by Carmen G. Farrell | Aug 6, 2012 | Uncategorized
“Two sacher tortes, a coca-cola light, and a decaf coffee,” the waitress parrots back with a heavy accent. I am distracted by her burgundy polyester uniform with gold lettering, “Hotel Sacher” in fancy script. Around us are sneaker-clad tourists with Vienna maps...
by Carmen G. Farrell | Aug 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
The Netherlands is famous the world over for its cycling citizens. It is very cycling oriented. Slim, fit-looking 60 and 70 year olds on bikes is a common sight that my husband is not always graciously yielding to. Don’t get me wrong, he DOES yield…just not...
by Carmen G. Farrell | Jul 31, 2012 | Uncategorized
The Netherlands is beautiful. The reality of the countryside painted by the Dutch Masters is as peaceful and bucolic as their paintings suggest. To be in the Dutch countryside is rural. For a North American this is a rare experience. We are cavalier about space...
by Carmen G. Farrell | Jul 23, 2012 | Uncategorized
Yesterday, we went to the neighboring small town of Apeldoorn to visit the Dutch summer palace of many “William of Oranges” (for me) and to see “Apenheul” (for the kids) – an open air zoo for all kinds of primates. We had a lovely time and it was a great outing...
by Carmen G. Farrell | Jul 19, 2012 | Uncategorized
Travelling with older children in Europe is all about negotiation and compromise. In other words, trading off the galleries, museums, cafes and shopping with kid friendly activities. Copenhagen is a great city for that. With everything within reasonable walking...
by Carmen G. Farrell | Jul 19, 2012 | Uncategorized
I wondered how this phase of our three month trip would be for my twelve year old daughter. Even worried about it a bit. We all know how to be a tourist. But when you’re twelve, you only have so much patience for medieval towns, churches, castles and even less for...
