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My dad recently recovered files from old computers, and I discovered some of my 
photos from past trips. This was in my early days of photography. Digital cameras were very limited with megapixels back then, so the quality of the photos may not match what I’ve shared recently, but I still thought it would be fun to post. More photos to come along with previous trip itineraries.
It was an early morning, so I’m afraid this early evening is not leaving me with much energy to write. I plan on taking a catchup day to write and recharge my batteries. I did spend some time working on my photos I took early this morning in Brugge. Seeing cities before the crowds with the calm of the morning is the best time. I hope you can see why after looking at my pictures.
I have great sights to share in Brugge, but I am too tired to write about them tonight. Instead I will take you on a photo tour until I can write more tomorrow. It must have been those fries with mayonnaise and cobblestone streets that have worn me out. Until tomorrow, enjoy.
When the water is still and the light is right, beautiful reflections can rest on top of the glassy surface. The symmetry in reflections creates a visually appealing image. Get out in the morning or late evening for the best reflection photos.
If the name Arnhem sounds familiar to you, it may not be for the Open Air Museum, but the historical reference. The Battle of Arnhem was fought in the second world war. Today’s focus will be on the museum.
The museum provides a glimpse of pre-industrial Dutch life. You walk through history as you see the typical homes, trades, and gardens of the time and place. We had an organized lunch of Dutch pancakes. They offered several flavors of sweet and savory, and I think I can say I’ve had my fill of pancakes for awhile.
Visiting the Open Air Museum is like visiting living history. It is similar to Williamsburg back home. I enjoyed watching the animals and walking past the enormous wind mills. During our visit, a few of us made our way to the brewery before returning back to the bus. I am not a beer drinker, but of course I had to do the tasting. If you are driving through the area, take a break from the road and dive into the Dutch culture.
Burano is one of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Enjoy the scenic, and often refreshing 45 minute boat ride to the color palette village. In the crushing heat of the summer, I know nothing better (other than gelato) that cools like a vaparetto ride.
Burano is a fishing village with brightly colored buildings to help the fisherman see the island in the fog. Besides the mosaic of color, you can also meet the lace makers. There are the touristy shops, but mixed in you can find the families that have been making lace for generations.
If the crowds of Venice are bringing you down, a side trip to one of the islands might be a necessary escape. These smaller islands still have tourists, but not gobs of them clogging every canal. If you really want to see Burano at its best, I recommend the early evening. As the light becomes less harsh, the colors come to life under the shadows. You can also expect to see less people the later you stay. Just make sure you don’t miss the last vapareto back!
Provence is a light-filled area in Southern France. Live like the French as you park yourself at a cafe, and enjoy what Van Gogh found so inspiring.
One of my favorite artifacts from my travels are the ticket stubs and other memorable documents. I use it for memories, but also to help me remember names of restaurants and hotels. Do you collect ticket stubs? What do you do with them? Here are the paper mementos I collected last summer.
When I first arrived in Haarlem last summer I wondered if I was the only one that had survived the apocalypse. I came in through the train station and there was no one around. I reached some civilization in the main square where the remains of a book market were closing up. Where was everyone?
The weather was nasty, so I retreated to my hotel. I know you aren’t supposed to take a nap your first day abroad, but I had to. Of course I paid for it later that night. After awaking later in the afternoon, the sun had come out and so did the people. They stayed out and partied into the night.
Haarlem is a great place to stay in the Netherlands, especially if you want to visit Amsterdam, but don’t want to stay there. Just a short and scenic train ride away, Haarlem is a beautiful town worth investigating. I fell in love with the town an early morning before departing. The light accented every color, and the still water reflected that beauty.
I’ll be adding more about Haarlem soon. Check out the photos to see if it looks like a place you’d like to see. I’d love to hear your experiences if you’ve visited Haarlem.
The half-timbered buildings welcome all visitors. In the distant background there are faint sounds of cheers as the German soccer team scores. Sipping on the Riesling grown just yards away reminds you that you’re on the Rhine.
The streets lack the crowd of so many places, but the small clacking noise of the few walking around provide a sense of welcoming. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll meet two of the most knowledgeable and kind people in the area. Herr Jung is a former headmaster that has experienced the life and death the area has seen. Thomas is another local that pulls you in like you’ve always had German blood running through your veins. Bacharach is a town that has made a memorable impact, and it will beckon your return.
Liberated Traveler 