Pat

Retired. Have time for the things I love: travel, my cat, reading, good food, travel, genealogy, walking, and of course travel.

Bruxelles

3 April 2017

Brussels has changed since I last visited. In fact, Brussels was the first “out of country” event I ever experienced. Way back in 1972 this novice traveler landed in Brussels with too much baggage, too high of heels, and too many whistle-provoking clothes. Google Maps wasn’t even close to being realized. 

Today, I am back. One little bag, sensible shoes, too old for whistles and using my Google Map to navigate the short distance to my wonderful Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Palace.  (more…)

By Pat, ago

Ghent – The Trois of the Ménage

1 April 2017

Ghent has the ‘misfortune’ of being sandwich between the phenomenal Grand Palace Square in Brussels and the incredibly beautiful medieval city of Bruges. Antwerp has its stunning rail station, Bruges its belfry, and Brussels the gorgeous Hotel de Ville. In Bruges, in Brussels, the architecture, museums, cafes and streets present a delightful invitation to wander and fall in love with these lovely cities. 

Upon arrival into Ghent (Gent for the French and Germans), my first impression was the city had its work cut out for it. The rail station was appealing, the ubiquitous bicycles stood in a row outside, but most architecture seemed modern and plain. I had read many favorable comments about this city. What was to be my ultimate “ah ha” moment for Ghent? (more…)

By Pat, ago

Beloved Bruges. Or Is It Brugge?

29 March 2017

Bruges is a city that impresses from the moment one steps out of the train station. Whether I pronounce it Bruges like the French, or Brugge, the Flemish pronunciation, the city is gorgeous from every angle. Every street, square, park, and church is noteworthy and excites the senses.  (more…)

By Pat, ago

Antwerpen

26 March 2017

Arriving Antwerpen Centraal

What I will remember about Antwerp was arriving by train into their Centraal Rail Station. Looking up, one recognizes perfection and beauty when one sees it. And the beauty of this station is right in front of you upon exiting the train.  (more…)

By Pat, ago

A Mazing Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city of wide streets and narrow passageways all contained within a widening ring of successive canals and cut through by the Amstel River. One might view the city as a marshland crisscrossed by a maze of winding cobblestone avenues, and canals crossed by quaint bridges. But once you begin walking its streets, you realize this is a quite maneuverable city of interesting architecture, history, and art. Amsterdam continues to be one-of-a-kind in Europe, and not too different from the city that I saw over 40 years ago. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Somewhere Over the Atlantic

23 March 2017

I can’t say I am impressed with Air Canada.

I have flown many legs, hundreds of thousands of miles, and hundreds of destinations. This time, I dropped from the list of “Priority Boarding” to Zone 5 by walking across a parking lot. Not all bad, as AC does board back to front and I admit it seems to speed up boarding. I just like that early boarding line. With all my miles, frequent flyer status, and experience, I am spoiled and want the perks.   (more…)

By Pat, ago

Zippers and Pockets

31 January 2017

The romance of travel isn’t always evident by the one currently experiencing it. Truthfully, the romance exponentially decreases with the longer and farther one travels. Flying to East Africa from the west coast is right up there with a dental implant.   (more…)

By Pat, ago