Sunday, May 26, 2013
Attention Movie Buff's: The Hague - International Film Productions
...interesting and very cool! Take a look at this short video...
2013 Den Haag Beer Festival
Yes, we did have fun!!!
Who would have guessed... Tennessee tunes right here in Den Haag?!? It has been quite awhile since either of us have heard any Johnny Cash... but yesterday we heard lots! These guys were great!
Me (Melissa) simply having some fun!
Carrie's 'southern accent' and 'southern charm' became stronger with each beer! She ended up talking our bartender into giving her this sleek Brand beer glass. When I had asked her why she didn't ask for one for me, she replied "you need to work on having your own southern accent"!
Carrie's beer and my 'biologisch' (organic) beer...
Lots of options...
Why is it that the really good beer has such a high alcohol content?!?
My favorite beer of the day was the third beer from the right in this photo... not bitter, slightly sweet.
Our 'first' beer sample... my choice... the 'angel'...
...and Carrie's choice... the 'devil'... Is anyone surprised at this?!?
Needless to say, we have lots of family and friends who were in our thoughts throughout this experience. We know that many of you would have enjoyed this event with us.
Cheers!
BTW...
To learn more about Kruijens Kracht beer (my favorite yesterday), which had won a 2012 best 'new' beer award, go to their website at....
www.kruijenskracht.nl/
Who would have guessed... Tennessee tunes right here in Den Haag?!? It has been quite awhile since either of us have heard any Johnny Cash... but yesterday we heard lots! These guys were great!
Me (Melissa) simply having some fun!
Carrie's 'southern accent' and 'southern charm' became stronger with each beer! She ended up talking our bartender into giving her this sleek Brand beer glass. When I had asked her why she didn't ask for one for me, she replied "you need to work on having your own southern accent"!
Carrie's beer and my 'biologisch' (organic) beer...
Lots of options...
Why is it that the really good beer has such a high alcohol content?!?
My favorite beer of the day was the third beer from the right in this photo... not bitter, slightly sweet.
Our 'first' beer sample... my choice... the 'angel'...
...and Carrie's choice... the 'devil'... Is anyone surprised at this?!?
Needless to say, we have lots of family and friends who were in our thoughts throughout this experience. We know that many of you would have enjoyed this event with us.
Cheers!
BTW...
To learn more about Kruijens Kracht beer (my favorite yesterday), which had won a 2012 best 'new' beer award, go to their website at....
www.kruijenskracht.nl/
Terracotta Warriors Exhibit - The Hague
The traveling 'Terracotta Warriors' exhibit is in The Hague and it will be here until July 1st.
If you are able to go and see this, by all means, do so. A Netherlands museum card will reduce the entry price to 7.50 euros and plan on spending a couple hours or so there. An informational video will help to explain what is known and believed to be known about this amazing discovery, while you will also enjoy some interesting displays. By the way, everything is in English.
Below are links to get more information.
http://www.expoterracotta.nl/
Terracotta Warriors Exhibit Information
Below is a YouTube video of the exhibit, should you be unable to see this in person.
Enjoy!
If you are able to go and see this, by all means, do so. A Netherlands museum card will reduce the entry price to 7.50 euros and plan on spending a couple hours or so there. An informational video will help to explain what is known and believed to be known about this amazing discovery, while you will also enjoy some interesting displays. By the way, everything is in English.
Below are links to get more information.
http://www.expoterracotta.nl/
Terracotta Warriors Exhibit Information
Below is a YouTube video of the exhibit, should you be unable to see this in person.
Enjoy!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
A 'Working' Holland Windmill
Sorry for the delay in posts... I have been traveling and now I have hundreds of photos to go through in order to post some of the best one's for your viewing pleasure!
To begin... Below is a short video taken yesterday of the sawmill Het Jonge Schaap located in Zaanse Schans.
Just as an fyi... Zaanse Schans is a short train ride from Amsterdam and it is a 'highly recommended' place to visit if you find yourself looking for a fun way to spend your day!
First, a few photos taken of the windmill as we were walking towards it...
