Exploring Europe 2023

Our hearts belong to Italy, but with so many other amazing countries to explore, it is time to spread our wings and fly outside our comfort zone. Europe - here we come. Read more

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Exploring Europe 2023 Traveler
Amsterdam, Netherlands
April 14, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
After a very early start we arrived in Amsterdam. I'm not sure I was actually looking forward to Amsterdam but it is one of those city’s you “must” visit if you are nearby, so here we are. After dropping our bags off we spent the afternoon exploring Amsterdam, wandering up and down the canals, trying to get our bearings and work out our way around the city.

It certainly wasn't what I expected Amsterdam to be. One of the things Amsterdam is known for is its tulips, but in actual fact there are not a vast amount of tulips around. While there are some beautiful planter boxes scattered throughout town there are not a lot of garden spaces. While I know the tulip fields and gardens are in the nearby towns, I did expect to see a bit more colour in Amsterdam itself.

In our explorations we came across the red light district which was a bit confronting and surprising. It had a much seedier feel than I thought it would. Maybe at night time there is a different vibe to the place. We eventually found a cafe to eat at along one of the canals but it was definitely not the outdoor eating experience we usually enjoy. While the service was fast and friendly, the prices were ridiculous, the food and wine not that great, and the atmosphere was like we were on a bucks party. I think we definitely chose to eat in the wrong area.

I think the Gods were against us visiting any churches in Amsterdam as the two we went to visit were both closed while they were removing exhibitions. The one church I really wanted to visit was Oude Kerk (Old Church), the oldest church in Amsterdam, constructed in 1306. The church has become a place where the sacred and the profane meet. Situated in Old Church Square, the church now shares real estate with the a heavily trafficked zone of De Wallen, or the Red Light District. Although some raise eyebrows at the collision of the two worlds, the city seems to have embraced the dichotomy. Proudly standing in front of the church doors, a bronze statue entitled "Belle" was erected in 2007 as a monument to the sex workers of the world.

What I do love about Amsterdam is their architecture, from their historic old buildings that lean all over the place to their ultra modern and very unique newer builds. No basic buildings here. It gives the city a sense of vibrancy.
Amsterdam is impressive, amazing, interesting, a little bit seedy, and full of history. It is also very busy - not our usual holiday location. I don't know how many times I saved Brad from being run over by someone on a bicycle. They are everywhere and dangerous.

We managed to tick off a few of the sites to visit from all the “what to see in Amsterdam” lists but we really weren’t blown away. It has reinforced our love of the smaller. less crowded towns.Read more
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Amsterdam Canal Cruises
April 14, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
After a lot of walking we ended the day with a canal ride which was so informative. I had no idea there were so many houseboats, all permanently moored with their own water, gas and sewage connected. The styles of the houseboats are so interesting and some owners really utilise their spaces well. It is very interesting seeing Amsterdam from the canal.

After a very long day with lots of walking we finally returned to our hotel for some much needed rest, in anticipation of our day trip tomorrow to see the famous Leukenhof Garden filled with tulips.Read more
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Keukenhof Garden, Lisse
April 15, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
The weather hasn’t been very kind to us on our trip so far and the one day I was praying for blue skies, we got it - for the morning at least.

Our first destination on our ten hour tour today was the famous Keukenhof Gardens, known for its amazing tulip displays. It is only open for two months of the year and has over 1.5 million visitors during that time. Thankfully we were there early before the huge crowds arrived.

This place is breathtakingly beautiful. We had no idea there were so many different types, shapes and colours of tulips available. It was extensive. The gardens have been so thoughtfully planted with lots of curved garden beds, lush green lawn, floral displays in different pavilions, pathways through lightly wooded areas. It is a masterpiece. There is a windmill you can climb to get views from above of the adjoining tulip fields. It was so hard to not take a photo of every single flower. Mother Nature is phenomenal. We had enough time to stroll around the gardens and enjoy the displays without feeling rushed. We got to really enjoy the beauty of it and this is why Amsterdam is on our travel list.Read more
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Giethoorn, Netherlands
April 15, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Our second stop for the day is the town of Giethoorn. Giethoorn is a mostly car-free village in the northeastern Dutch province of Overijssel. It's known for its boat-filled waterways, footpaths, bicycle trails and centuries-old thatched-roof houses. It borders a section of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a marshy area once popular for peat and reed harvesting.

