Jun 05

June 1-June 5 – Exploring Heerlen, Han’s Home Town

ValkenburgWe checked-out of the B&B and checked-in with brother Eef and his wife Marlies.
We slept in Han’s childhood bedroom. How cool is that?
I slept on a single bed, while Han insisted he take the single floor mattress. It was kinda of like camping out.
Every morning we were woken up by their roosters but the rooster also crowed throughout the day. They were confused birds.
We continued down memory lane through Heerlen with Han sharing his schools, parks, friends homes, doctors, soccer areas and more. I don’t know how he remembered it all. Heck, even Han’s first wife still lives two homes away from the family home. The family has not seen her since the divorce of 36 years ago.
I thoroughly loved riding around and Han finally able to share his homeland with me. Has made me appreciate him all the more.
We went to Snow World which is quite interesting and would be a wonderful vacation area for families who enjoy skiing and snowboarding. They have many more activities to offer.
We drove to the highest point in The Netherlands called Vaalserberg. It is also the location called “Three-Country Point” because you can stand almost simultaneously in The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Unfortunately it was a foggy day, so seeing far into the distance was not possible. Note: there are feral cats everywhere, we counted at least 8 to 10.
Han said the area is much busier once summer time hits. There is a great park to explore, eateries, viewing towers and playgrounds.
We took a day to explore Maastricht, which I adored. Han not so much because it has changed so drastically and is quite difficult to find parking and get to the center of town, since all the roads leading in are now for bikes and pedestrians. I did not know the difference, so it mattered none to me.
As we were walking into town we passed Han’s niece and two children. It was delightfully random and surprising. She and I only knew each other from Facebook. We visited some over lunch and I got to know her a bit better. It really was a lovely meal and her two boys are adorable. She definitely helped with navigating the outer area of Maastricht.
We parted ways after lunch and we began our enjoyable stroll through the inner city.
I was happiest that I found a vintage clothing store and bought a few items. I have found that I like vintage clothing and have now decided to purchase at least one item in the cities we visit. Yes, I will be having to do a small shipment back to the states before flying back.
This time close by, we visited Han’s parents grave again and took flowers for his mom’s birthday on June 4th. She would have been 95. They were a large pot of daisies which are my favorite flower and come to find out was also one of hers. We wanted something that would last a bit longer.
Staying with Eef and Marlies has been fun and interesting to hear them speak of childhood years. They are both lovely caring people. I enjoy teasing Eef and he is good spirited about it. His looks most remind me of Thom, the youngest of the five boys and the only one I had met before this trip. We were very close and I loved him dearly. He passed a bit ago, however I find myself getting misty-eyed and sometimes actually crying when we begin reminiscing about him.
Wim and his wife Marlies (yes, the two brothers married women called Marlies) arrived from Norway and the six of us went just across the German border to eat at the Landhaus Wurmtal Cafe & Restaurant boasting the largest schnitzel in Germany in the town of Herzogenrath. It is the first village across the border from Holland.
I don’t know if the “largest” is true, but the schnitzels were hanging over the sides of the very large plates. I can tell you though, that it was very good and well worth the drive. I will say it was interesting to be the only American in the whole place. It really gives you perspective and makes the world a larger place in your mind.
I witnessed Han eating a herring covered in onions, Dutch style. One word from me. YUCK! He was in delicacy heaven though. This was while we took a rainy walk through Heerlen during a carnival. No rides for us, just sight seeing.
Purchased some Kinder Eggs which are egg shaped hollow chocolate with a smaller plastic capsule inside and a toy to assemble. They are the cutest little things, but are not allowed to be imported into the states and if you are found to be in possession of them, it is a $1200.00 fine for each egg. I am a kid at heart, so will just enjoy them while I am here.

