Bites and Sights

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.”
Travelling is one of our faves, the excitement of planning and the luck of closing the best deals are the challenges. The glory and goodness of the journeys are the sweet fruits that makes a wanderer's heart jump. Come and join us in discovering the cozy yet more affordable way of wandering.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Exploring Binnendieze

Binnendieze of Den Bosch, Netherlands is a part of the short river Dieze. Most of the time I did not understand the tour but I am still glad to share the experience. This trip came about when we decided to visit our good friends living in the city.

Tour of Binnendieze is somehow a unique experience, it is touring the city from the canals. Unique but stunning I can say because I admired how the canals in Den Bosch were maintained.

Tip1: Plan  your trip ahead if you are not familiar with the city. The train stations usually have route maps for reference.

Tip2: Binnendieze cruise is popular in Den Bosch, no need for reservation of the tickets. Upon arrival the visitors can just buy the tickets.
Tip3: There are nearby cafes available for some cofee or snacks while waiting for the cruise.
Tip4: Den Bosch is circled by typical Dutch canals and the boat tours of the canals are operated in small boats powered by a small motor that take about 16 people.
Tip5: The tour is in Dutch, sad to say we only understand a little because we were still learning Dutch. I just hope that they will also have English tour for foreign visitors.
Even though we didn't understand the tour, our eyes were already admiring the canals and the views.
The motor boats are designed to fit in the canals and smoothly go around the city.
Tip6: Do not forget to log on the record book at the ticket office to leave your message and appreciation of Binnendieze.
Tip7: Grab the chance to go around the city at the same time. See the city, St. John's Cathedral, the market square and a lot more.
 
 
The cathedral's architecture is truly admirable.



Binnendieze makes Den Bosch more than ordinary.




Life n Nijmegen: Spring and Summer

After winter, everyone's looking forward to spring! The sun is up and mornings are longer than nights. A lot of outdoor activities are available, theme parks are re-opening and it's perfect to go around the city again.
From a dull colored sight to a beautiful green view.

In Nijmegen, we had quite a lot of activities for spring. We often go out which means more biking. trekking, swimming and a lot more time with friends as well.
Take off the thick coats, it's time to go out with spring clothes!
Tip1: Do the spring cleaning, during Queen's day in Holland the people do collect all the old but good stuffs and sell it for a lower price. On this day, a lot of folks are out and strolling around Goffert park to buy/sell the good old stuffs. If you're lucky you can really find good sale ( goodkoep ) and some are for free ( gratis ) specially during late afternoon.
Tip2: Trekking is very ideal for this kind of weather, Nijmegen to Groesbeek is a long stretch of green trees.
Tip3: Biking is also more fun because no wet roads anymore and it's a chance to really sweat it out.
 Tip4: On a bright spring day, it's fun to go for long walks.
Tip5: Planting is also a trend during spring, it's so nice to see tulips growing at our neighbor's garden. Or maybe going around the city and seeing flowers everywhere.
 Tip6: Lent for catholics also falls on spring, if desired you can go visit different churches in the city. It's better to bike around the city.
Tip7: In Nijmegen, there is a nearby swimming complex called Sportsfondsen. It's quite a big complex that kids and adults will surely enjoy water dips again.

Tip8: Ask friends to go to Berendonk Lake to have a picnic, barbeques and games will add more fun to this simple activity.
Tip9: Goffert park is also ideal for some chit-chats and ball games like soccer and volleyball.
 Tip10: Wherever you live in Nijmegen there are nearby small parks, play some frisbee or basketball with friends. The kids will also enjoy the playground.
Tip11: Don't pass the chance of visiting Museum Orientalis, this is an open-air museum and I can say that is a vast land of knowlege.
 Spring is a new beginning, the environment also heals itself and blooms again. Enjoy every bit and be adventurous in discovering and organizing activities.
Summer activities are somehow similar to spring but less clothes are required.
 The coat of arms of Nijmegen is already in full bloom and it's beautiful.
More more summer sales around the town as well.
More tulips available too, I discovered that tulips open their petals when they are exposed directly to sunlight while at night those petals will be closed again.
Of course what is summer without barbeque, pasta and halo-halo!