Yearly around 1 million people from all over the world come to visit the town of "no roads"', placing Giethoorn in the top 10 attractions in the Netherlands. The small islands are connected by 176 bridges to the mainland and the lovely thatched roof homes were built in the 17th and 18th centuries.

No roads means no cars so the only way to get around is by boat or walking and biking. Thankfully our tour today was by boat. Our guide was so informative and it was interesting learning about the traditions and the way of life here, in the past and present. One of the conditions of owning a place on the canals is that you agree to maintain a pretty garden so tourist can admire their property as they sail by. There were some beautiful gardens and even though the clouds had returned, we still go to admire what the home owners have done. Some had a sense of humour too with their garden decor.

The canals and lake here are only a metre deep and have all been handmade as people dug for peat for their fires. Once we exited the canal we sailed around the lake and got to see how expansive it actually it.

After our boat ride we had time to explore the town on foot before deciding to enjoy some warm food out of the cold wet weather. We got to try the local snack type foods including bitterballen, which are a Dutch meat-based snack. Made by making a very thick stew thickened with roux and beef stock and generously loaded with meat, the mix is refrigerated until it firms, then rolled into balls which then get breaded and fried. They are different and delicious.

It was a day trip and we got to enjoy the company of two American couples for the long bus ride. We swapped stories and had a great laugh, once we discovered we all had a similar sense of humour and liked to tease each other. It was a brilliant day. Made us miss our travelling buddies as it is a very different experience when you travel with friends. It was a fabulous tour, long but so worth it.Read more
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Fabrique Des Luminaries, Amsterdam
April 16, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
We woke to a very wet day and as I’m still not feeling fabulous we decided to enjoy a lazy lie in before heading out for the afternoon. We headed back into Amsterdam to see the Fabrique Des Luminaries show in the old gasworks building. This area of Amsterdam has such a good feel and we can imagine in the warmer months how enjoyable it would be to sit and enjoy a drink or a meal in the afternoon/evening sunshine. I mean the sun doesn’t set here until 9pm and it isn’t even summer yet.

The Fabrique Des Luminaries is an immersive, sensory, audiovisual experience that revolves around art. It is intended to excite, touch and overwhelm and that is exactly what it does. By digitising the work of some of the greatest artists in history and presenting it in such a vibrant and interesting way, it becomes a form of art in its own merit.

Our ticket included two shows today with one being a presentation on Antoni Gauldi, one of my favourite architects/artists and the second on Salvador Dahl, an artist who pushed the boundaries.

Antoni Gaudi’s work is often described as whimsical and provocative and he is considered one of the most famous architects who ever lived. Some of his most famous creations , Parc Güel, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and Sagrada Família, are famous for their undulating facade and the colors of the glass and ceramics, the large pillars and organic motifs. With George Gershwin’s music playing in the background, the images of Gaudi’s work explode across the walls of the old Gasworks building. It was stunning as we were surrounded by images and sound.

The second show was Salvador Dali. A fairy tale, a hallucination, a dream: Salvador Dali's work is always an experience. The psychedelic works of art by one of the most grandiose artists of all time come at you from all sides in Fabrique des Lumières, accompanied by the music of Pink Floyd. It was such a surreal experience to just relax and let the images and amazing music envelope us. This is something very different to what we would usually do as tourist and it was a great way to start our afternoon off in Amsterdam.Read more
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Apple Pie & Stroopwaffles, Amsterdam
April 16, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
After the show we continued exploring the streets of Amsterdam in search of “the best apple pie in Amsterdam”, according to quite a few different websites. Obviously everyone else had done similar research as there was a line up at Winkle 43. Operating since 1983, it does indeed have an extremely delicious apple pie, and as it was the only one we are tasting here, we have to take the critics word that it is the best.

