SISTERHOOD OF WORLD BLOGGING AWARD

I started writing my travel blog just over 5 years ago. I've worked very hard over the years to improve not only the content of the blog, but also my writing and photographic skills. I don't pretend to blog for a living (I have a regular 9-5 office job high up in a Chicago skyscraper), but I do enjoy writing about my sporadic travels. Today all my hard work was recognized by another fellow travel blogger when Marian Krueger (@travelshopgirl) with her wonderful TravelShopGirl blog which I have read for some time, nominated me for the The Sisterhood of the World Blogging Award. WOW! I'm floating on cloud nine right now! Snoopy dance!

What is The Sisterhood of the World Blogging Award you ask. To me, it's a kind of pay-it-forward, meet-and-greet your fellow bloggers. Word-of-mouth through social media is a great way to network your blog, and this award allows me (and other nominees) to pay-it-forward by recognizing other female bloggers who have worked hard to cultivate their website. 

However, you can't just rest on your laurels. There are five rules associated with accepting the award:

1. Mention the blogger who nominated you (thanks, Marian)

2. Answer the 10 questions she has posed

3. Make up 10 new questions

4. Nominate 7 fellow bloggers (I went overboard)

5. Put the Sisterhood Award logo on your blog

I will try to answer Marian's questions as best I can:

1. What makes you get up every day and want to have a blog? As I mentioned before, I don't blog for a living; I get up every morning at 5:00 a.m. and commute into the big city to regular 9-5 job. I originally started my blog after I successfully planned three trips to Europe with my sister (hence my moniker). I wanted to give travel advice and travel tips to the places I visited. I am also an avid photographer and art aficionado, so I began incorporating more and more photos of my travels and art museum visits into the blog. Simply put, it allows me to enjoy my three favorites things: travel. art. photography.

2. If you weren't blogging, would you still write? Honestly, no. I'm not a writer by profession.

3. At what point while doing your blog did you realize that blogging was something more than writing for yourself? I'm not sure I've reached that point. Of course, I hope many others are reading my blog, and I promote it through my Twitter, Facebook and Google+ pages. However, I don't have a job or household income that allows me to travel as much as I would like, so the blog makes me to feel like I'm still on that cruise ship even though I've been home for weeks.

4. If you couldn't write about travel, what would your new blog be about? Art. I actually have an art blog called Tutti i Capolavori. Please check it out.

5. What is your all-time favorite destination? This is a hard one, but it's probably Bruges for several reasons: 1) the chocolate; 2) the Flemish architecture; 3) the narrow alleyways to explore; 4) the picturesque canals; 5) the gorgeous churches; 6) the beer; 7) the lace.

Madame Dumon in her famous chocolate shop. 

How can you not love the quaintness of Flemish architecture?

How fun is it to explore the narrow alleyways in Bruges?

The picturesque canals.

Several churches with resplendent stained glass like Sint-Jakobkerk.

Zot beer is a delicious beer even for a non-beer drinker like myself.

Belgian lace is a must-buy travel memento.

6. Do you have a favorite dining experience from your travels? Eating a plate of spaghetti in the Piazza della Rotunda incredulous that I was eating in front of the Pantheon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Best cup of coffee you ever had was where? I don't drink coffee. 

8. Where are you off to next and why? In early December we will cruise on Jewel of the Seas. Two reasons: 1) The itinerary includes Aruba, and we have wanted to return there for several years; and 2) I've reached a point in my life where more travel is necessary. This cruise was a good bargain.

The Jewel of the Seas docked in Barbados along with our ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. What one item is a must have in your travel bag? Simple: my Nikon D90 camera. 

10. Do you have any special tips or tricks on social media that you'd like to share? I'm new to using Twitter and Instagram so I'm just learning myself. I'm very appreciative to any likes, follows, comments or retweets, so I started thanking everyone. I love Twitter because you really have to think to fit what you want to say in just 140 characters, so I think Twitter has improved my writing skills. Instagram has improved my photographic composition and ideas. Looking at others' social media sites for inspiration, but be yourself. Be different...on purpose.

