2012 Flower Carpet, Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium
Every other year, for five short days, the Grand Place of Brussels, Belgium is a riot of colour. The bi-annual Flower Carpet appears on postcards, calendars and images of Brussels for years to come, but only those who visit the city during those special days in August are lucky enough to see it in person. This year, early one morning, we were among them.
Pairi Daiza Zoo and Botanical Garden in Wallonia, Belgium
Only in Belgium could you find a globally themed botanical garden and zoo, with over 4,000 animals, on the site of a former Cistercian Abbey. Our only question is why didn’t we discover Pairi Daiza sooner?
Exploring the STAM Museum in Ghent, Belgium
STAM is an exciting new museum that brings the history of Ghent to life, within the setting of beautifully restored historic buildings.
The Advantages of Travelling Europe in the Low-Season
This entry is part 4 of 7 in the series Glorious Greece.While hordes of tourists descend on Europe’s most popular cities from June to September, we prefer to take advantage of the benefits offered by travelling in the low-season.
The Dinant Citadel in Wallonia, Belgium
When you first set foot in the Walloon city of Dinant, you can’t miss it. Looming over the buildings below, jutting straight out of the hillside, is the Dinant Citadel. Although we had been to Dinant on many occasions, Andrew and I had never actually visited the famous citadel. This past weekend we decided it was high time we had a look.
Nine Things To Do in Cologne, Germany
Today we have a guest post from our friends at offtoeurope.com all about Cologne (Köln) Germany. Cologne makes a great day-trip or short break from Belgium so read on! If you are thinking of taking a short break, a well deserved holiday or maybe you just want to spend some time with family or friends away from your usual Belgian life, then a trip to Cologne, Germany is an easy and rewarding option. Here’s a list of nine things that everyone should do on a trip to Cologne:
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare, Ireland
This entry is part 3 of 6 in the series Exploring Ireland.Visiting historical sites is a great way of gaining an appreciation for events and places. In my previous post about the Castles of Shannon Heritage, I wanted to show history doesn’t have to be boring. I’d love to travel back in time, but sadly the time machine hasn’t been invented. However, there is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, which does more than just present the history, it immerses you in it.
Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Ireland
This entry is part 2 of 6 in the series Exploring Ireland.When I was in university, I had a poster on my wall of a beautiful castle. It was built of pale grey stone and had turrets and arched windows. It was perched on the edge of a lake and was surrounded by forest. I didn’t know what it was called or where it was located but, for my young self, it represented all that was wild and romantic about travel. I longed to visit it someday. It wasn’t until many years later, I learned my dream castle was actually Kylemore Abbey, located in the stunning mountains of Connemara, Ireland. At that time, it wasn’t open to the public and I believed I would never get to see my poster castle in person.
Bangalore – India’s Green and Modern Travel Destination
This entry is part 6 of 11 in the series Incredible India.Despite being India’s 3rd most populated city, Bangalore is not typically on the tourist trail. That doesn’t mean you should overlook it as a place to visit. Andrew and I were lucky to get a unique insight into this modern city, by spending a week living with our Indian friends. Having our very own local guides gave us an inside scoop on everything Bangalore has to offer.
