Archive for May, 2015

Around the World – Day 14 – Bruges, Belgium

Wednesday, May 27th, 2015

Bruges Minnewater Park Close-up

Above a Canal

Dennis and a Windmill

Bruges Town Square

Historical Walk Tour
Historical Walking Tour – Free!

Bruges is beautiful. The medieval architecture is enchanting. The chocolate and beer are phenomenal. And, the hand crafted lace is stunning. We took a little walking tour of the city and then we spent the rest of the day exploring. The weather was perfect and we got some very nice pictures. Enjoy!

(more…)

Around the World – Day 13 – Brussels, Belgium

Tuesday, May 26th, 2015

The King's House
The King’s House

Charlie Beginning the Walking Tour
Charlie, with the white shirt and ballcap, at the Beginning of our Tour.

The Little Pisser Tin Tin Escaping a Building
The Little Pisser and Tin-Tin Escaping

The Mont De Arts Garden
Mont De Arts Garden (where we ended our tour)

For our first day in country, we decided to take advantage of the free walking tour of Brussels offered by Sandemans New Europe Tours. The tour begins in the main square and ends at the Mont De Arts Garden. We were greeted enthusiastically by our British guide, Charlie, and promptly whisked away through the quaint little streets of Brussels. Later, in the evening, we attend a Belgian Beer Tasting Tour, also through Sandemans. By the end of the day, we are both completely in love with Belgium! And, we haven’t even been to Bruges, yet…

(more…)

Around the World – Day 12 – Istanbul, Turkey to Brussels, Belgium

Monday, May 25th, 2015

Dennis on the Way to Brussels - Central

Palais de Justice With Glass Elevator

Bed and Breakfast in Brussels

My Favorite Beer - The Bourgogne De Flanders!

After a whirlwind trip to Istanbul, we flew to Brussels, Belgium. We were looking forward to the Belgian brews, chocolate, and waffles. We took a train from the airport to downtown Brussels and then walked about a mile to our B&B. We met our host and immediately went for a lovely walk of the neighborhood. He took us to this incredible pub called The Monk.

After that, we enjoyed a delicious traditional Belgian styled hearty dinner at Kom Bij Ma. On the way back to the flat, we stopped in at a local grocer and picked up some food for lunch the next day. The flat had a kitchen, with the basic cooking utensils, and a mini-fridge. It was a perfect getaway accommodation for this midway point in our trip!
(more…)

Around the World – Day 11 – Nalan & Jatin Wedding Reception

Sunday, May 24th, 2015

All Dressed Up for Nalan and Jatin's Wedding
With Errin and Dave at the Reception Hotel

Delicious Food
Delicious Food!

Nalan and Jatin - Happy Newleyweds
Nalan and Jatin

Finally, the moment had come! Time to attend Nalan & Jatin’s Wedding Reception. We met with Errin and Dave in the lobby and waited for the festivities to begin. We were greeted by Nalan’s younger sister, Handan, and it was wonderful to see her. She introduced us to her husband and some of the family. We met, briefly, with Nalan’s parents and I got the biggest bear hug from her Dad. There were lots of pictures being taken of the family, so we were snagged by Nalan to be in a couple pictures. She looked like a princess!

(more…)

Around the World – Day 10 – Istanbul Self Guided Tour (Part II)

Saturday, May 23rd, 2015

Hagia Sophia on Beautiful Spring Day
Hagia Sophia on a Beautiful Spring Day!

Dennis and Clare in "Cistern of Philoxenos"
Cistern of Philoxenos

Dave and Errin in the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar

Bosphorus Bridge
Bosphorus Bridge

We had so much fun with Errin and Dave on Friday, that we all decided to repeat the process. Lots more walking, must-do-sights, and to top it off, a fantastic cruise on the Bosphorus River!

(more…)