Next on the “must try” list was a stroopwaffle. The Dutch cake consists of two round stroopwafels that are baked crispy via a waffle iron. The two stroopwafels are connected by means of sweet syrup. Everyone kept saying we must try these and we fell for the tourist trap/social media buzz and chose to try these at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, where once again there was a line. Operating since 1907, this is such a pretty store and we can see why it is a popular Instagram tag. The line moved very quickly, we made our choices, paid an arm and a leg, and continued to make quite a mess while eating them. We were not overly impressed as they were messy and way too sweet. We have no idea what all the fuss was about other than they looked good.

We have since been informed that these are not the right stroopwaffles to try as they don’t need all the extra trimming. We have followed that advice and tried some traditional ones and while I’m still not fussed Brad does like the basic unadorned stroopwaffles.

After a bit more of a wander around the city centre we decided to call it a day as we have had some very full on days and I'm still not feeling the best. Let’s hope it passes quickly as we still have so much to see.Read more
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Bikes, Flowers and Randomness, Amsterdam
April 17, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Today was a write off as I was not well at all and I have finally succumbed to Brad’s symptoms from earlier on our trip. I have no idea how he managed to keep functioning as it has really knocked me about. Brad tested negative for Covid when he wasn’t feeling the best so it did not cross my mind that I would have Covid as the symptoms were all over the place. I did a test and it was a very quick and definite positive. I am no longer a “Novid”, someone who hasn’t had Covid. We spent the day in bed, binge watching Netflix shows and sleeping. Thankfully we have already explored Amsterdam so there isn’t too much we are missing out. I was hoping to go and see the windmills but that is just not possible considering how I am feeling. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow as we leave for our next destination.

At long last we have been able to see some Springtime flowers and Amsterdam has delivered that . The bursts of colour after quite a few wet and dreary days has been a welcome relief. I have also loved the quirkiness and uniqueness of this town.

One thing that has really surprised me is the sheer number of bikes. They are absolutely everywhere and it appears many of them are abandoned. They even have multi level bike “garages” but it appears people would prefer not to pay for secure bike storage and they are chained up anywhere and everywhere. It is also crazy how they ride here. Not only do we have to watch out for cars, bike riders are even more dangerous. I'm sure I saved Brad many times.Read more
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Delft, Netherlands
April 18, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Today’s destination is Delft, a canal-ringed city in the western Netherlands, known as the manufacturing base for Delftware, hand-painted blue-and-white pottery. In its old town, the medieval Oude Kerk is the burial site of native son and Dutch Master painter Johannes Vermeer. Once the seat of the royal House of Orange, the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk houses the family's tombs and overlooks Delft's lively market square.

After our time in Amsterdam, Delft is delightfully small, pretty and charming. First stop while we waited to check in was to enjoy a very delicious lunch in one of the many enticing restaurants in town. I had a mouth watering bagel with brie, pumpkin cream and watercress and Brad tried the crab croquettes which were served on slabs of brown bread. A nice start to our stay here.

Our home for the next three nights is an apartment above a restaurant in a 16th century building. It is one of the nicest apartments we have stayed in so far, even though it did feel funny having a key for the restaurant as that was our front door. While the stairs were a bit steep, the view from our apartment is amazing. We are going to enjoy our time here.

While I chose to stay in and rest up (Covid has really knocked me about), Brad did an evening stroll to explore our area and I an hoping tomorrow I will be ready to see and enjoy all Delft has to offer.Read more
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Oude Kerk (Old Church), Delft
April 19, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Thankfully the sun was shining this morning so we hit the streets to see as much as we can before the rain starts again. First up this morning we visited the Oude Kerk, the Old Church, founded in 1246 and located in the old city center of Delft. Nicknamed Oude Jan (Old John) and Scheve Jan (Skewed John), it is a Gothic Protestant church most famous for its seventy-five meter high leaning tower and is the oldest church in Delft. In 1654, the church windows were destroyed when a nearby gunpowder depot exploded in the city.

