TRAVEL

Den Haag - a highlight of the Netherlands

The Hague - or Den Haag as it is properly called, is a great destination to explore. There is so much to see and experience, and it so easy to get there.

Leuven part 2 - the Park Abbey

It was started by Norbertine monks in 1129 and has grown just about ever since. At its peak it covered 3,400 hectares, so as you can imagine it is not…

Leuven, a Belgian treasure trove of wonders

Belgium is so understated and overlooked. It is so near to us, and yet we do not know all the fascinating places there. Leuven is a good example of this.…

The misty mountains of Wakayama

Kiri no Yama, or the misty mountains, describes the inland area. It is row upon row of green mountains, with winding narrow valleys and small towns. The…

On the trail of Johann Sebastian Bach - part 2

In part 1 I told you how I was on a Bach mission in central Germany. This region, Theuringen, has more than its fair share of very special, unique, charming…

On the trail of Johann Sebastian Bach part 1

I was off from Aberdeen on what had become a frequent flight, the Lufthansa one to Frankfurt. Here, the railway station is underneath the airport, and…

Namur - at the junction of two mighty rivers

Namur gained importance as it is at the junction of two mighty rivers. The Sambre starts in France and runs for 120 miles to join the Meuse here. The…

Part 2: Leeuwarden - Capital of culture 2018 and home to Marta Hari.

In Part 1, I explained that it is easy to get to Leeuwarden (KLM flights from Aberdeen or Inverness and train from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport) and you…

Leeuwarden - capital of culture 2018 and home to Marta Hari.

If you look at a map, north of Amsterdam is a lot of water, and then a large area bulging out into the sea with some off shore islands. This is Friesland,…

Japan adventure on the Kumano Kodo pilgrim trail

The previous Japan adventure was in the cities of Osaka and Kyoto, and from there it is easy to take the “Ocean Arrow” train to Kii Tanabe…

Swiss culture adventure - Champéry and Riederalp

Switzerland is such a land of contrasts, especially with its four languages. Each part fiercely speaks only its own language, to the exclusion of the…

Unexplored Netherlands - Terneuzen

There is a surprising variety in the different parts of the Netherlands, if you go off the beaten track. One such area, largely unknown to UK tourists,…

Arnstadt – a German gem

The central part of Germany, which was in the “East” or behind the “iron curtain”, is not visited much, which is a shame as it…

Japan adventure in Osaka and Kyoto

From Inverness and Aberdeen we have great opportunities with the KLM flights (3 per day from Inverness and 4 per day from Aberdeen) that connect so well…

On the tulip cruise

It was civilised to leave Keith on the 8.13 am train for Aberdeen, where a stroll along the platform took me to the Virgin East Coast super train that…

Belgium by train - part two

In Part 1 I told how I and Mrs. Smith had travelled in luxury and style from Keith overnight to London on the Caledonian Sleeper and on to Brussels on…

TRAVEL

Rio puts life and soul into city

Den Haag - a highlight of the Netherlands

Den Haag - a highlight of the Netherlands

Leuven part 2 - the Park Abbey

Leuven part 2 - the Park Abbey

Leuven, a Belgian treasure trove of wonders

Leuven, a Belgian treasure trove of wonders

The misty mountains of Wakayama

The misty mountains of Wakayama

On the trail of Johann Sebastian Bach - part 2

On the trail of Johann Sebastian Bach - part 2

On the trail of Johann Sebastian Bach part 1

On the trail of Johann Sebastian Bach part 1

Namur - at the junction of two mighty rivers

Namur - at the junction of two mighty rivers

Part 2: Leeuwarden - Capital of culture 2018 and home to Marta Hari.

Part 2: Leeuwarden - Capital of culture 2018 and home to Marta Hari.

Leeuwarden - capital of culture 2018 and home to Marta Hari.

Leeuwarden - capital of culture 2018 and home to Marta Hari.

Japan adventure on the Kumano Kodo pilgrim trail

Japan adventure on the Kumano Kodo pilgrim trail

Swiss culture adventure - Champéry and Riederalp