Here are my questions:

1)   Favorite U.S. city to visit.

2)   Favorite non U.S city to visit.

3)   Favorite city for food.

4)   Favorite food.

5)   Favorite tourist attraction.

6)   Favorite travel moment.

7)   Where have you met the friendliest people?

8)   Do you like to cruise?

9)   Ever traveled somewhere and been disappointed?

10) What is the most important thing you have learned through your travels?

My nominees: So many good bloggers out there!

Melissa   @girltripping 

Jenny     @traveling_chic

Leyla      @womenontheroad

Julia       @FallingOffBikes

Meredith @kaffeekuchenco  

Margie    @margiemiklas 

Nikki       @travelin_ginger 

Victoria   @LaDolceVita4Me

Steph      @bigwsmallp

Silvia       @heartmybackpack

Susan      @TuscanyVillages 

All of these women have worked very hard to establish themselves with their excellent writing and photographic skills and have many, many followers to show for it. I hope to emulate all of them with my hard work on my blog and social media sites. I'm honored to nominate all of them for this award. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of other blogs (on a myriad of subjects) that are award-worthy. I hope my nominees will pay-it-forward.

Thank you for visiting,

 A Great Europe Trip Planner 

All photos were taken by me. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

WATERLOGUE WISTFULNESS

Why is it that Europe has the most enchanting shops with the most photographic store fronts? This week's Waterlogue Wistfulness post photo is this flower shop I came across during my visit to Brugge. I just love all the colorful hanging baskets and the wrought-iron flowers stands.

If you are interested in purchasing variations of this print, please visit my Travels in Watercolor blog by clicking here.

Thank you for visiting,

A Great Europe Trip Planner 

Photo taken by me during my visit to Brugge in May, 2010.

BEGIJNHOF: A PEACEFUL ESCAPE

In the middle of central Amsterdam, located between the busy pedestrian-only Kalverstraat and the main traffic road of Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal is a cluster of small homes surrounding a garden courtyard that has sheltered women since 1346.

The Begijnhof itself was not a convent, but an almshouse for pious laywomen (begijnen) involved in religious and charitable work, part of an order called The Beguine.

The beguines' ranks began to swell during the Crusades, when so many men took off, never to return, leaving society with an abundance of single women. Later, women widowed by the hazards of overseas trade lived out their days as Beguine. Poor and rich women alike turned their backs on materialism and marriage to live here in Christian poverty. In 1578, when Catholicism was outlawed, the Dutch Reformed Church took over many Catholic charities like this place. The last begijnen died in 1971, but the Begijnhof still provides subsidized housing to single women in need, so their privacy needs to be respected.

There is a statue of one of these charitable sisters in the courtyard:

Photo: © www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl

Photo: © Jim Forest

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

She faces the wooden house at #34 Het Houten Huys, one of only two surviving timber houses in Amsterdam built in 1425. (Timber houses were prohibited from being built after 1452 after a series of disastrous fires.)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The brick-faced Engelse Kerk was the Beguine church until 1607, when it became Anglican. The Pilgrims (strict Protestants fleeing persecution in England), stopped here in tolerant Amsterdam and prayed in this church before the Mayflower carried them to religious freedom in America.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Down Mariastraat away from the high-trafficked tourist sights in Brugge is another charming and restful enclave with low, white-painted gabled houses, most of which date from the 17th and 18th centuries. The houses are set around cobbled walkways shaded by tall trees and a spacious patch of grass.

Brugge's Begijnhof has occupied this same site since 1244, since its founding by Margaret of Constantinople, Countess of Flanders. Its full name is the Prinselijk Begijnhof ten Wihngaarden (Princely Beguinage of the Vineyard) because Philip the Fair, King of France, placed it under royal protection in 1299 (no one can explain the vineyard bit). The Beguines lived pious lives, doing charity work, but they were not nuns and could leave the community to marry. A Liège priest encouraged widows and unmarried women to live in communities to do the pious acts especially caring for the sick. The last of the Beguines died in 1928; the nuns seen here today are Benedictine sisters whose order took over the site in 1930. However, they have adopted the habits once worn by the Beguines.