The thing we love with these old churches is how unique they all are, the history, and amazing architecture, the ancient artworks, and so much more. What is striking about this church is how unadorned the walls and ceilings are, with its plain white walls and wooden ceiling giving the church an expansive and empty feel. The floor is scattered with old tomb markings. It actually feels quite serene in its “plainness”. Against the plain walls the twenty-seven stained glass windows and three pipe organs are striking. The church organs date back to the years 1857 (main organ), 1873 (north aisle) and 1770 (choir). One of the two bells, the Trinitas bell, weighs almost nine-thousand kilograms and has a diameter of just over two meters, and is the largest and oldest tolling bell in the Netherlands.

Due to its potentially damaging vibrations, the bell is only rung on rare occasions. Historically, the bell has sounded to announce disasters. Approximately four-hundred people are entombed in the Oude Kerk. Among them are the famous painter, Johannes Vermeer, and the inventor of the microscope, Anthony van Leeuwenhoek.

What is unique here is how the city of Delft displays the history of this church, allowing tourists to learn about the history in an interesting and engaging way. It was a great start to our first full day in Delft.Read more
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Streets of Delft
April 19, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
After ticking off our first church for the day we made the most of the unexpected sunshine and strolled the streets of Delft, finding our bearings while oohing and ahhhing over the beautiful and interesting buildings and sights. We passed the only remaining windmill, which was under construction so we did not go in, we wandered down alleys with eye-catching street art, crossed canals with flowers just starting to bloom on the banks and stopped at one of the many Delftware shops in town for a yummy morning tea tart and coffee.Read more
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Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Delft
April 19, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Next stop for the day was Nieuwe Kerk, the new church, which is still a very old church. Formally the Church of Saint Ursula, this 14th century church is the burial place of the princes of Orange. In 1584 William the Silent was entombed here in a mausoleum where the members of the House of Orange-Nassau have since been entombed. The latest royals to be buried in the Royal Crypt were Queen Juliana and her husband Prince Bernhard in 2004.

The church itself is an elaborately designed architectural monument with twenty-two columns which surround the marble tomb of William of Orange. Legend has it that the small statue of a dog at the prince's feet starved to death following the tragic death of its owner, the prince. All around the church are memorabilia from the Dutch Royal family including paintings, and stained glass windows. The painted wooden ceiling over the marble tomb is simple yet eye-catching as once again the walls of this church are unadorned except for art work and stained glass windows. There is such a strong feeling in the simplicity of this space.

Once again the history and meaning behind the stained glass windows, the tombs, sculptures and art work is clearly explained and we learnt a lot about the history of the royal family.

Part of our admission ticket was the option to climb the 380 spiral worn wooden steps of the church tower. With my phobia of stairs that aren’t stable, I had to give it a miss but Brad made the climb up. Even he said it was a bit confronting. Thankfully he managed to grab some photos of the amazing view over the town and I managed to photograph him at the top. The church tower is the second highest in the Netherlands and Brad climbed a long way up. He was happy to get back to solid ground.Read more
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Beestenmarkt, Delft
April 19, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
The church itself is situated in the main square in Delft, Markt. At the opposite end of the church is the stunning City Hall. This building is breathtaking, as everywhere you looked there was something more to see and admire, another angle to photograph, another feature to be impressed by. With the church at one end and City Hall at the other, it is easy to see why this is the main square. There was so much to look at.

Brad needed a breather after his strenuous climb so we made our way to the nearby Beestenmarkt, a beautiful square filled with bars and restaurants, and the perfect place to stop and enjoy our surroundings. It was so enjoyable being sat in the sunshine enjoying an antipasto platter with a local wine for me and beer for Brad. This is one of the things we love about travelling - the down time to sit back and people watch and just enjoy our surroundings. It has been a bit hard to do that too much so far on this trip due to the cold weather but hopefully as it gets warmer we will have more and more of these days.Read more
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Maria van Jessekerk, Delft
April 19, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
We managed to visit one more church before calling it a day (of course we did). The Maria van Jessekerk is the inner city church of the Ursula parish and has the longest history. Where the priestly choir is now, there was already a Roman Catholic church in 1733. The church was designed by Everard Margry, pupil of the well-known architect Pierre Cuypers and Margry has paid a lot of attention to details. For example, the left tower resembles that of the New Church, while the design for the right tower is derived from that of the Oude Kerk.

