Cultural immersion! That’s been one phrase that best describes my experience in Belgium. When I moved to Flanders in 2016, I didn’t speak a word of Dutch or Flemish. So, what’s the difference between the two languages? My American friends always ask me this question. Hmm. What’s the best explanation? The difference is kind of […]
Cultural Immersion at the Schlagerfestival Read More »
After five years in Europe, you’d think I would have figured out this whole metric system. Ah, no. That has not happened. I still have no idea about my height in centimeters, my weight in kilos or my body temperature in Celsius. And European sizes? Good luck figuring that out. When I wake up in
Size Matters – The Mysterious Numbers in Europe Read More »
After 18 months of COVID restrictions, I’m seeing red — everywhere. And I’m more confused than ever. Where can I travel? What are the rules? What kind of vaccination documents do I need? Rules, rules, ever changing rules! And it is just as confusing on the other side of the ocean. Does anyone have a
I’m Seeing Red — Again! Read More »
Life is good, but I am taking a wee break to whine about wine — or the lack of a 2021 vintage from Chez Deb. My pathetic vegetable and herb garden should have been a clue that my grape crop was doomed. We had a very early frost this year, forcing buds to appear earlier
Whining About Wine Read More »
Sip a German beer at a cafe high in the sky, explore a centuries-old town and take a step back into earlier monastic times at an ancient library. Mark these three places on your travel map: Ebenalp, Appenzell and St. Gallen. What do you think of when you think of Switzerland? Snow-capped mountains, world class
Must-See Secrets of Switzerland Read More »
On June 18, the French put the U.S. on its list of green countries. Hurray! With France opening its doors to Americans again, it’s time to celebrate. And why not do it with a glass of champagne — in the region of its birth? Champagne: The Universal Beverage of Celebration The Champagne Region is located
Celebrate the Chance to Travel — with Champagne Read More »
I’ve never seen such strong, unrelenting rain as that which I witnessed last Thursday. Each week, I look at the weather forecast to determine my biking days. If rain is scheduled for the afternoon, I cycle in the morning. Last week, I had no idea that a once-in-a century weather event was about to hit.
Once-in-a-century floods devastate europe Read More »
It’s nearly Bastille Day, and now that France has opened its borders to American travellers, it’s time to think about some cool places to go. Nowhere is the sheer opulence of French life in centuries past more apparent than in the chateaux of the Loire Valley. Think of them as luxurious country castles. Plan a
Vive La France – Five Castles to Discover Read More »
Sanity is a disappearing commodity when it comes to travel. Yep, that’s what I’ve decided. Just think about travel today. Then, think about travel 20, 30 or 40 years ago. Kind of different, right? With lockdown restrictions relaxing, more and more people are returning to public transport. They’re jumping on buses and hopping onto airplanes. But
Has Sanity Been Lost to Pandemonium? Read More »
Wanderlust. It’s an “affliction” I’ve had since my youth, the desire to explore new places and discover new things. In my late teens, I traveled all over Europe visiting capital cities and countries. There was Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, to name a few. But Belgium wasn’t
Wanderlust & The Best of Europe – Why Not Belgium? Read More »
