Bored with the simple Dutch kitchen, we embarked on a spice trail to the Black Market Read the rest of this entry »

You've seen the photos right? People dressed up in long black dresses and funny white bonnets that curve up at the ears? Read the rest of this entry »

With Pink Panther out of the 4x4 race, we visit the market in Zakopane, a local cheese producer, and enjoy time in Lipnica Wielka. Read the rest of this entry »

We bought our house 'cos of the view through the kitchen window. The rest of the interior wasn't to our taste and has since forged us into frenetic DIY-ers! But we've kept our budget on a diet. It has to be said ... we muuuch prefer travelling! Read the rest of this entry »

This weekend we drove 2,5 hours to Germany to join Ina and Andries, who'd already been there for two days. They'd found a great camping site and were enthuisiatic about the May Fair being celebrated in Osnabruck. Read the rest of this entry »

In 2002 I first heard about the mysterious Christmas market in the caves somewhere in Limburg. Read the rest of this entry »

Batavia Stad is a designer clothing outlet shopping centre a few km's from where we live. Some friends jealously wonder why we don't live there permanently. Well the truth is, I don't like shopping! Read the rest of this entry »

We all need to eat, have shelter, wear clothing (there are some who would argue this) and travel around. To do this, we buy clothes, houses, furniture, gas, water, vehicles, and the list goes on and on. However in undeveloped countries, this list is much shorter. “They’ve got warmth and sunshine” I’ve heard in rebuff as to why they “don’t have the same needs”. But this is changing big time now that India and China are becoming super-consumers. Read the rest of this entry »

Oldenburg in Germany is some four hours away from us, but we took a drive there on the 16th of December, to meet up with our cousins for just a few hours at the Christmas Market.

These German markets are renowned for their festive spirit and good cheer. It was worth the effort and we found the greatest gifts … love, care, attention and time with family and friends. Read the rest of this entry »