The last few days of our Tulip Bike and Boat Tour were a satisfying smattering of so many sights and experiences it's hard to narrow it all down into a short blog post. But it's time to say goodbye to the Netherlands and move on to our next destination - Germany. Before we go, here's …
Continue reading Netherlands on the fly – few words, fine photos
Texel Island, Netherlands Texel (pron. Tesel) Island was practicing responsible farming long before the word “sustainable” was even a word. The word has become so cliché that it hardly means anything anymore. Any business that uses cloth napkins instead of paper or changes out incandescent bulbs to LED lays claim to the word and displays …
The Netherlands Definition: Dutch hill (noun) 1. A strong headwind Docked at Alkmaar for a good night's sleep We finished our first full day of biking on a real high, ready to tackle anything ahead that our tour guide would throw at us. After all, this is the Netherlands, how hard can biking flat at …
The Netherlands Mare fan Fryslan sailing boat - 203' long, 23' wide, five sails, main mast 97' high, four crew members, one tour guide, 25 bikes, 23 guests, a hot tub and a galley full of Dutch beer. Our floating home for a week in northern Holland. Mare fan Fryslan Spirits and expectations were high …
Haarlem Netherlands Expanding our territory and avoiding the crowds in the city, we ventured out via train to Haarlem – a small town dripping with charm and historical significance. Destination – the Corrie ten Boom house. Although not nearly as popular (or crowded) as Anne Frank’s home but still as poignant and important in its …
No HYGGE? Just say, "PYT!" Last month I wrote a blogpost about the Danish concept of "Hygge" and how its blood pressure reducing effects can be achieved anywhere. (HYGGE YOURSELF - January 29) Basically, we need to learn what it means to seriously "chill." But sometimes our best laid plans to hygge just don't pan …
Continue reading Remedy for a Bad Day (or How to turn it around)
As winter settles in here in the Colorado Rockies, I'm perusing through my photos and writings of travels past. I've been rewarded with great memories and surprising moments that I'd nearly forgotten - most recently about Amsterdam. Walk with me... Yes, Amsterdam has a lively party scene. Coming across a photo op like this is …
A boat/bike cruise is a perfect way to explore the charming towns as well as the serene farmlands and woodlands of the Netherlands. A week aboard the boat provided us with well-marked bike routes, interesting harbor visits and some delicious cuisine to savor along the way. Cruising through the lush countryside and through charming villages …
The barge glides steadily through the gentle waters of the Ijssel River whose banks are lined with river rock and sandy beaches normally submerged under the water. This year has been particularly dry in the Netherlands with rainfall at record lows, and the river level sits three meters below normal. But today, the sky is …
Continue reading DIKES AND BIKES – Wandering the Netherlands
Melanie A Crane 