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From Ruins to Radiance: The Inspiring Tale of Dresden’s Frauenkirche
We’d joined a walking tour of Dresden and the first stop, just to see the exterior at first was the iconic Church of Our Lady, or Frauenkirche. The surrounding plaza was empty so it was just just us and views of this stunning towering facade. A few hours later as our route circled back and we had learned more about the history of Dresden, Germany, we stepped foot inside. After the stories of sheer destruction we’d heard and seeing the pictures of the rubble of Frauenkirche which sat for 45 years after WWII before being rebuilt to what it is today, the beauty was overwhelming. What a show of hope…
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The Food We Loved In The Netherlands… and Some We Didn’t
Having spent two years exploring the traditional foods in the Netherlands, I can confidently say that Dutch cuisine is not all that exciting. While some dishes like stroopwafels and poffertjes consistently called my daughter’s name and kibbeling had us coming back for more, in general, the fare is kind of boring. But don’t let that discourage you! The Netherlands might not offer the foodie adventure of other places, but it does have some straightforward fare to try. Get ready to eat in the Netherlands from restaurant fare to street food carts, here’s what we loved… and what we didn’t. And, if you can’t take it anymore and need food actually…
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6 Must See Annual Events In Haarlem’s Grote Markt
We’ve called Haarlem, Netherlands home for the past two years and during that time, we’ve grown to love some of the amazing annual events that take place in the historic Haarlem Grote Markt. The city square is gorgeous on a normal weekend, but visit when the tulips are in bloom or The first year we lived in Haarlem, we missed a number of the events because we just didn’t hear about them. So to help anyone new to Haarlem, here are the events in downtown Haarlem you absolutely don’t want to miss. Haarlem Netherlands is host to some great annual events. If you’re visiting Netherlands, get ready to head to…
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Why You Can’t Miss The Christmas Market Haarlem
Looking for the largest Christmas Market, or Kerstmarkt, in the Netherlands? You must visit Haarlem. Not only is Haarlem one of the most picturesque cities in the country, and sure I’m biased because I lived there, but it’s also home to the vibrant Grote Markt which hosts some stunning events throughout the year including a cozy holiday market. The Christmas Market in Haarlem is big, and it can be overwhelming with the crowds, but if you know how to meander, where to take breaks, and what else to do in the area, you can spend a great day in Haarlem. We’ve visited the Haarlem Christmas Market twice and here’s what…
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Discover the Bastei Bridge: The Most Popular Place in Germany’s Saxon Switzerland
I had to look at the map three times to confirm we were in Germany despite being told I was in Saxon Switzerland so many times. Wait, where are we? Headed from Prague to Berlin, we stopped to see the famous Basteibrücke, or Bastei Bridge, in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The mountains, part of the Saxon Switzerland National Park which sits on the border of Germany and the Czech Republic is nowhere near Switzerland, but worth the stop. The Bastei Bridge has the highest number of visitors of all lookout points in Saxon Switzerland (which is in Germany). You won’t be the only one there, but you’ll still be impressed…
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The Unique Way To Experience Prague Castle In Lobkowicz Palace
Experience the House of Lobkowicz for a truly unforgettable visit, where dining comes with a view, and you can explore one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious private art collections. Add a live classical music performance in a stunning Baroque concert hall, and you’ll discover that this is the most extraordinary way to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Prague Castle. A visit to the Prague Castle is a must, but if you’re looking for a way to make the visit less crowded, more intimate, and with undisturbed views, you’ll want to make sure you find the Lobkowicz Palace once you enter. The Lobkowicz Palace provides a unique…
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A Family-Friendly 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
We have lived in the Netherlands for almost two years now and have had numerous a family and friend come to visit so I think it’s high time I share our tried and true family-friendly Amsterdam itinerary. There are some great things to do with kids in Amsterdam and so many of the sights here are planned for you and your kids to get more out of the visit. There is a vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful architecture, and parks for a break from the walking. The museums in the Netherlands tend to do a fantastic job catering to children by providing opportunities for them to explore and learn…
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6 Of Our Favorite Parks In Haarlem To Walk, Play, and Enjoy
There are some beautiful parks in Haarlem, Netherlands with flowers to see, playgrounds for kids, and lots of walking paths. Get ready to explore the outdoors!
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Pilsen Restaurant Prag: Art Deco & Prague Food
I’d been enjoying the Art Deco architecture and decor of the buildings in Prague, Czech Republic and went on a search for a dinner spot that would be just as intriguing to the eye but delicious to boot. The Pilsner Urquell brewery of the Municipal House immediately piqued my fancy and off we went. Beginning its operation on January 5, 1912, this restaurant in Prague prepares a menu of Czech traditional dishes. The meals are hearty, the decor is artistic and fun, and to top it off, they have an accordion player on staff that will amp up the festive atmosphere. Looking for a place to eat in Prague? I’ve…
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Modern Art & Free Too: The Musee D’Art Moderne De Paris
We were taking in the Eiffel Tower from the banks of the Seine river and as we walked away, we came upon the striking Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, or MAM Paris. Featuring free admission and more than 15,000 works of art, it is one of the biggest museums of modern and contemporary art in France. If you’re like us, planning a weekend in Paris and looking for all of the free things to do in Paris, here’s a spot to add to your list. We had visited Petit Palais on our first day and this was a fun modern continuation of that artistic experience. There are some fabulous free…
