The story of Thanksgiving... made easy. ;-)
And, we bet you didn't know....
Sunday, November 24, 2013
European Christmas Markets
'Tis the season...
Last year we did a day trip, from The Hague, to both Valkenburg and Maastricht so that we could see both Christmas markets.
We simply took an early morning train to Maastricht and then we stepped on to a local tram to Valkenburg. (Both markets are within walking distance from their tram/train stations.)
Valkenburg is a really cute and picturesque town. There are several caves where Jews and others were protected during World War II. It is within these caves where the Valkenburg Christmas market is held and because of this, the market is both very unique and crowded.
The Maastricht market was absolutely beautiful! In fact, this is where we had experienced our first snowfall while living in The Netherlands. It was a somewhat 'magical' evening.
While both markets may be seen in one day, we recommend that one goes and spends the evening in either location to really enjoy all of what's there to be seen.
If you go... Enjoy!
Christmas Market Information
Last year we did a day trip, from The Hague, to both Valkenburg and Maastricht so that we could see both Christmas markets.
We simply took an early morning train to Maastricht and then we stepped on to a local tram to Valkenburg. (Both markets are within walking distance from their tram/train stations.)
Valkenburg is a really cute and picturesque town. There are several caves where Jews and others were protected during World War II. It is within these caves where the Valkenburg Christmas market is held and because of this, the market is both very unique and crowded.
The Maastricht market was absolutely beautiful! In fact, this is where we had experienced our first snowfall while living in The Netherlands. It was a somewhat 'magical' evening.
While both markets may be seen in one day, we recommend that one goes and spends the evening in either location to really enjoy all of what's there to be seen.
If you go... Enjoy!
Christmas Market Information
(Dutch) Pancakes!
If you are ever in Amsterdam and you want to try some incredible Dutch pancakes... Check out Pancakes! Amsterdam.
We had stumbled upon this place yesterday and we were amazed at the line that was beginning to form outside. Given that it was lunchtime, we stepped in to secure our spot. We assumed if it was good enough for others to wait, so could we. Needless to say, we were not disappointed. The pancakes were delicious!!!
Pancakes! Amersterdam
We had stumbled upon this place yesterday and we were amazed at the line that was beginning to form outside. Given that it was lunchtime, we stepped in to secure our spot. We assumed if it was good enough for others to wait, so could we. Needless to say, we were not disappointed. The pancakes were delicious!!!
Pancakes! Amersterdam
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Peace One Day Celebration
Today is 'Peace One Day'. So..."Who will you make peace with?"
For LIVE COVERAGE today from here in The Hague and from around the globe...
And/or go to their website at:
www.PeaceOneDay.org
For LIVE COVERAGE today from here in The Hague and from around the globe...
And/or go to their website at:
www.PeaceOneDay.org
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is a former 'entrance' into the city of Berlin, which was badly damaged during World War II. Between 2000 - 2002 it was fully restored and it is quite impressive!
In 1961 the Berlin Wall was constructed just outside of this gate, thus making the gate inaccessible. Later, in 1989, the wall was 'reopened' and it was at this gate that much of the media attention was focused.
In 1961 the Berlin Wall was constructed just outside of this gate, thus making the gate inaccessible. Later, in 1989, the wall was 'reopened' and it was at this gate that much of the media attention was focused.
The U.S. Embassy located adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate.
Berlin's East-Side Gallery: "WallOnWall"
This past weekend we had traveled to Berlin, Germany. This was the first time either of us had visited this very historical city and it's very hard to describe the many emotions that we had each felt.
Below are photos taken from the East-Side Gallery. These photos were found on the display titled "WallOnWall". Here the artist illustrates walls that are currently being used to create separation throughout our world.
Below are photos taken from the East-Side Gallery. These photos were found on the display titled "WallOnWall". Here the artist illustrates walls that are currently being used to create separation throughout our world.
Northern Ireland...
Israel...
Iraq...
Spain/Morocco...
Israel...
USA/Mexico...
Northern Ireland...
USA/Mexico...
Iraq...
