Jan 30

Two Weeks in Portugal’s Algarve Region

The Row of Hotels on the Cliff in Praia da Rocha/Portimao

It was early January 2020 – Covid 19 was just an inch away from stopping the world in its travel tracks – and we were in the Netherlands visiting our family and being that it was winter, it was very cold, dreary and damp. Typical weather for Holland in the early days of the year. Much like Washington State. So we walked into the village of Horst, where Han’s brother and sister in law lived, and sat down with a real old fashioned brick and mortar travel agent. We needed a bit more warmth and outside activities, after all it was still almost 4 months before we had to be back on island running the Beaver Island Lodge in Lake Michigan.

Looking at a ton of offerings, we finally settled on Portugal and in hindsight beyond thankful for that decision. Being a European citizen, Han had been in Portugal many times before, but I almost instantly fell in love with the country and its people. So much really, that a handful of years later, we decided to move there.

There was a lovely and very affordable 14 day package with air put together by the Jupiter Algarve Hotel in Portimåo, or even more precise Praia da Rocha. They are rated the 5th best hotels on TripAdvisor with a 4.5 rating. They deserve that and more. The entrance is beautifully decorated and first impressions exceeded our expectations. https://www.jupiteralgarvehotel.com/en/

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Jan 18

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

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

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

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