TEARLACH'S EUROPE TRIP
June/July 2005
I departed from the Denver airport for my trip to Europe on June 13th. I had a layover at JFK for about an hour. Then I took Aer Lingus to Dublin, transferring to Virgin Airways to London, after a bit another plane to Amsterdam.
I had to take a taxi to the Haag Hotel. My room was great, breakfast came with the room. The room service sent up wine, cheese, and some ham when I arrived. The food was great. Early bedtime the first night after a long day.
I got a Tour Guide to show me the city. Cost me 60 Euro (expensive) but all bus rides and museums are free, plus a free lunch (Not Bad). The city is beautiful, so many old buildings and homes, some are hundreds of years old. I was on the run all day, seen enough of the big city and the people were so nice and pleasant. Next day I rented a car and took off and seen some small towns like Nimegen, Zwoile, Tillburg, Arenhem, Den Heicier and Limeriden at the Ocean or North Sea. The North Sea sure looks cold. I made a point in looking at the old buildings and to visit any museums or cemetaries.
Next day a nice Bus ride to Rotterdam, got a room which was nice and breakfast included for 45 Euros. The Tour Guide was free and she wanted to show me her city. We spent the day at The Hague, just relaxing. Had a great lunch of seafood. Have been collecting gifts for me children and will mail them before I leave Belgium. People here are so friendly and never get in a hurry. At night everyone just strolls the towns here, maybe a ice cream or waffle cones. And the chocolate WOW. And other pastries too. Guide took me to supper, great Lamb dinner, cherry beer is great at 11%. There are stronger Beers will check tomorrow on them. I did alot of window shopping all over, and prices are not bad.
I always had a Irish Shirt on, but when I spoke they knew the difference. So they can speak English and Flemish(???) The Netherlands is a lovely country. Guide took me to their windmills, many are still working, and they are big. But in all the towns I made it a point to meet the people, and most of them spoke English, very well. I love both countries. The girls very pretty.
While in Amsterdam went to Carrie for performing Arts, had a great Jazz going on. In Dutch-Hallo is yes, Dag is goodbye, Ja is yes and nee is no. Dank u wel is thank you, thank you very much.
In Amsterdam on a main street they have Ladies of the Night in individual glass cases. No I did not partake. I would need a bottle of Viagra, plus have me Nitro handy.
On to Brussels, by bus. Seen alot of lovely country. After checking in, I was hungry, so had a nice roast beef sandwich, some wine, felt great.
Went to the park nearby, met
men me age, and they offered me some Cherry Beer, after 2 pints, they feel asleep, and
I soon joined them.
Into the car to north to Antwerp, Hasswett, Mechelen (lunch time). Had a nice chicken dinner with wine(S=spirits), After strolling around and trying to see the museums, cemeteries. After a long day to the hotel for supper and bed. Next day into the car and off to Jambes, Charlero and of course Bastogne (famous war battle).
Weather has been great around 65 here, no rain. I luv to sit with a glass of wine or hot chocolate and watch the people, never in a hurry. Thank Goodness the Germans did not destroy these 2 countries like Poland. Some of the tombs are hundred years old and also tombs of the ones executed during WW2 what a loss of life.
At all the pubs in me travel in both countries, sure got alot of free drinks. In both countries they told me certain words in their language and I told them mine in Irish, had alot of great laughs. But I made it a point to walk and meet the people in both countries.
Well me 5 days are up. Goodness in both countries 11 days and they went fast. I�m off, next time you hear from me, will be a report of me travels in France and Germany.
