The chronicles of the travelling mom's many European adventures! Scroll down to view our features and tips about Belgium, France and Italy.
Europe
Ypres | In Flanders Fields Museum
One of the bloodiest battlefields during the four years of World War I was located in and around Ypres, in Flanders, Belgium. The prosperous market town was completely destroyed during the War. Its most impressive symbol and landmark, the magnificent 13th-century Cloth Hall (Lakenhalle) overlooking the Market Square, was burned down in the early…
In Flanders Fields | Ypres - the Menin Gate & Last Post
In the Great War between 1914-1918, Belgium became one of the main battlegrounds between the great European powers. A trench system stretching from the North Sea to Switzerland was built in the farmland and mud of Belgium and France. The trench warfare employed by military commanders resulted in over 8 million soldiers' deaths during the four year…
Eternal Rome for Kids and Families
What can one say about a city that has existed unto itself for thousands of years?
Rome fits our criteria for an outstanding, educational family travel adventure that combines art, history, architecture, food and culture. You can spend a few days or an entire month exploring the glory of Rome, as it exists today and as it was in ancient times,…
The Top 6 Bruges, Belgium for Kids and Families
One of our favorite cities in the world is Bruges (or Brugge as it's known in Flemish). Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bruges was once a bustling and wealthy city in the Middle Ages, its wealth built upon its skill and trade in weaving. After its access to the North Sea - the Zwin - started silting in the 1500s, Bruges began a slow decline and…
A Chocolate Obsession | Belgium
First, a confession.
I am of Swiss ancestry. My husband, Belgian. To say that chocolate is of importance to our very essence is a serious understatement. But whose nation's chocolate reigns supreme? The heated discussions on this topic over the years have tested our time together as a married couple. Belgian! No, Swiss! No, BELGIAN!
Fortunately,…
Life with the Locals - Diksmuids Boterhuis, Bruges
To say that good food and drink are obsessions in Belgium is not an exaggeration.
This is, after all, a small country of 10 million people that produces over 600 different beers, many of which have their own specially shaped and labelled glasses in which to enjoy the national beverage.
Further, it's been my experience that the Belgians rival the…
Driving in Europe
We drove over 5,000 km through 5 European countries in our rental car - an Opel Astra (not shown above!) - on our recent family holiday. The car worked very well, though it was hardly the performance vehicle that my husband was craving (he nicknamed it the 'gutless wonder'), especially for the German Autobahn.
Driving in Europe has some unique…
Paris in Spring | Jardins du Luxembourg
Paris may be for lovers, but it can just as fun - in a different way! - for kids too.
A favourite of children and families everywhere - ourselves included - is the Jardins (Gardens) du Luxembourg, located near the historic Latin Quarter of Paris. This stunning 25 hectare park is a gorgeous green space in the heart of the city. It is lively with…
Roman Holiday - Vatican City
Did you know that you can arrange to attend an audience with the Pope and, if you're lucky, be less than 20 feet away from His Holiness? And do this all for free?
Keep in mind that you'll be sharing the experience with 5,000 or so other interested folks and pilgrims, but if visiting the Vatican is in your Roman travel plan, you may want to arrange…
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