Thank you for visiting,

A Great Europe Trip Planner 

Unless noted, photos were taken by me.

IN BRUGES

The first thing someone asks me when I tell them I went to Bruges is "Did you see the movie?"  And I answer, "Yes, I saw the movie." I loved the movie--it's a bit bloody, but great dark humor. My favorite scene is when Ralph Fiennes and Brendan Gleeson are sitting at the table "discussing" Ralph Fiennes' kids in the Markt square. I still have the movie on my DVR; every once in a while I watch it just to reminisce about my visit to Bruges.

Of course, Bruges, or Brugge ("BREW-ga") as it's called by the Flemish, is everything that the guidebooks tell you it is:

Centuries-old stone bridges spanning picture-postcard canals mirroring reflections of the gabled houses.

The pedestrian-friendly Markt is the sentimental and geographic heart of the city. Colorful old guild houses, with their step-gabled façades, line the west and north sides.

The beautiful neo-Gothic-designed Provinciaal Hof is decorated with dainty spires, finials and window tracery.  In the center, horse-drawn carriages wait to be hired.

On the south side is the 272-foot high belltower, the symbol of Bruges, where it's still possible to hear a concert from the 47-bell carillon.

World-class art, including a Michelangelo sculpture, said to be the only sculpture taken out of Italy during his lifetime...

Michelangelo's Madonna and Child located in Bruges' Onze-Lieve Vrouwekerk.













































Shops selling chocolate in every shape imaginable...

But here's a few things that your guidebook might not mention:

The De Proeverie Tea Room on Mariastraat is famous fortheir hot chocolate. After you place your order with thewaitress, you are given a mug of hot milk on top of which sits a saucer of melted Belgian chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate into the milk, stir, and for extra measure, spoon on the dollop of whipped cream. If that doesn't fulfill your chocolate craving, an assortment of chocolate pieces is served on the side.

Gastronomic ambrosia--hot chocolate at De Proeverie Tea Shop.

Stroll away from the main streets. Explore those narrow passageways that lead to charming surprises such as peaceful courtyards encircled by whitewashed almshouses and hidden gardens with inviting "Welcome" signs.

 
White-washed almshouses encircle peaceful courtyards.

Enjoy the clip-clop, clip-clop on the cobblestones that you'll hear everywhere as visitors tour the city in horse-drawn carriages.

You'll hear the clip-clop of horseshoes on the cobblestones all over the city.

 

The Belgians insist they make the best beer in the world. And if you are a beer drinker, you have to check out 2be Foodshopping Brugge located in a 15th century mansion-house on Wollestraat, just before you cross over the canal. I happened across it while strolling through Bruges.

What beautifully stocked shelves! A photographer's dream...

Look for the Wall of Beer sign. Walk into the store and stroll around the aisles. Everything, and I mean everything!, is meticulously arranged on the shelves. From the beer to the chocolate bars to the condiment jars, everything is lined up in perfect rows. I have never seen shelves arranged so precisely!  Hercule Poirot and Monk would have a field day in this store!

Past the store entrance and on your left is the 300-foot-long "Wall of Beer", showing hundreds of Belgian beers.

Check out some of the names of the beers and the colorful labels and matching glasses: Pink Elephant, Dark White, Black Ghost and my personal favorite Bella Mère...

Note the old hag on the label with a beer description of "Overall bitterness!" HA!

At the end of the wall is a cozy bar with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Rozenhoedkaai Canal. Try the Zot Beer. It's brewed right there in Bruges.

At the end of a long day exploring Bruges, enjoy a locally-brewed Zot beer! 

Thank you for visiting,

A Great Europe Trip Planner 

Photos were taken by me.

