Going Dutch took on a whole new meaning for me this week. No, it’s not just sharing payment on a restaurant bill. For me, it now means embracing sustainability, caring about climate change, and being a responsible citizen. That was the message I got when I walked away from a day-long visit to Floriade, a […]
Are You Going Dutch? Read More »
Traveling from Brussels to the U.S. is about to get easier, although it will take more than a year to accomplish the feat. Last week, the Belgian government approved a plan to pre-clear passengers bound for the U.S. at Brussels Airport in Zaventem instead of at their first point of entry into the U.S. Great,
Pre-Clearance Coming to Brussels Airport – Eventually Read More »
Lately, I feel as if the world is traveling back in time. Sometimes that can be good, like when your time machine takes you to the Belgian province of Limburg. Turn your clock back and see what rural life looked like in Flanders hundreds of years ago. If you are a history buff or just
Travel Back in Time Read More »
I’ve been to hundreds of offbeat places, but Baarle may be one of the most unique. Just try to figure out what country you are in at any given time. Color me confused. This tiny village, which straddles the Belgium/Netherlands border, is a crazy collection of Belgian enclaves that lie within Dutch territory. And those
Bewildered at the Border Read More »
Europeans are so open about sexuality and nudity. That still surprises me as an American. Nude beaches are scattered across France and Spain, where even the grannies and grandpas are free of tan lines. Mixed sexes mingle in German health spas — clad only in their birthday suits. Iceland has a quirky penis museum in
What I’ve Learned about European Attitudes Read More »
It’s always interesting to get an American’s take on Europe. This week’s topic is toilets. Seriously. Not everyone knows that we generally pay to use public toilets here. It was a shock to me at my first highway rest stop. I’d like to spare you the surprise. You may read my recent rave about guys
To Pee or Not To Pee, That Is The Question Read More »
Millions of wildflowers are blossoming across Belgium, and we’re going wild over the colors. Breathtaking purple blooms decorate forest floors, and brilliant yellow daffodils light up fields, meadows, and hillsides. Yes, it’s April and time for the annual display of bluebells and narcissi! You have to be lucky to catch both bluebells and daffodils at
Going Wild in Belgium Read More »
Spring is finally here, and Europe is exploding with color. In the Netherlands, that means it’s tulip time. There are some things you HAVE to see on your international travels. In Paris, it’s the Eiffel Tower. In Egypt, it’s the pyramids. And in the Netherlands, it’s the tulips, or more specifically, Keukenhof! Keukenhof has been
Tulip Time in the Netherlands Read More »
I’ve always been puzzled by the fascination with Mannekin Pis. Why do people flock to see a bronze statue of a young boy urinating into a fountain? In grade school, I first learned about Mannekin Pis when a neighborhood boy showed a miniature statue to a giggling group of girls. I had no idea that
Mannekin Pis: A Little Statue with a Big Following Read More »
With COVID restrictions and lockdowns, I haven’t had international guests for more than two years. But that all ends next week when my brother and sister-in-law arrive from the U.S. Since it’s their first trip to Europe, I sent them a few travel tips. It may be old news for frequent flyers, but after two
Ten Tips for International Flights Read More »