Enjoy the video!
To begin... Below is a short video taken yesterday of the sawmill Het Jonge Schaap located in Zaanse Schans.
Just as an fyi... Zaanse Schans is a short train ride from Amsterdam and it is a 'highly recommended' place to visit if you find yourself looking for a fun way to spend your day!
First, a few photos taken of the windmill as we were walking towards it...
Enjoy the video!
For more information about this windmill: Het Jonge Schaap
For more information about Zaanse Schans: Haanse Schans
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Where are the Tulips?!?
"Have you ever seen more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, all in bloom?
Come to Keukenhof, the world’s most beautiful spring garden. In addition to over 32 hectares of flowers, the spring garden offers 30 inspiring flower shows, 7 amazing inspirational gardens and 100 wonderful works of art. Keukenhof is world-famous, truly unique, and has for over 60 years provided a wonderful decor to the most beautiful photographs." (Keukenhof website)
Click here for more information: Keukenhof
IMPORTANT Note: To avoid disappointment, inquire with the Keukenhof first - prior to heading there, so that you can determine if the tulip fields are yet in bloom. As of April 3rd (2013), the fields remain without any flowers due to the extreme cold Spring. However, the park is now open to the public.
Come to Keukenhof, the world’s most beautiful spring garden. In addition to over 32 hectares of flowers, the spring garden offers 30 inspiring flower shows, 7 amazing inspirational gardens and 100 wonderful works of art. Keukenhof is world-famous, truly unique, and has for over 60 years provided a wonderful decor to the most beautiful photographs." (Keukenhof website)
Click here for more information: Keukenhof
IMPORTANT Note: To avoid disappointment, inquire with the Keukenhof first - prior to heading there, so that you can determine if the tulip fields are yet in bloom. As of April 3rd (2013), the fields remain without any flowers due to the extreme cold Spring. However, the park is now open to the public.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
The Singapore Flyer
Singapore is such a great city! It quickly became one of our favorite 'big cities' ever visited. It is such a clean city with beautiful landscaping throughout. The primary language spoken there is English, which makes things so much easier for those of us who like the familiarity of our native language of English. The public transportation system includes buses and a subway system which are unbelievably clean, safe and easy to access/navigate.
Additionally, Singapore has a ton of things to both see and do that range from ultra modern, to authentic - cultural diversity, to historic temples, to an incredible zoo with active animals, to beautiful landscape and multiple beaches, to great shopping, etc.
If your stomach can handle it... Singapore is home to the world's largest observation wheel. It stands 165 meters (or 541 feet or 180 yards). This is nearly two football fields high!
The flyer offers various unique experiences with unbelievable panoramic views. If your stomach can handle it, you can opt for one of these experiences; the 'Full Butler - Sky Dining Flight Experience', a 'Singapore Sling Cocktail Flight', a 'High Tea Flight', a 'Moet & Chandon Champagne Flight', or perhaps you want to experience a 'special occassion' such as getting married high above Singapore with up to 26 of your closest friends and family joining you!
We did not personally experience the flyer, as I'm not sure that my stomach could handle it. Carrie loves these things, but me... that's a different story. I love to fly around the world, but I do have my limits! ;-)
Below are a couple photos taken from below the wheel's base and the Singapore Flyer's website, should you want to learn more.
Singapore Flyer Website
Additionally, Singapore has a ton of things to both see and do that range from ultra modern, to authentic - cultural diversity, to historic temples, to an incredible zoo with active animals, to beautiful landscape and multiple beaches, to great shopping, etc.
If your stomach can handle it... Singapore is home to the world's largest observation wheel. It stands 165 meters (or 541 feet or 180 yards). This is nearly two football fields high!
The flyer offers various unique experiences with unbelievable panoramic views. If your stomach can handle it, you can opt for one of these experiences; the 'Full Butler - Sky Dining Flight Experience', a 'Singapore Sling Cocktail Flight', a 'High Tea Flight', a 'Moet & Chandon Champagne Flight', or perhaps you want to experience a 'special occassion' such as getting married high above Singapore with up to 26 of your closest friends and family joining you!