Jun 01

A Week In The Countryside Of Valkenburg, Netherlands and Beyond

De Heek B&BOur hotel/B&B is lovely, owners are very informative and friendly, enough room in our suite to spread out, IKEA furnishings, it is on the outskirts of town so is very quiet unless the farmers decide to work at night, morning birds are very happy, chipper and loud, breakfast is European fare of boiled eggs, expensive deli style meats, variety of breads, coffee, juice, cereal, fruit and yogurt.
I found it amusing that the local zoo has a raccoon exhibit. Europe does not have those little masked devils in the wild.
Valkenburg is very charming, but becomes touristy in the summer months. There are many activities to enjoy and it is a wonderful area for families. The center of town host multiple outdoor cafes, variety of fantastic restaurants and interesting shops. There is also a small amusement park.
We went all touristy and checked out all the sights and sites. <dang the english language, lol
Items I am listing below are in no particular order of our activities this week.
  1. We had lunch at IKEA in Heerlen for the fun of it. I love IKEA.
  2. Saw Schaloen Castle, which was very majestic but also homey with the cows roaming in front. You can have lunch in the restaurant there and you can also spend the night. However you have to supply your own linens. Really?
  3. We ate
  4. We enjoyed a day of riding a small train through the City Caves, however it would have been much more interesting, had I known what they were saying, as the dialogue was only in Dutch. My favorite part was at the end, when we were able to walk down further into the caves and enjoy a musical light show. Most the songs were in English, so I was able to sing along. Yea, I thought I was hot stuff at that moment. LOL
  5. We drove through Aachen, Germany to get an impression of it and my impression was it is extremely large and busy. It is a college town, with too much traffic for me to feel comfortable in. Han says we will go back and visit the inner city which is nice. It is definitely noticeable the change in homes and architecture when crossing over into Germany. You would not think so, but it was notable to me.
  6. We did quite a bit of walking through Valkenburg, eating amazing food and sitting outside in cafes watching the world go by.
  7. I purchased a dark brown leather fringe purse. It is quite hippyish and I love it. I want to purchase at least one article of vintage clothing in each country (or town) we visit.
  8. We had a lovely dinner on Friday the 27th with Eef and Marlies. Han was extremely happy since he was able to have his fill of white asparagus. This was the first time meeting any of Han’s family in Europe. It was different because of their limited english and my non-existent dutch, but it was a very nice time and I enjoyed their company. Their home has remained in the family and was where Han was raised and lived until he grew up and moved away. It took me quite by surprise that this petite home had housed five boys and parents. I fell in love with it since I have a thing for smaller homes, however the winding staircase is a bit intimidating.
  9. Saturday the 28th we went to the countryside of Jabeek, Netherlands to have dinner with Jos and Ria (another brother and wife). He is an artist and his gallery is next to their home with the most beautiful large garden in between. It is so serene and peaceful. I seldom drink wine anymore, but we all had a pleasant tipsy time together and Jos’s meal was delicious and quite gourmet. Their home, an old square farmhouse, is a work of art itself and just pulls you in with it’s cozy feeling. I felt instantly part of the group and conversations were easy and fun. Lots of joking, Han playing guitar, with Jos singing and Ria and I gazing at our men who used to be in a band together. Ria pulled out old newspaper clippings and they all reminisced about their younger years. We hated to part, but tiredness set in quite suddenly.
  10. Sunday the 29th, found us back over at Eef and Marlies to have a barbecue and to meet their oldest daughter and two grandchildren. To say that there was enough meat on the grill and table to feed a small army is not an exaggeration. Lots of laughter, talking, silliness and excellent food was the agenda today.
  11. Visited the midwife hospital where Han was born, which has now been turned into stores and retirement apartments. It is a beautiful grand old building with lovely gardens.
  12. We visited the cemetery where Han’s parents were laid to rest. I have never seen so many ornate and artistic headstones in one area. I happened to see a little old lady in a wheelchair sitting by her husband’s site and it really touched my heart how she would reach out every so often to touch his resting place.
  13. We rented a car in Brussels and Han is finally getting his share of driving. It is actually quite nice to sit back and be the observer. Besides these people drive even faster and possibly worse than in the states and that is really saying something.
  14. There are machine dispensers along country roads and in towns, where you can purchase fruit, warm snacks and even wine. Try one out, they are very unique.
  15. There is an abundance of countryside and horses are everywhere. I have never seen such a variety of horses and cows before. I am still waiting to hug a baby cow. They are so darn cute.
  16. On Memorial Day Monday we set out to visit the American World War II cemetery i
    On Memorial Day we visited the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in the hills of Margraten near Maastricht. It was a dreary rainy day and basically fit our days outing. I did not figure that seeing the vast amount of white crosses across the 65.50 acres of land would bring tears to my eyes, but it did. There are 8301 soldiers of WW2 laid to rest here and another 1722 engraved names upon the wall of missing in action soldiers. It caused me to have a lump in my throat from appreciation but also sadness for the families who’s soldiers were not able to be returned home.
    Each and every grave is decorated with flowers and flags and lovingly taken care of by Dutch families. There is a waiting list of 100+ Dutch families wanting to adopt a fallen soldiers grave. It is considered an honor here and I find it beyond touching, revealing and humbling.
    To the Dutch, the Americans were liberators and to this day they pay tribute in this loving tender way.
Hints and Tips:
• Contact your bank before traveling to ensure proper use of your debit or credit cards. Leave an exact list of countries you’re planing to visit.
• Exchange some handy money at the airport before leaving. Banks no longer exchange currency.
• Drink lots of water to help with jet lag. It won’t eliminate it but it encourage your body to work more efficiently.
• Don’t refrain from trying local foods, as you will be missing out on the complete experience of travel.
• Go to the store and purchase a pillow when you arrive. Most hotels have horrible pillows. So far, it has been the best 26.00 dollars I have spent.
• Bring along a small shopping bag, as you have to supply your own shopping bags when purchasing items in supermarkets, especially groceries. Otherwise you will be paying extra. I think the US should also make this mandatory. Saves so much waste.