Inside this church is very different to the old and the new church we visited earlier today. The walls are covered with beautiful coloured murals, the stained glass windows sparkle from all sides, the ancient pulpit and altarpiece, icons and the Maarschalkerweerd organ are so detailed and interesting. It is a rich tapestry of light and colour and we were so glad we popped in to check it out.

We have spent a wonderful day exploring Delft and its beautiful laneways and canals but we’re happy to call it a day as the wind picked up and the weather turned colder.Read more
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Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, Delft
April 20, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Today we visited the Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles which translates to The Porcelain Jar, and is also known as the Royal Delft factory. Founded in 1635, it is the last remaining active earthenware factory of the original thirty-two factories that operated in Delft during the 17th century. Delftware production has been in continuous operation here for over 350 years with the story of Royal Delft dating back to the year 1653 when the production of the unique Delft Blue earthenware began in the Netherlands. It was inspired by blue painted porcelain brought back from China which was unique and never seen before in Europe. So began a love affair for the Dutch and the Delft Blue porcelain.

Nowadays, antique collectors recognize that delftware produced by De Porceleyne Fles, (also known as Royal Delft) is the gold standard in delftware. The earthenware produced at Koninkliike Porceleyne Fles is individually coded with a factory mark, item number, artist's initials, a date code, and even a certificate of authenticity.

Visiting the factory was such an interesting and informative visit and the way the information is presented is engaging. We got to walk through the factory and see the process of creating these beautiful pieces. It so understandable why each piece is so expensive. I fell in love with the porcelain houses but at €245 each, I had to make do with some cheaper replicas.

Also on display in the Royal Delft Factory was an art display called Flowers in Blue by Bas Meeuws, a digital artist who created stunning pieces on acrylic of gorgeous floral arrangements in the beautiful Delftware vases. The colours were so vibrant and the pieces of art were stunning. It is fantastic seeing artists being featured in the historic places in Delft, such a contrast between old and new. Delft certainly sets the standard when it comes to amalgamation between history and our modern era. It has really impressed us.Read more
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Delightful Delft
April 20, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
We spent the afternoon enjoying the laneways and alleyways of Delft, with their interesting buildings, lovely canals and beautiful spaces, cafes and restaurants. Delft is such a pretty town and has definitely won us over.

We went to a cafe next door to where we are staying for a late lunch and a couple of drinks. It was such a cool cafe with such a relaxing feel. It was a nice place to relax for the afternoon.

After an afternoon siesta we decided to venture out again to find one of the cool cafes for dinner and a drink. With the clear skies and late sunset we thought it would be the perfect way to end our time here in Delft. What we didn’t count on was the bitterly cold wind, slow service and not so great food. I think we will choose to remember all the good things Delft had to offer and forget this experience.

Delft is such a beautiful town and just the right size for us. We have loved our time here and are sad to be leaving so soon.Read more
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Bruges, Belgium
April 21, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
After a very long travel day and an extra two hours on the bus, we were tired but excited to arrive in Bruges. And best of all the sun was shining so we hit the ground running, knowing that the weather forecast isn’t the best for our time here.

Bruges is beautiful, and clean, and historic (yes I do seem to say that of every town we have visited so far). And impressive. I think it has knocked Delft off the top of my favourite town list.

We had a brief walk around before coming across Grote Markt, the Market Square, surrounded with the iconic Bruges buildings, lined with cafes, and with the Belfry of Bruges as the focal point, we had found the perfect spot to sit and have our first Belgium beverages. Well almost the perfect spot. Brad had a touch of “table envy” and was eyeing off a table a few places in front of us. As soon as it was available he asked if we could move, which we did. We were then “christened” by a bird flying past, reminding Brad to be thankful for what he is given.