We did not personally experience the flyer, as I'm not sure that my stomach could handle it. Carrie loves these things, but me... that's a different story. I love to fly around the world, but I do have my limits! ;-)
Below are a couple photos taken from below the wheel's base and the Singapore Flyer's website, should you want to learn more.
Singapore Flyer Website
Origins of the Chinese Zodiac's Great Race
We saw several reminders, in both Singapore and Thailand, that this is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac. The following pictures were taken and our curiosity arose to understand more about the zodiac's 'Great Race'.
There are many myths and legends regarding the Chinese Zodiac and here is simply one of them.
"The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac – or shengxiao as they are known in Mandarin – represent the qualities and attributes of the people born in a certain year. But how did the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar come to typify the years, and how did they achieve their rank from first to twelfth?
The legend is an interesting one. Each Chinese zodiac sign and the order they rank in was decided by the mythical Jade Emperor and his favourite creature, the rat. When the task of choosing the zodiac animals fell to the Emperor, he asked the rat to help him. The resourceful rat decided that the best way would be to arrange a race across the river. The order in which the animals arrived would decide who would be second, third, fourth, and so on.
The rat put the word out across the kingdom, and the first creature to appear on the riverbank was the cat. The pair enlisted the help of the ox, who was resting nearby, and asked him to ferry them across the river. A kind old soul, the ox agreed, but just as they set off, the rat pushed the cat into the river. Hating water, the cat managed to get out and scurried away to dry off.
Thus, the ox was the second creature to reach the opposite shore. The strong tiger came next, followed by agile rabbit who hopped from stone to stone and floating log. The dragon was hot on the rabbits heels, and only came in fifth because he stopped to make rain and then help the rabbit with a gust of wind. The horse galloped effortlessly across the river, but was pipped to sixth place by the wily snake who was hiding on his hoof. The sheep, monkey, and rooster arrived together on a raft, taking eighth, ninth, and 10th places respectively. The dog was late because he had stopped for a wash in the river, and the pig had been sleeping, so took 12th place. The poor cat finally dragged himself over to the other side, but it was too late. His anger at the rat has lasted through the ages, and they are still mortal enemies." (Source: Char4u )
There are many myths and legends regarding the Chinese Zodiac and here is simply one of them.
"The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac – or shengxiao as they are known in Mandarin – represent the qualities and attributes of the people born in a certain year. But how did the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar come to typify the years, and how did they achieve their rank from first to twelfth?
The legend is an interesting one. Each Chinese zodiac sign and the order they rank in was decided by the mythical Jade Emperor and his favourite creature, the rat. When the task of choosing the zodiac animals fell to the Emperor, he asked the rat to help him. The resourceful rat decided that the best way would be to arrange a race across the river. The order in which the animals arrived would decide who would be second, third, fourth, and so on.
The rat put the word out across the kingdom, and the first creature to appear on the riverbank was the cat. The pair enlisted the help of the ox, who was resting nearby, and asked him to ferry them across the river. A kind old soul, the ox agreed, but just as they set off, the rat pushed the cat into the river. Hating water, the cat managed to get out and scurried away to dry off.
Thus, the ox was the second creature to reach the opposite shore. The strong tiger came next, followed by agile rabbit who hopped from stone to stone and floating log. The dragon was hot on the rabbits heels, and only came in fifth because he stopped to make rain and then help the rabbit with a gust of wind. The horse galloped effortlessly across the river, but was pipped to sixth place by the wily snake who was hiding on his hoof. The sheep, monkey, and rooster arrived together on a raft, taking eighth, ninth, and 10th places respectively. The dog was late because he had stopped for a wash in the river, and the pig had been sleeping, so took 12th place. The poor cat finally dragged himself over to the other side, but it was too late. His anger at the rat has lasted through the ages, and they are still mortal enemies." (Source: Char4u )
Daylight Savings Time - Around the World
FYI...
