Life on the Runn...

From Amsterdam, we made our way to Belgium via a series of trains - we have become quite competent at train, metro, and bus travel and it always makes me want to sell our cars and move somewhere where we can hop a Metro to work (well, except that I really like my new car). Our first stop, for lunch and afternoon exploration, was in Ghent. The city center, like so many we have visited, was a  be-speckling of long uninhabited building and pristine churches - along with the touches of , shall we say, modernity - carnival rides and McDonald's restaurants. We did what we were best at this trip - we walked to and fro, up and down alleyways, along canals, and toward the smells, sights, and sounds that make Europe great.   Ghent  Belgium has its share of great canals, too Balls and Glory, a meatball restaurant  After our midday meal, our choice of one of four daily special meatballs, yep, that's a thing - we made our way back to the Me...

Spring Break 2017 began in Amsterdam, a place I have long wanted to visit. It did not disappoint, not in the least.  We spent two full days touring the town, hopping from metro to metro, walking miles and miles, and taking in the sights, sounds...and smells...that make Amsterdam great.  bikes and canals everywhere Flower Market We approached this trip a bit differently than previous ones; we had very loose plans at best and agreed to simply take it day-by-day, hour-by-hour.  It turned out that we quickly and happily filled up our time in Amsterdam.  If it wasn't long and leisurely meals, some of which we even enjoyed outdoors, it was stopping off to check out the various canals, meandering through the Red Light District, or enjoying fries from a cone and Dutch pancakes (though not at the same time).   around town  like I said, bikes and canals everywhere  Red Light District  Oh, there's lots of cheese, too O...