chefmaison

Leipzig, so much more than just the new Berlin.

Leipzig is not on the radar of many tourists visiting Germany, and that is a pity, because it is a very interesting and fascinating place. It has a rich history and is the centre of some important moments in history like the breakdown of the iron curtain and communism which started with demonstrators rallying for … Lees verder →

Short trip to Dublin and Galway – great food, fine music and wonderful views!

It has been quite some years since my last trip to Dublin. My husband regularly has to visit Dublin for work and his upcoming birthday inspired us to combine his worktrip with some extra days in Ireland. We had visited Dublin quite extensively last time, and had even made a trip to Howth, Wicklow Mountains National … Lees verder →

Indonesia part 5: Raja Ampat on West-Papua

Our last week in Indonesia would be spent on Raja Ampat at the Biodiversity Nature Resort on Gam island. Biodiversity sent us a mail a few days before our arrival with two videos about our stay in the resort, and explaining the diving and snorkeling procedures. Via Whatsapp they let me know that only the … Lees verder →

Indonesia part 4: Surabaya

We checked into the colonial style Majapahit hotel in the centre of Surabaya. A hotel built in 1910 as the Oranje hotel, by the Iranian Sarkies brothers who also built The Raffles and The Strand in the late 1800. We had afternoon tea at The Strand in Rangoon almost ten years ago in 2014. The … Lees verder →

Indonesia part 3 – Mount Bromo

We decided to leave the Villa Borobudur resort quite early as to not miss our train in case something happened on the way to Yogyakarta. Our Grab car was spot on time, and contrary to the car that brought us to Vila Borobudur, knew the right road, so we arrived in Yogyakarta in 1 hour … Lees verder →

Indonesia Part 2: Borobudur

After checking out at the Phoenix hotel in Yogyakarta we called a Grab taxi to take us to Villa Borobudur Resort where we had booked a room for three nights. It took 1,5 hours to get there, at the hotel they take you from the parking area to the hotel lobby in a separate hotel … Lees verder →

Indonesia part 1: Jakarta and Yogyakarta

If you are planning a holiday in Indonesia, coming from Europe, take out enough time, since travel time can be long. Our holiday actually started in Yogyakarta, and it took us almost three days to get there. We flew with Emirates, a really decent airline with great service over Dubai to Jakarta, where we stayed … Lees verder →

Bruges, a real haven for brocante, vintage and lovers of everything second hand!

When planning a trip to Bruges, shopping for brocante, vintage, antique or second hand items, might not be what you had in mind first. But if you love rummaging through previously loved items, Bruges has more to offer than you might think at first! As a city guide I sometimes get the question from visitors … Lees verder →

Jan Van Eyck in Bruges – The Groeningemuseum

Visit Walk in Bruges – Your private guide in Bruges The Groeningemuseum, the museum of fine arts of Bruges, shows six centuries of Belgian visual arts. From the famous Flemish primitive painters, over the international renowned 19th century neo-classicist painters and Flemish expressionists, to the famous 20th century Belgian modernist artists. But the main draw … Lees verder →

Archeological sites Vergina and Dion – Greece

On the way from Thessaloniki to Meteora we made a stop in Vergina. We parked our car at one of the parking lots where we paid 1,5 euro. We walked towards the entrance of the Royal Tombs, and stopped at one of the small cafés to have a drink and use the toilet. I had … Lees verder →