Jan 18 2020

Sliding into New Year’s 2020 in Vienna

After spending Christmas with our family in The Netherlands, we flew to Vienna to spend a couple of weeks with Niki, his family and friends. New Years was just around the corner and we wanted to spend it with our dear friends in Vienna.

This was the first time seeing his new home outside of Vienna in a small quaint village called Mayerling,

Mayerling is a small village (pop. 200) in Lower Austria belonging to the municipality of Alland in the district of Baden. It is situated on the Schwechat river, in the Wienerwald (Vienna woods), 24 kilometres (15 mi) southwest of Vienna. From 1550, it was in the possession of the abbey of Heiligenkreuz.

Besides spending quality time together and catching up, we enjoyed having Niki as our tour guide, especially since there is a global history attached to the village.

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Horst, Limburg and Germany’s Eifel Mountains for the Holidays

Staying in Horst, Limburg & Eifel Mountains of Germany

Ten days into our trip we moved from Han’s younger brother Jos to older brother Eef and his wife Marlies who live in the quaint village of Horst about 50 miles to the north. Just driving through the country sides you quickly realize that there is so much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Every city, town and village has its own wondrous attractions, pedestrian friendly town centers with tons of small stores, markets, cozy pubs and restaurants and friendly people.

When we arrived in Horst we unpacked the car and went to see Eef in the hospital from where he was released a couple of days later. He is doing much better.

Their home, close to the center of the village, is so comfortable and welcoming. A five  minute, easy walk takes us to shopping, have coffee at our favorite restaurant and get groceries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horst,_Limburg

If you are ever in the area, don’t forget to drink from the dog statue water fountain. Water comes out of his nether region and the verse on the statue explains in a local dialect that if you ever visit the town to make sure you catch a drink at the fountain. Kind of like the world famous “Manneken Pis” in Brussels. The kids were having a great time. Continue reading

Jan 06 2020

Christmas Markets of Western Europe

The Christmas markets of Western Europe are something I have never experienced before, and quite the experience they are. Even if you are not a shopper, the decorations are magnificent to see in person. The pictures are definitely not like seeing it in person, but for the most part I will have to let them do the writing for me. We visited five in total.

We began at Kerstmarket Gemeentegrot Valkenburg Netherlands. The market is held in underground Roman caves and admission is 7.50 Euro per person and well worth.

Be mindful where you walk because you can twist an ankle if not careful. This market had the best variety and prices. I wish I had bought more while we were there. The decorations were very bright, but most were flat LED lighted panels. The decor I enjoyed the most were the “Christmas Wish Trees”. They lined the entire length of the tunnels and you could purchase a one euro clear ball ornament, write a wish on a piece of red paper and hang on any tree of your choice. They were simply magical looking and many wishes, by others, ladened the trees down, making them all the more festive. No, I didn’t hang one, since I already had my wish by simply being there with Han. It can get quite crowded, but everyone was in the spirit of the season and very nice. Once again, I suggest you purchasing your gifts at this particular market.

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Dec 12 2019

Our First Full Day in Kerkrade

On our day of arrival in Kerkrade to Jos and Ria’s home (Han’s younger brother and sis-in-law) we had a (quite) a bit of wine, enjoyed a lovely late dinner and “attempted” to finally sleep. Sleep eluded us. Ugh! But, before I forget, we have in the meantime learned that Melatonin is your friend for combatting jet lag. It was practically miraculous. Just wish we had taken it upon boarding the plane.

Our first full day in Kerkrade had a slow start. Coffee was high on my list of needs, and Jos makes a perfect cup of coffee and plenty of it.

After we started floating on a sea of coffee, we all got dressed to take an invigorating walk into town. Majority of folks living here in the towncenter are very senior. Do we fit in? Nah, much too young! At least that is how it made me feel.

We went to a very thought provoking library (HuB.Bibliotheek Kerkrade), which had coalmine shaft elevator cars converted into little reading nooks, an inspiring dedicated children’s area and beautiful art work. Located upstairs is a full blown theater where plays are performed. https://www.bibliotheekkerkrade.nl

Note: Kerkrade was once, about 900 years ago, a suburb of today’s German city of Herzogenrath and today, lies directly on the border with Germany. The Monks of the local Rolduc Abby, started mining coal here in 1113 AD and Kerkrade became the first major coal mining town in Europe, which lasted until the 1970s. Continue reading

Dec 11 2019

From Orlando to Amsterdam

Christmas in Orlando International

Jet lag is kicking both our behinds. I feel like a cranky baby in having my days and nights mixed up, or probably more like the cranky parent who has to deal with said child.
I am forcing myself to start writing or I will get farther and farther behind.
Our trip from Florida to the Netherlands was a bit eventful.
We began our trip in Lake City FL, where our friend Rory drove us to Orlando International, to catch the 9:28 pm Delta Airlines flight to Amsterdam. The plane was a bit late in departing, due to having to be throughly cleaned.
Even though Han bought me a comfy travel pillow to try and induce sleep, it was of zero help. I was in the middle seat, between Han and a very nice young military boy from the Netherlands, who was quite tall, all arms and legs, and I felt a bit squished. Next time I’ll reserve a window seat, so the pillow may work.

Being on a Keto diet, we had pre-ordered a diabetic meal (no sugar is essential on Keto) which was preceded by a delicious Peach Bellini Welcome drink. After dinner it was lights out and trying to catch some sleep.
At approximately 3:00am, our time, Han was just beginning to dose off and the young man beside me was in a deep sleep, when an older German gentlemen (73 years) got up to use the restroom, and at the exact moment he was beside our row of seats, he fainted and went down very hard.

While falling, he bumped into the young man sitting beside me, who awoke with an extreme start with legs and arms flailing, which I had to avoid being hit. Continue reading

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