North Korea...
Not on the "WallOnWall" display, but rather seen on a nearby wall...
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Budapest - Changing of the guards.
We had stumbled upon this near the Buda Castle.... The changing of the guards.
Enjoy the video!
Enjoy the video!
Budapest Hungary - Video of a Beautiful City!
Below is a video created from several photos taken during our recent visit to Budapest, Hungary.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
The TOP 5...
The top 5 things we 'dislike' about traveling... (in no specific order):
- Deciding what clothes to pack!
- Being away from our pets!
- Repacking at the end of the trip and heading back home!
- Sorting through the many photos taken!
- Reacclimating back into the work week!
- Deciding what clothes to pack!
- Being away from our pets!
- Repacking at the end of the trip and heading back home!
- Sorting through the many photos taken!
- Reacclimating back into the work week!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Driving and Road Signs in The Netherlands
Today I finally received my Netherland's driver's license. Unfortunately, I was required to turn in my U.S. driver's license of which will be forwarded to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate's Office by the local authorities. This process has taken me a year... mainly because I couldn't come to terms with letting go of my U.S. license.
Most things here are administratively 'exhausting'. This is also true for getting a driver's license. We are here on what is called a '30 percent' ruling, which actually makes some things much easier. For example, the 30 percent ruling does not require that a driving test be taken prior to the issuance of a Netherland's license. However, the process is still rather 'involved' and one that is not very clear to new expats who are unfamiliar with the various administrative processes and governing authorities.
First, I had to obtain an approval letter from the CBR (who I still don't know who they are). This required a small fee paid to the local municipality office for a form that was completed and mailed, with other documentation, to the CBR office.
I received a letter back from the CBR stating that my documentation was received and 'accepted'. This letter and other documentation, including a recent passport photo, were then sent to the RDW office. Two weeks later, I had received a letter stating that my U.S. license qualified me for additional classifications other than the standard classes (i.e. car, moped and towing a small trailer). In other words, my U.S. license allowed me to drive small commercial trucks and The Netherland's needed to know if I wanted to be authorized for this additional classification. This required a submittal of either a completed health form, signed by both my doctor and an ophthalmologist, or a waiver, indicating my acknowledgment of forgoing the additional classification. With the advice of a municipality office clerk, I went ahead and submitted the health form to obtain the additional classification.
Last week I received another letter from the CBR acknowledging receipt of my health form and correspondence stating that I was 'accepted' for the additional classification. A few days later I received a letter from the RDW stating that I was 'approved' and that I could pick up my new driver's license at the local municipality office. This morning I did just that and so now I am official!
Sometime this week I will go out driving with a professional driving instructor who I will hire to simply 'hold my hand' while I take on the Netherland's roads for the very first time. Either this week or next, we expect to purchase our very first Netherland's car.
Stay tuned...
In the meantime, I am repeatedly watching the video below to help me learn the European road signs.... Let the journey begin!
Most things here are administratively 'exhausting'. This is also true for getting a driver's license. We are here on what is called a '30 percent' ruling, which actually makes some things much easier. For example, the 30 percent ruling does not require that a driving test be taken prior to the issuance of a Netherland's license. However, the process is still rather 'involved' and one that is not very clear to new expats who are unfamiliar with the various administrative processes and governing authorities.
First, I had to obtain an approval letter from the CBR (who I still don't know who they are). This required a small fee paid to the local municipality office for a form that was completed and mailed, with other documentation, to the CBR office.
I received a letter back from the CBR stating that my documentation was received and 'accepted'. This letter and other documentation, including a recent passport photo, were then sent to the RDW office. Two weeks later, I had received a letter stating that my U.S. license qualified me for additional classifications other than the standard classes (i.e. car, moped and towing a small trailer). In other words, my U.S. license allowed me to drive small commercial trucks and The Netherland's needed to know if I wanted to be authorized for this additional classification. This required a submittal of either a completed health form, signed by both my doctor and an ophthalmologist, or a waiver, indicating my acknowledgment of forgoing the additional classification. With the advice of a municipality office clerk, I went ahead and submitted the health form to obtain the additional classification.
