Through most cities and circumstances on our trip, I rarely felt uncomfortable. I felt uneasy in Brussels much of the visit, and I will do my best to explain why. The city had an ominous foreboding feeling to it. It was the site of 3 coordinated terrorist bombings in 2016, killing 32 civilians and injuring … Continue reading Brussels, Dinant, and Namur Belgium: An Assortment of Cities and Chocolates
The Hague The Peace Palace is one of the big draws to the Hague for visitors. A peace conference was initially proposed the by Tsar Nicholas II to prevent war which had become a costly business in the 19th century. After the first conference a permanent fixture evolved and needed a home. The Peace Palace … Continue reading Handcrafted World Peace and Porcelain: The Hague and Delft, Netherlands
Bitter winds brought low 50 temperatures. About 1 month ago, Hannah and I were sweating profusely in the Balkans in 90 degree temperatures. We bundled up to take in the city, enjoying the cooler than expected onset of Autumn. Leiden is a city where meandering is encouraged. It is very safe and has a quiet … Continue reading Leiden, Netherlands: A Surprise Holiday!
The Dutch, especially those in Amsterdam, are known for their tolerance. Certain activities considered nefarious in other parts of the world are tolerated, though not necessarily embraced in this city. The sharp, skunky smell of cannabis hit my nose with an eyebrow raising force as I walked beside one of the canals in the center … Continue reading Amsterdam, Netherlands: A Haven of Tolerance
It had been weeks since Hannah and I found ourselves in a truly major city. Budapest was alive and we could feel it in the large number of people and endless attractions and things to do. In fact, we became worried we might not fit everything we wanted in during our short 4 night stay. … Continue reading Budapest, Hungary: Mentored by a Local
The image I had of Croatia was sun-soaked islands and red tiled roofs jutting out into the Adriatic sea. While some of it lived up to that expectation, for me the best existed in northern Croatia. Zagreb was alive. Within our first day we saw street performers, markets, festivals, and countless rows of large umbrellas … Continue reading Zagreb, Croatia: A City Alive
Our Airbnb host, Sinisa, surprised us on arrival with homemade wine. His yard and carpark boasted many clusters of small green grapes hanging from rows upon rows of green foliage. He excitedly poured the yellow-ish looking wine from a recycled water bottle. Upon first sips, it seemed strong to me, slightly more alcoholic than wines … Continue reading Colosseums, Wine Making, and Adandoned Military Forts: Pula, Croatia
It's A Ritch Life 