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 »
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 »
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 »
Planning a trip to Europe? If you are a shopaholic, mark your calendars for January and July. It’s the perfect time to do your European shopping, and with the dollar’s current strength against the euro, it’s time to grab your credit card and hop across the pond for the big, seasonal sales. While they aren’t
Shop ‘Til You Drop in Europe Read More »
The ball dropped in New York City’s Times Square, and fireworks blazed across the skies across the world. Yeah, it’s 2023. Hallelujah. It’s hard to believe that we could celebrate again after COVID forced so many festivities to be canceled for so long. In Europe, even the Christmas markets returned this season. Boy, I’d missed
Experiencing The Best of Belgium During the Holidays Read More »
COVID-19 has been a nightmare for nearly three years, a nightmare I thought I’d avoided. I had four vaccinations and no infection, and even dated someone infected with the virus. Yet, I escaped it. Okay, I admit it. I was feeling a bit cocky. I dodged a bullet, or so I thought. And then, just
Travel Smart and Dodge A Bullet Read More »
Every four years, the world goes mad. Why? World Cup football, or soccer as we Yanks say, returns, pitting 32 teams against each other in a race for bragging rights — and $42 million in prize money. The runner-up gets $30 million. Just by qualifying for the competition, the players’ wallets get a bit thicker
The World Has Gone Mad Read More »