And yes, I know we are in the main tourist trap and the drinks weren’t cheap, but the view and the atmosphere was totally worth it. We enjoyed some cheesy garlic bread and a drink while admiring our surroundings, watching the dark clouds roll back in. We made back to our apartment in time to enjoy a night in, ready to really see Bruges tomorrow.Read more
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House of Waffles, Bruges
April 22, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ 🌧 8 °C
Once again we don’t have a very clear day but we are determined to see as much of Bruges as possible so we hit the streets. First place was the House of Waffles as we had to try Belgium waffles in Belgium, and the House of Waffles sounded like the perfect place to try them.

Who knew there are different types of waffles but there were two types on offer so we tried one of each, the Brussels, which was a crispier rectangle waffle, and the Liege, which was a fluffier round waffle. Because we wanted to try both we shared one with warm cherries and one with custard and warm chocolate. Both were delicious!! We also had a hot chocolate which was in actual fact a glass of warm milk with a block of Belgium chocolate on a spoon to stir through and melt in the warm milk. It was a very unique way to have a hot chocolate.

It was a very sweet way to start our day.Read more
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Sint-Salvatorskathedraal, Bruges
April 22, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ 🌧 9 °C
Feeling quite full we needed to walk off our big breakfast so set out to see the sites, which of course was going to include a church or two. The first church we came across was Sint-Salvatorskathedraal, St. Salvator's Cathedral or the Holy Savior Cathedral, which is Bruges' official cathedral and main church. The building has survived well since its initial construction in the l0th century and numerous renovations since. The church replaced the Sint Donatius Church as the official cathedral following the destruction of the St. Donatius in the 18th century by the French. Sint Salvator became the city cathedral following Belgium's independence in 1830.

This church is amazing with so many pieces of stunning Flemish art, ancient tapestries, and murals from the 13th century adorning the walls. Medieval tombs are on display in the alcoves with stunning stained glass windows as their backdrops. To be able to be so close to these historic burial sites is really quite something. This church is filled with intricate detail and there is so much to see and admire, so deceptive from the quite simple and unadorned exterior.Read more
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Afternoon in Bruges
April 22, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
The rain set in again so we headed back to the apartment to wait it out. We really aren’t enjoying the continual wet weather. It seems to be following us from town to town. Once it stopped again we headed back out to see a bit more of Bruges in the beautiful Spring afternoon sunshine. It is hard to believe we have had such a wet and overcast morning as we now get to enjoy blue skies and warm sunshine. The perfect weather to stop and enjoy some drinks and the pomme frites (chips) we have been told to try here. Brad’s beer was the biggest we have ever seen and he almost needed two hands to lift it. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Bruges is a beautiful city and we loved exploring the pretty streets and laneways, strolling through the nearby garden, and enjoying the interesting architecture. It was hard to stop clicking the camera at every interesting and intricate detail. This town has surprised me and it has been a pity the weather has stopped us from exploring more in-depth. It may be worth another visit.

With the weather holding off Brad decided to venture out again once the sun set to take some night photos of this beautiful town. I choose to stay rugged up and warm. One thing that we are not use to here is how late the sun sets. Brad had to wait until after 9.30 to see the city by night but his photos were worth the effort.Read more
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Beautiful Bruges
April 23, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
It is our last day in Bruges, so we headed out early for a few photos before the forecast rain. It is lovely seeing this town in the early morning light, before the streets are filled with people (and the rain sets in again). We weren’t disappointed with the photos of a few iconic sights of this beautiful town.Read more
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Basiliek van het Heilig-Bloed, Bruges
April 23, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Next stop was the Basilica of the Holy Blood, as we were curious about a holy relic, a glass and gold vial containing the blood of Christ that is on display. Apparently it was brought to the church in 1147AD after a holy man had washed the dead body of Christ. A very interesting story that’s for sure.

The basilica itself dates back to 1134 and the lower chapel remains virtually unchanged since that time. A very small church, but very well decorated inside and out. We do love how unique each church is, each offering something different to admire.