Last week I received another letter from the CBR acknowledging receipt of my health form and correspondence stating that I was 'accepted' for the additional classification. A few days later I received a letter from the RDW stating that I was 'approved' and that I could pick up my new driver's license at the local municipality office. This morning I did just that and so now I am official!
Sometime this week I will go out driving with a professional driving instructor who I will hire to simply 'hold my hand' while I take on the Netherland's roads for the very first time. Either this week or next, we expect to purchase our very first Netherland's car.
Stay tuned...
In the meantime, I am repeatedly watching the video below to help me learn the European road signs.... Let the journey begin!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Holland... 'In the News'
A recent article found on BBC News.... Sun guzzler: New solar family car pioneered in Holland.
Check it out:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23339794
Check it out:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23339794
Bikes, Bikes and Designer Items!
The Netherlands has more bikes than it does people! So, what does someone do with 'retired bikes'... It's called 'innovation'.
Click below to learn more:
Bikes to Designer Items
Click below to learn more:
Bikes to Designer Items
2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour in The Hague
The following was photographed at the beach, located just a short walk from our flat.
We LOVE this sport!!!
Enjoy!
We LOVE this sport!!!
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Happy 'Independence Day' America!
Happy Independence Day everyone! Feeling so incredibly proud to be American... 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'.
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela
Below are photos taken from the Nelson Mandela monument, which is located only a couple of blocks from our flat.
The photo below is of my mom visiting The Hague back in April / May.
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela
Below are photos taken from the Nelson Mandela monument, which is located only a couple of blocks from our flat.
The photo below is of my mom visiting The Hague back in April / May.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
World Refugee Day
Today is "World Refugee Day".
Yesterday I was asked by a UNHCR representative what I would take with me, if I were forced to flee my home and if I could only take one thing with me. The question not only created clarity on what's truly important, but it also resulted in contemplation of the millions of refugees that are actually forced to face this reality.
My answer... "Buster". He is my angel.
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www.unhcr.org
Yesterday I was asked by a UNHCR representative what I would take with me, if I were forced to flee my home and if I could only take one thing with me. The question not only created clarity on what's truly important, but it also resulted in contemplation of the millions of refugees that are actually forced to face this reality.
My answer... "Buster". He is my angel.
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www.unhcr.org
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Attention: "Cycling Friends"
Have you ever heard of the "North Sea Cycling Route (NSCR)"? We hadn't either until recently...
The NSCR will take you into 8 countries with interesting and scenic views throughout your journey. The Netherlands is, of course, one of these countries and our apartment is literally within a few blocks of the route!
Now that we know about the NSCR.... shall we make plans to do this? ...Is anyone out there interested in joining us if we do??? Hmmm...
For more information:
http://www.northsea-cycle.com/default.asp?id=1&mnu=1&lang=1
If you would rather experience this via the comfort of your own home then check out this YouTube video:
The NSCR will take you into 8 countries with interesting and scenic views throughout your journey. The Netherlands is, of course, one of these countries and our apartment is literally within a few blocks of the route!
Now that we know about the NSCR.... shall we make plans to do this? ...Is anyone out there interested in joining us if we do??? Hmmm...
For more information:
http://www.northsea-cycle.com/default.asp?id=1&mnu=1&lang=1
If you would rather experience this via the comfort of your own home then check out this YouTube video:
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Random Photos - Scheveningen (The Hague)
A few random photos taken while walking on the boardwalk in Scheveningen today. It was a bit windy and chilly, but that didn't stop us!
Japanese Garden at Clingendael Park in The Hague
The beautiful and tranquil Japanese Garden is located in Clingendael Park (The Hague). The garden is only open for two months during the year, one month in the spring and the other in autumn. Admission is free.
This past weekend was the last weekend the park is open until October. The photos below were taken during our beautiful morning stroll. Enjoy!
For more information:
This past weekend was the last weekend the park is open until October. The photos below were taken during our beautiful morning stroll. Enjoy!
For more information:
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