Netherlands

Keukenhof - Lisse, Netherlands
The flowers that bloom in the spring, tra-la! (01.07.2007 14:58)
Many years ago, during a management course in Holland, I was taken to the Keukenhof. It was immediately after an overnight trip on the Harwich Hook of Holland ferry (not a journey I recommend) but even in my befuddled state (can one be channel-lagged?) I recognised two things. Firstly the place was a knock-out, and secondly my husband would love it. It has taken until this year to unite him with [more...]

Van der Valk Breukelen - Breukelen, Netherlands - July, 2006
Going Dutch, the Chinese way (12.11.2006 13:30)
What is the Imperial Palace in Peking doing in the middle of the Dutch countryside? And why is it masquerading as a hotel? It all seems far too frivolous for the sensible Dutch, even allowing for their Far Eastern connections. Nor is this a discreet, bashful replica. It is a big building (3 floors, 140 rooms) gaudily painted red, green and orange and complete with pillars and curly roof-lines. [more...]