Tag Archives: travel

Thursday Travel: STRAAT Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

STRAAT is Amsterdam’s street art and graffiti museum, located inside a vast former shipyard at NDSM. The space showcases large-scale works by both internationally known artists and emerging creatives from around the world.

Coffee Break: Let’s start the year gently

Happy New Year, dear friends! Before we rush into plans, goals, and resolutions, let’s begin the year the way I love most — with a coffee break. A small pause. A warm cup. A few quiet minutes just for ourselves. The holidays don’t always feel as festive as they once did. The world changes, traditionsContinueContinue reading “Coffee Break: Let’s start the year gently”

Happy New Year my Dear Friends!

My Dear Friends! As a new year begins, may it open gently for you — with hope, clarity, and quiet confidence. May you find strength in who you already are, and courage to move forward in ways that feel true to you. May this year bring balance between effort and rest, growth without pressure, andContinueContinue reading “Happy New Year my Dear Friends!”

How to Celebrate New 2026 Year — The Magical Year of the Red Fire Horse

Every December I write a New Year guide how to celebrate New Year. This year is not exception. Let’s prepare for celebration together! 2026 is the Year of the Red Fire Horse — powerful, bright, dramatic, and unforgettable. The Fire Horse is rare and fiery, a creature of freedom and strong spirit. It carries theContinueContinue reading “How to Celebrate New 2026 Year — The Magical Year of the Red Fire Horse”

Merry Christmas my Dear Friends!

As Christmas draws near, I hope you find a quiet moment to pause, breathe, and feel the warmth of the season settle around you. This time of year isn’t just about lights or traditions — it’s about presence, gratitude, and the connections that carry us through the highs and lows of life. Wherever you are,ContinueContinue reading “Merry Christmas my Dear Friends!”

A Heartfelt Thank You to My Wonderful Readers

As this year comes to a close, I want to pause and say a genuine, heartfelt thank you to each one of you who visits, reads, comments, and shares your time with me here. Your presence means more than you know. Every message, every encouraging word, every quiet visit to my blog—it all matters, andContinueContinue reading “A Heartfelt Thank You to My Wonderful Readers”

Maneki-neko Guide: Colors, Paws, and Their Significance

Discover the hidden meanings behind the colors and raised paws of Japan’s lucky cat, the Maneki-neko — and find out which one brings the luck you’re looking for!

Gianni Rodari: The Maestro of Imagination

Born October 23, 1920 – Omegna, Italy. Imagine stepping into a time machine. It takes you to post-war Italy. It is a place rebuilding itself not only with bricks but with dreams. There you’d meet a teacher named Gianni Rodari, sitting at a small desk with a notebook full of ideas about children, stories, andContinueContinue reading “Gianni Rodari: The Maestro of Imagination”

Coffee Break: Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester, the World’s Most Expensive Book

Hello my dear friends! It’s been a little while since my last coffee post—I’ve been balancing work and life, but I’m back with my favorite ritual. You already know: I love coffee, and I need at least a one cup a day to feel human. But instead of coffee trivia today, let’s talk about somethingContinueContinue reading “Coffee Break: Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester, the World’s Most Expensive Book”

City Through the Lens: National Opera and Ballet Theater, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

In the heart of Amsterdam, right on the Amstel River, stands the Dutch National Opera & Ballet—a place where music, movement, and architecture meet. Even if you don’t step inside for a performance, the building itself, known as the “Stopera,” is worth a stop. Its riverside terraces, sweeping marble curves, and the stories woven onContinueContinue reading “City Through the Lens: National Opera and Ballet Theater, Amsterdam, Netherlands.”

Biking in Amsterdam: How to Rent with Donkey Republic and Visit the Central Station Bike Garage.

Amsterdam on Two Wheels Before my trip, I expected to be wowed by Amsterdam’s canals, architecture, and art. But what really made me stop and stare? The bikes. Here, cycling isn’t a side activity — it’s the heartbeat of the city. It’s how locals commute, shop for groceries, pick up kids, meet friends, and evenContinueContinue reading “Biking in Amsterdam: How to Rent with Donkey Republic and Visit the Central Station Bike Garage.”

Anna Pavlova: The Ballerina Who Became a Dessert

Photo by Karina Kungla on Pexels.com Light as air. Graceful. Unforgettable. These words describe Anna Pavlova, the legendary Russian ballerina of the early 20th century… but they also describe the dessert she inspired. The pavlova cake—a crisp, cloud-white meringue with a soft, marshmallow heart, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit—was created in her honorContinueContinue reading “Anna Pavlova: The Ballerina Who Became a Dessert”

Coffee Break: Back from Amsterdam

Hello my Dear Friends! I have so many stories and travel tips to share — but as always, I’m constantly running out of time. And I got sick right after we got home. So many people were sneezing and coughing on the plane. The funny part? I actually brought masks with me, thinking ahead… butContinueContinue reading “Coffee Break: Back from Amsterdam”

Rotterdam’s Cube Houses: A Tilted Architectural Wonder

Just an hour from Amsterdam, in the heart of Rotterdam, you’ll find one of the most unique architectural sights in the Netherlands — the iconic Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). These bright yellow cubes are tilted at a sharp 45-degree angle and mounted on poles, creating a surreal, playful forest of geometric homes. Designed in the 1970sContinueContinue reading “Rotterdam’s Cube Houses: A Tilted Architectural Wonder”

City through the Lens: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Just outside Amsterdam Centraal Station, there’s a beautiful view of Sint Nicolaasbasiliek (Basilica of Saint Nicholas) from the nearby bridge. The church stands tall with its two towers and large dome, making it one of the first landmarks you see when you arrive in the city. Built in the late 1800s, it’s one of theContinueContinue reading “City through the Lens: Amsterdam, Netherlands.”

City through the Lens: Saved Loves of Amsterdam.

In the heart of Amsterdam, love has taken a powerful new shape. Over 1900 love locks once left on city bridges — each one a silent promise, a kiss, or a secret — have been transformed into something unforgettable. Artist Henki B. gathered these symbols of affection and created a breathtaking sculpture called Saved LovesContinueContinue reading “City through the Lens: Saved Loves of Amsterdam.”

Travel Thursday : We did it! Adam’s Lookout Swing. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

I’m terrified of heights—like, heart-pounding, knees-shaking kind of fear. So when my husband suggested we try the rooftop swing at A’DAM Lookout in Amsterdam, my answer was a firm and repeated no. For two weeks, he kept nudging me, and for two weeks, I stood my ground. But something changed once we got there. StandingContinueContinue reading “Travel Thursday : We did it! Adam’s Lookout Swing. Amsterdam, Netherlands.”

We Chose Our Next Travel Destination – Find Out What’s Coming!

Guess what… it’s finally happening! After narrowing down the options in my previous post (thanks for all your suggestions and commitments!), we’ve made a decision… our next destination is locked in! If you missed the post where we explored different places to go, feel free to check it out—it was quite the adventure just choosingContinueContinue reading “We Chose Our Next Travel Destination – Find Out What’s Coming!”

Smart Travel Starts with Smart Tools: Top Apps for a Seamless Vacation.

Vacation season is almost here! That means airports will be buzzing, suitcases packed, and countless adventures waiting to happen. Whether you’re heading to a tropical beach, a cultural city break, or a scenic hike—having the right travel apps can make your trip smoother and more memorable. Here are some of the best travel apps toContinueContinue reading “Smart Travel Starts with Smart Tools: Top Apps for a Seamless Vacation.”