This morning we woke up and didn't know whether or not we should forward our clocks ahead one hour in recognition of daylight savings time. We are expats who have now lived abroad for just shy of one year and we do remember changing our clocks while we have been here. Unfortunately though, the details of doing so are now long gone from our memories. (There are just too many things that our brains can remember!) ;-)
The attached link was discovered just a few minutes ago and, as it turns out, we do change our clocks but we don't do so until March 31st at 1:00am. We are now only 5 hours ahead of our US east coast friends and family. (FYI... As a side note, we were 13 hours ahead when recently visiting Singapore and 12 hours ahead when in Thailand.)
Enjoy your day and week ahead everyone!
2013 Daylight Savings Time Around the World
This morning we woke up and didn't know whether or not we should forward our clocks ahead one hour in recognition of daylight savings time. We are expats who have now lived abroad for just shy of one year and we do remember changing our clocks while we have been here. Unfortunately though, the details of doing so are now long gone from our memories. (There are just too many things that our brains can remember!) ;-)
The attached link was discovered just a few minutes ago and, as it turns out, we do change our clocks but we don't do so until March 31st at 1:00am. We are now only 5 hours ahead of our US east coast friends and family. (FYI... As a side note, we were 13 hours ahead when recently visiting Singapore and 12 hours ahead when in Thailand.)
Enjoy your day and week ahead everyone!
2013 Daylight Savings Time Around the World
Saturday, March 9, 2013
"MISSY"
Yes... I have been called "Missy-laneous" in my lifetime! I saw this sign while walking about in Singapore and I couldn't resist taking this photo to share.
Singapore's Sentosa Island Resort - Southernmost Point in Continental Asia
Those that know me, know that I am not big on major tourist attractions. With that said, I did venture over to Sentosa Island Resort during my recent trip to Singapore. I had time after spending my morning at the Singapore Botanical Gardens and a short train ride over toward Sentosa Island simply seemed like a logical thing to do.
Sentosa is home to Universal Studios, a new Marine Life Park and many other 'tourist' attractions. My intention was not to partake in any of those things, but to simply find a cute cafe near the water's edge (and across from the resort) where I could simply enjoy a light lunch. Instead, I started to meander along a pathway and I, rather quickly, came upon a nice (& new) boardwalk leading to Sentosa Island Resort. Curiosity quickly kicked in as I approached the resort's entrance. The next thing I knew, I was inside the resort.
As I drifted about, I stumbled upon Singapore's Hard Rock Cafe where I was compelled to enjoy a cold, local beer called 'Tiger'. This is where I had learned that a short journey (via tramway and open-air bus, similar to Disney World) could take me over to Continental Asia's Southernmost Point. I had to experience this.
Crossing the suspension bridge to Continental Asia's Southernmost Point was similar to that of approaching Key West, Florida's Southernmost Point. I felt the uniqueness of this experience and I wanted to share this with my friend's and family.
Sentosa Island has beautiful beaches and many tourist attractions that can entertain families with kids for days.
Enjoy this video.
Sentosa is home to Universal Studios, a new Marine Life Park and many other 'tourist' attractions. My intention was not to partake in any of those things, but to simply find a cute cafe near the water's edge (and across from the resort) where I could simply enjoy a light lunch. Instead, I started to meander along a pathway and I, rather quickly, came upon a nice (& new) boardwalk leading to Sentosa Island Resort. Curiosity quickly kicked in as I approached the resort's entrance. The next thing I knew, I was inside the resort.
As I drifted about, I stumbled upon Singapore's Hard Rock Cafe where I was compelled to enjoy a cold, local beer called 'Tiger'. This is where I had learned that a short journey (via tramway and open-air bus, similar to Disney World) could take me over to Continental Asia's Southernmost Point. I had to experience this.
Crossing the suspension bridge to Continental Asia's Southernmost Point was similar to that of approaching Key West, Florida's Southernmost Point. I felt the uniqueness of this experience and I wanted to share this with my friend's and family.
Sentosa Island has beautiful beaches and many tourist attractions that can entertain families with kids for days.
Enjoy this video.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens is a MUST SEE for those who are traveling through Singapore and who enjoy strolling down meandering pathways while experiencing the quiet beauty of 'Mother Nature'.