TAKING THE MODERN TO THE MEDIEVAL

I had the opportunity to experience European high speed rail for the first time on my last trip to Europe. For the first leg of my journey to Bruges, I took the Thalys train from Amsterdam to Antwerp. Now, riding a train is not a novelty for me--I ride a suburban commuter train every day, twice a day, to my job in the city. But comparing the two experiences would be like comparing a Range Rover to a Dodge Neon.

First of all, a reservation is mandatory on any Thalys train. Before you even get on the train, you already know you will have a seat. No standing in the vestibule because you are one of the last to board; no sitting on the steps on a copy of the latest train newsletter so your bottom doesn't get dirty. You'll have an actual seat for this train ride.

Secondly, what comfortable seats! If they had these seats on the airplane, I might sleep better on that overnight flight. Soft velour upholstery with deep-cushioned comfort and the back bump to support your lower spine. Adjustable headrests so you can just lie back and enjoy the ride, and enough knee room for those persons of above-average height.

I wish they had these seats on overnight flights!

And the ride! As smooth as if we were gliding on butter! No jostling from side to side, feeling as if you are a martini being shaken, not stirred. No delays for signal or switching problems. And as we traveled alongside the busy highway, the cars filled with morning commuters seemed to be standing still, we were traveling so fast. Sitting there in the window seat with the morning sun shining on my face, I could have easily fallen asleep and remained on the train all the way to Paris. But since I was only going as far as Antwerp, I had to force myself to stay awake for fear of missing my connecting train to Bruges.

Thank you for visiting,

A Great Europe Trip Planner 

Photo was taken by me.

CHOOSING YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

The first thing I do when I begin to plan a trip is choose where I will be staying.  I need an idea of where we will be staying in the city we are visiting.  This is crucial in planning each day's general itinerary, plus by knowing where our hotel or B&B is located in the city we are visiting, I can become familiar with the nearby tram/bus/Métro lines.  I can also map out what general area of the city we will visit each day. By dividing a large city into sections, it's easier to plan your itinerary for each day.

When choosing a place to stay, I prefer either a small family-run hotel with breakfast included or a Bed and Breakfast. There are many reasons for this:

The first is obvious...you are provided breakfast. That's one meal you won't have to worry about spending money on and you can begin your day of sightseeing with a full stomach.

The second reason I like staying in a B&B is that you get to connect with a local family in the city you are visiting and meet and talk with other fellow travelers. It's so rewarding to meet other travelers, especially if they are from another country other than the U.S. Isn't one of the reasons you travel to a foreign country to meet and interact with persons from cultures other than your own? When you are one of hundreds or even thousands of guests in a large chain hotel, it's really hard to interact with others.

Frieda and Benno with my sister at the Absoluut Verhulst B&B in Bruges.  An absoluutly fabulous place to stay!

The third reason I prefer to stay in a B&B is the price. Most Bed and Breakfast establishments charge far less than the large chain hotels, and you're getting the breakfast included in your room rate. In a B&B or even a smaller hotel, you are not being charged for the thrills and frills associated with the larger chain hotels. (Now if you prefer the thrills and frills, then by all means, continue booking a room at these hotels.)

Now the biggest complaint that I see on travel review websites is "It was a great hotel, but my room was too small." This really amazes me when I see this. When you are planning a trip to Europe, how much time are you expecting to stay in your room? When I visit Europe, I plan on spending the least amount of time in my room as possible. I'm not saving up thousands of dollars to spend extra time in my room. I'm out visiting the museums, churches and restaurants. I want a room to take a shower and get a good night's sleep. Also, anyone who plans to visit Europe should realize that hotel rooms are smaller there. Many hotels and B&Bs are located in renovated canal houses or centuries-old homes that have been converted. And finally, isn't having a smaller room just part of the charm of traveling and staying in those family-run smaller hotels or B&Bs? If you need a larger room, don't book a hotel that's located in a converted canal house in Amsterdam. Stick to those generic name-brand chain hotels.

Thank you for visiting,

A Great Europe Trip Planner

All photos were taken by me.