.
Discover Wild Beniksberg Read More »
Learning a new language can be a challenge, especially when you are a native English speaker learning Dutch.
Speak to Me — in Dutch! Read More »
It’s almost Easter, the time of year when Belgians go a bit mad — with color, festivity, and, of course, beer. It’s carnival week. People let their hair down and don colorful wigs and crazy costumes for three days of revelry. It’s been a tradition since the Middle Ages! There are parades, music, and merriment.
It’s Carnival Time in Belgium Read More »