May 24

May 24th – My Virgin Flight to Europe

Sanford Overnight

Sanford Overnight

My European blogs will be somewhat different then the ones I wrote about in the states, since this is my first time visiting Europe, so most will be my impressions and suggestions for first time foreign travelers like myself. If you want frequent traveler observations check on Han’s site.

Jet lag is real. For aging boomers it will take you approximately three days to get back to feeling like your normal self. Don’t even try to fight it since it makes it worse. Sleeping on the plane is virtually impossible for most people and I definitely was not able to, even though I was prepared with an eye mask, neck pillow, comfortable clothes and ear plugs. I envy those who can fall asleep before the plane has even taken off. The best thing you can do for yourself is check in to the hotel as soon as possible, eat something small to coat your stomach, drink a bottle of water and pass out in the bed and don’t wake up until you are ready. Your body will naturally reset itself.
At the suggestion of our extensive world traveler friends at WallacePierson.com, I took along Listerine breath strips (helps with killing germs in mouth) and eucalyptus oil to inhale every hour (helps to eliminate germs in the nose).
Neither one of us became sick and I also found that the eucalyptus oil soothed some of my flying anxiety, so I was sniffing it quite a bit. LOL
Note: the vegetarian meal was better than the regular meal and you get served first.
I have no suggestion for crying children. It is what it is, be patient, get irritated, or invest in a really good set of sound-canceling headphones. Remember that their little ears are hurting and they don’t know why. If truth be known, after being on the plane for over nine hours, I felt like crying too.
Here are some tips on traveling with children.
Another elaborate resource with 77 Tips for Traveling with Children is this post by Janet Rogers on Your RV Lifestyle. https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/travel-children.html
I am not sure if I am an advocate for giving children a dose of benadryl to help them sleep, but I can understand both points of views on this subject. Quite honestly, I see more pros than cons about this, but of course you have to take in consideration each child’s health and age.
Also: If you can take a bag that fits under your seat, after take off, it is great to prop your feet up with.

May 07

Yee-hah, destination Florida!

FloridaMay 7 – Yee-hah, destination Florida! No, I don’t want to move back, but yes I am looking forward to staying in one spot for a few weeks.

On the way back we stopped over in Savannah to see my son Drew, had lunch with him, he gave me a lovely photo album for Mothers Day to store our travel adventures, then we got back on the road and arrived in Fernandina Beach safe and sound.

I am very thankful for each and every adventure, fun time, mishap, family visits and more. It has been such a growing experience for me personally and I have regained my fun-loving self and will be ready for Europe this month, but for now……….time to hug our friends and rest.

 

5:7 Richburg>Savannah

May 06

Long Trips Spawn Ambitious Plans

Truck Ramps in West VirginiaMay 6 – Woke up to a sunnier day but was definitely not ready to deal with the insane drivers in the West Virginia Mountains on I-64.

They literally drive crazier in the mountains. Myself? I just let them go on by and avoid them at all cost.

There are also a couple of long scary tunnels on the way south, which made it even worse thanks to semi drivers who must have dream of being race car drivers.

Along the way we stretched our legs and enjoyed the stop over at Tamarack in WV.  We had the yummiest cherry cobbler and it really perked us up. There is quite a bit to see there so give yourself about an hour to enjoy what they have to offer.

Not really having planned a specific stop for the evening, we ended up in Richburg SC where it is flatland, flatland and more flatland and I could not have been happier!!!

Ate a great down home country meal at “The Porch” and then went back to the hotel to collapse. I am about ready for a break from this trip across the states. Han says the word Travel originates from the French Travail, which means WORK. Figures…

Side note: while on this stretch of the trip, thousands of miles in the making, I finally decided to write the book about my life. It has been a long time coming. Stay Tuned.

Charleston to South Carolina

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