The video below was created from the photos recently taken while spending a few hours in the park. The gardens are huge and so these photos only represent a small portion of what can be discovered in this unique place.
Enjoy!
The video below was created from the photos recently taken while spending a few hours in the park. The gardens are huge and so these photos only represent a small portion of what can be discovered in this unique place.
Enjoy!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Good Luck Runners!!!
This Sunday, March 10th, is the biggest running event in Den Haag and it is expected to attract several thousand participants. Roads will be closed... It's a good thing we travel by bike!
For more information, click on the link below.
CityPierCity-Race-on-10-March
Additionally, on September 22, 2013 the city will host the Den Haag Marathon 2013. You have plenty of time to train for it!
For more information, click on the link below.
Den Haag Marathon 2013
For more information, click on the link below.
CityPierCity-Race-on-10-March
Additionally, on September 22, 2013 the city will host the Den Haag Marathon 2013. You have plenty of time to train for it!
For more information, click on the link below.
Den Haag Marathon 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Singapore Zoo
An absolute MUST for anyone visiting Singapore is a trip to the zoo. I was lucky to spend a morning earlier this week at the zoo where I had breakfast with the Orangutans. There were many active animals and I had a great morning!
The video below shares close-up photos of the animals where you will see feeding elephants, hungry orangutans, a curious pygmy hippo, two beautiful white tigers, the always cute pandas, etc. Enjoy!
The video below shares close-up photos of the animals where you will see feeding elephants, hungry orangutans, a curious pygmy hippo, two beautiful white tigers, the always cute pandas, etc. Enjoy!
Singapore's Raffles Hotel
Singapore's Raffles Hotel is a legendary, luxury hotel with history. You will find this place listed in the book "1000 Places to See Before You Die".
Located in the hotel's pagoda, you will see the ancient 'Pagoda Bell' with an interesting history. This bell once resided in the local Buddhist monastery and was brought to the hotel so that it could be buried in the hotel's garden to avoid being looted or damaged. This was done back in the Khmer Rouge period. The bell was eventually unearthed and brought back to the local monastery. The monks returned the bell to the hotel for permanent keeping in appreciation for the hotel's support. This bell has become a symbol of friendship and peace.
Also interesting is that the doorman's trousers are different colors each day of the week. Monday they are orange, Tuesday they are purple, Wednesday they are light green, Thursday they are a darker green, Friday they are royal blue, Saturday they are plum, and on Sunday they are red. Every week they are the same colors on the same day of week. Buddhist attire is what inspired the Royal family to create this custom back at the beginning of the hotel. The king had wanted the colors changed every day for good luck and to help him remember what day of the week it was.
You can find the hotels website below:
Raffles Hotel in Singapore
Additionally, my recent visit there produced a few photos for you to enjoy below.
Located in the hotel's pagoda, you will see the ancient 'Pagoda Bell' with an interesting history. This bell once resided in the local Buddhist monastery and was brought to the hotel so that it could be buried in the hotel's garden to avoid being looted or damaged. This was done back in the Khmer Rouge period. The bell was eventually unearthed and brought back to the local monastery. The monks returned the bell to the hotel for permanent keeping in appreciation for the hotel's support. This bell has become a symbol of friendship and peace.
Also interesting is that the doorman's trousers are different colors each day of the week. Monday they are orange, Tuesday they are purple, Wednesday they are light green, Thursday they are a darker green, Friday they are royal blue, Saturday they are plum, and on Sunday they are red. Every week they are the same colors on the same day of week. Buddhist attire is what inspired the Royal family to create this custom back at the beginning of the hotel. The king had wanted the colors changed every day for good luck and to help him remember what day of the week it was.
You can find the hotels website below:
Raffles Hotel in Singapore
Additionally, my recent visit there produced a few photos for you to enjoy below.
Friday, February 22, 2013
The Futuristic Highway
Glow in the dark, futuristic highways will debut in the Netherlands this year. Check out this short video (< 1min) to see what's coming in 2013. Simply incredible!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
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