Once again the rain started so we bought some pastries and coffee for breakfast and spent the rest of the day relaxing. Sadly because of the weather we didn’t get to see as much of Bruges as we would have liked, but we have enjoyed our time here. Next stop is Dinant, Belgium.Read more
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Maison de Monsieur Sax, Dinant
April 25, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C
We awoke to yet another overcast day but we were determined to see Dinant and what it had to offer. First up was Maison de Monsieur Sax, the home of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. It was here in Dinant that he was born in 1814 and he invented the saxophone in early 1840s, and after reading up on his history it seems he was lucky to live long enough to even make that invention. Some people are just meant to be.

He is probably the only person more clumsy than Brad and he survived almost 10 near death experiences as a child. Some of his near misses included falling from a 3rd story window, gunpowder explosions, falling roof tiles striking him on the head, falling into a fire, poisoning and near asphyxiation.

Later in life he suffered lip cancer, had several legal battles over patents of the saxophone that he invented, was declared bankrupt three times, subsequently dying aged 79 of pneumonia in Paris, in poverty.

Dinant is quite proud of their “son” and there are saxophone statues and monuments throughout this small town.Read more
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Citadel of Dinant, Dinant
April 25, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C
Today we continued our sightseeing and went to the Dinant Citadel by cable car. The citadel was built in 1815 on the site previously fortified in the 10th century and overlooks Dinant and the strategic Meuse River.

Dinant has origins dating back to the 7th century and was already populated in Neolithic, Celtic and Roman times. Meaning “Sacred Valley”, its strategic location on the River Meuse exposed Dinant to battle and pillage throughout the centuries.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, wars between France and Spain, Dinant suffered destruction, famine and epidemics, despite its neutrality. In 1675, the French army occupied the city and it was briefly taken by the Austrians at the end of the 18th century.

The city suffered devastation again at the beginning of the First World War. On 15 August 1914, French and German troops fought for the town in the Battle of Dinant; among the wounded was Lieut. Charles de Gaulle. On 23 August, 674 inhabitants were summarily executed by Saxon troops of the German Army - the biggest massacre committed by the Germans in 1914. None of those responsible for these massacres were brought to justice after the war.

The citadel presents the history of Dinant in such a unique and interesting way with mini movies, sensory room experiences, photographs, models and replicas of the living conditions and bunkers. They honour those killed in the massacre ensuring they are never forgotten. It is an amazing experience and a very informative one., with the added bonus of amazing views over the town below.Read more
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Meuse River Cruise, Dinant
April 25, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
This afternoon we took a cruise on the Meuse River and despite the cooler weather it was fabulous. I love the old homes mixed with the new along the river banks, the ancient churches, the lush landscape of green hills on both sides, this picturesque part of the world. It was so enjoyable cruising up and back while enjoying a local wine, beer and cheese sat on the top deck. It was a fabulous way to spend the afternoon, getting to see Dinant from a different angle.

Once the ride was over and as the dark clouds rolled in yet again, we decided on Italian for lunch. Yes odd we are having Italian in Belgium but there are quite a few Italian restaurants here so we thought why not. Our pizzas were delicious, our drinks cold and our view amazing. The perfect way to end our day out in Dinant as the weather turned again.

Dinant is such a beautiful town with a sad history and I am so glad we detoured to included it on our trip.Read more
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Exploring Europe 2023 Traveler
Metz, France
April 26, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
After a long travel day - three countries, four trains - we arrived in Metz, France. Watching the countryside and building styles change as our trip progressed was quite interesting. We are definitely in France now, with the gorgeous French buildings and architecture.

Metz is a city in France’s northeastern region, with gardens and leafy promenades along the Moselle and Seille rivers. It has a rich 3,000-year history, having variously been a Celtic oppidum, an important Gallo-Roman city, the Merovingian capital of Austrasia, the birthplace of the Carolingian dynasty, a cradle of the Gregorian chant, and one of the oldest republics in Europe. The city has been steeped in French culture, but has been strongly influenced by German culture due to its location and history.

Because of its historical, cultural and architectural background, Metz has been submitted on France's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The city features noteworthy buildings which we are looking forward to checking out during our time here.

While waiting for our checking in time we enjoyed our first French beer and wine while sat in a very French square. I already love this place.Read more
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