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The De Biesbosch ('forest of sedges' or 'rushwoods'), is one of the largest national parks of the Netherlands and one of the last extensive areas of freshwater tidal wetlands in Northwestern Europe. The Biesbosch consists of a rather large network of rivers and smaller and larger creeks with islands. The vegetation is mostly willow forests, although wet grasslands and fields of reed are common as well. The Biesbosch is an important wetland area for waterfowl and has a rich flora and fauna. It is especially important for migrating geese.
The part of the Biesbosch that borders the city of Dordrecht. It is located between the Sliedrechtse Biesbosch and the Hollandse Biesbosch. Although the Dordtse Biesbosch has largely an agricultural destination, it also contains several recreational areas which serves as the "playground" for the people of Dordrecht.
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric (pronounced /ˈæɡərɪk/) or fly Amanita (pronounced /ˌæməˈnaɪtə/), is a poisonous and psychoactive basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus Amanita. Native throughout the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Amanita muscaria has been unintentionally introduced to many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, generally as a symbiont with pine plantations, and is now a true cosmopolitan species. It associates with various deciduous and coniferous trees. The quintessential toadstool, it is a large white-gilled, white-spotted, usually deep red mushroom, one of the most recognizable and widely encountered in popular culture. Several subspecies, with differing cap colour have been recognised to date, including the brown regalis (considered a separate species), the yellow-orange flavivolata, guessowii, and formosa, and the pinkish persicina. Genetic studies published in 2006 and 2008 show several sharply delineated clades which may represent separate species.
Although generally considered poisonous, deaths are extremely rare, and it has been consumed as a food in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America after parboiling in water. Amanita muscaria is now primarily famed for its hallucinogenic properties, with its main psychoactive constituent being the compound muscimol. It was used as an intoxicant and entheogen by the peoples of Siberia and has a religious significance in these cultures. There has been much speculation on traditional use of this mushroom as an intoxicant in places other than Siberia; however, such traditions are far less well-documented.
Ghent.
Proving that Belgians have a sense of both humour and irony, one of the best places to drink beer in Gent is the Waterhuis aan de Bierkant which translates as the Waterhouse on the Beerfront. It is of course the opposite, a beerhouse on the waterfront. It is perhaps both helped and hindered by being mentioned in all the tourist guides but it still attracts the serious drinking locals who tolerate the hoards of tourists with good humour.
A visit in Belgium without a Belgium beer is impossible. This beer house has an amazing beer menu with a lot of Belgium beers. The staff kindly advises you about the best option and the taste is simply amazing. Downstairs you can watch some games on the TV screens and upstairs the bar offers a nice living room style room. Absolute must have experience if you are into a good beer.
'Het Speulderbos' is called ' the forest of the dancing trees'. The forest is not just mysterious, it is also very rare. It's a paradise for birds (of prey), deer, badgers and wild boars. So there is enough choice to have a good time!
In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises - Eifel and Hunsrück - lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. It is true - a few things have changed since then, but the attraction has remained because the past centuries - above all the Middle Ages - have left their marks here.
The magnificent Reichsburg, the big castle, situated on a precipitous rock high above the town, dominates the landscape. The many delicate pointed towers, battlements and oriels give the impression of a typical fairy tale castle, particularly as it is one of the few castles in Germany, which was rebuilt in its original style after its complete destruction. As impressive as the castle itself is the view of the Moselle Valley with its beautiful forests, meadows, fields and vineyards, as well as the old part of the town.
The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing, not only because of its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the lovingly restored half timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place, but also because of its medieval town gates, churches and walls. The wine-growers and restaurant owners would also like to take the time to introduce you to the variety of their excellent Riesling wines.
You can enjoy another facet of the town walking along the Mosel promenade which is decorated with flowers and where many benches invite you to a quiet break. A further attraction is a river tour on one of the Moselle boats, either during the day or at night with music and dancing, when the lights of the castle and the town are reflected in the water. Have fun and relax in the only indoor swimming pool with artificial waves in this area. It is a wonderfully situated leisure centre between meadows and vine-yards and offers all the luxury of a modern swimming pool in fine and bad weather.
The estate Oldenaller is a typical property in the English scenery style with typical wooden embankments and moor fields. In the old deciduous forest with long avenues one can wonderfully go for a walk. In addition, a blue heron colony is on the estate.
estate Schovenhorst, an about 150 one years old Arboretum, lies on the east beach of Putten. Here you go over broadly invested avenues, narrow, moss covered paths, surrounded by a variety of trees from the whole world. A warm drink on the terrace of the teahouse belongs to it of course.
In the wood "Sprielderbos" the castle "Groot Spriel lies from the year 1880 with his splendid towers, the old clock and a park from the time when one still moved with coaches. They are in an oasis of the rest and nature in which the view axes of the 40 hectare park over and over again release the look at "Groot Spriel", quite all the same where you are.
National Geographic Traveler Magazine is a reference for anyone who enjoys travel, fine photography and insightful journalism. At the end of November 2008, the magazine published a top 109 of the most authentic destinations worldwide. The historic city centre of Ghent ranked third!
What a surprise! Not that Ghent is an authentic, real city filled with excellently preserved buildings, monuments and art treasures, but the real surprise is that the city is recognised for these qualities! And there’s more. Ghent is praised for its “brilliant mix of a wonderful past and a contemporary, vibrant city”.
Ghent can boast the title of highest-ranking city, preceded only by Austria’s Wachau Valley and the area around the Rideau Canal in Ontario, Canada. Prestigious destinations such as Lyon, York, Dublin, Istanbul, Cape Town, Munich and many others are ranked after the city of Ghent.
Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
It was a justified motive that prompted UNESCO in 2000 to include the entire historical city centre on the World Heritage list. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city's stirring history.
Bruges is also home to contemporary culture, such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders.
The restaurants in Bruges which offer gastronomic cuisine and the exclusive hotels are a true feast for those who enjoy the good things in life.
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Winter in the Country by Claude McKay
Sweet life! how lovely to be here
And feel the soft sea-laden breeze
Strike my flushed face, the spruce's fair
Free limbs to see, the lesser trees'
Bare hands to touch, the sparrow's cheep
To heed, and watch his nimble flight
Above the short brown grass asleep.
Love glorious in his friendly might,
Music that every heart could bless,
And thoughts of life serene, divine,
Beyond my power to express,
Crowd round this lifted heart of mine!
But oh! to leave this paradise
For the city's dirty basement room,
Where, beauty hidden from the eyes,
A table, bed, bureau, and broom
In corner set, two crippled chairs
All covered up with dust and grim
With hideousness and scars of years,
And gaslight burning weird and dim,
Will welcome me . . . And yet, and yet
This very wind, the winter birds
The glory of the soft sunset,
Come there to me in words.
More or less opposite Gorinchem on the other side of the river lies Woudrichem, a beautiful little fortified town. The historical town harbour has become the home of traditional, permanently inhabited ships such as tjalks, clippers and barges. At least three harbours, along with the Visserij- en Cultuurhistorisch museum (fishing and culture museum) bear witness to the age old connection with the river and salmon fishery.
The fortified town of Woudrichem was once a refuge for the countess of Zeeland, Holland and Henegouwen, Jacoba van Beieren (1401-1436). She owned a castle and a house in Woudrichem. Generally known as the Jacoba van Beierenhuis (house of Jacoba van Beieren), the building is situated at Molenstraat number 2. This is the oldest stone house in the stronghold. Those who wish to follow in her footsteps won’t have it easy. Jacoba was a pugnacious woman who fought with her uncle Jan van Beieren and others over land ownership. On 13th February 1419 she signed a peace treaty with her uncle called 'De Plechtige Zoen van Woudrichem' (solemn reconciliation of Woudrichem).
Woudrichem, or Woerkum, is easy to explore on one’s own. Visitors are surprised by the narrow lanes, vast river views and historical buildings. Prefer to get out of town on a walking route? The Stadswandeling Woudrichem (walking tour of Woudrichem) can be obtained from the VVV (tourist office) in the centre of the fort. Or if you’d like to get out with a group, the Stadgidsengilde (town guides’ guild) is at the ready to take businesses, groups of friends or families along for a walk in the footsteps of Jacoba van Beieren
Maassluis was founded circa 1340 as a settlement next to a lock (in Dutch: sluis) in the sea barrier between the North Sea and Rotterdam. Originally Maeslandsluys, it was part of Maesland. In 1489 the settlement was sacked. During the Eighty Years' War, Philips of Marnix, lord of Sint-Aldegonde, started to build a defense wall but before its completion, the Spanish captured it in 1573 and Philips of Marnix was taken prisoner. A year later Maeslandsluys was looted by mutinous Spanish troops.
On 16 May 1614, Maeslandsluys was separated from Maesland by the counts of Holland and renamed Maassluis. This separation may have been religiously motivated: Maassluis was predominantly Protestant and Maasland Catholic. In 1624 the defense wall was demolished to make way for the Great Church, started in 1629. Construction stopped for five years because privateers from Dunkirk raided fishing boats from Maassluis, throwing their crew overboard. It was finished in 1639. On 4 December 1732, the Garrels Organ was inaugurated. Built from 1730 to 1732 by Rudolf Garrels, a pupil of Arp Schnitger, it was a gift by Govert van Wijn, ship-owner from Maassluis.
In 1811 Napoleon Bonaparte granted city rights.
The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February,
at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before
we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day,
until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a
twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour.
heath or heathland is a shrubland habitat found on mainly infertile acidic soils, characterised by open, low growing woody vegetation, often dominated by plants of the Ericaceae. It is similar to moorland, but is generally warmer and drier.
Heaths are widespread worldwide. They form extensive and highly diverse communities across Australia in humid and sub-humid areas. Fire regimes with recurring burning are required for the maintenance of the heathlands. Even more diverse though less widespread heath communities occur in Southern Africa. Extensive heath communities can also be found in California, New Caledonia, central Chile and along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to these extensive heath areas, the vegetation type is also found in scattered locations across all continents, except Antarctica.
The Markt ("Market Square") of Bruges is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of about 1 hectare. Some historical highlights around the square include the 12th-century belfry and the Provincial Court (originally the Waterhall, which in 1787 was demolished and replaced by a classicist building that from 1850 served as provincial court and after a fire in 1878 was rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in 1887. In the center of the market stands the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck.
In 1995 the market was completely renovated. Parking in the square was removed and the area became mostly traffic-free, thus being more celebration friendly. The renovated market was reopened in 1996 with a concert by Helmut Lotti.
The past is tangible in Flanders. Proud bell towers bear witness to a time when cities were still independent powers. Churches and cathedrals are adorned with impressive art collections that attract tourists from all over the world. You can walk through winding streets of the six art cities and completely forget the present.
Antwerpen, Brugge, Brussel, Gent, Leuven and Mechelen proudly bear the title of Flemish art city. Many other Flemish cities have a rich patrimony: Lier is proud of its Zimmer Tower and charming city centre, Hasselt cherishes its traditions in the Genever Museum, and Tongeren, the oldest city in Flanders, interactively divulges our far past in the Gallo-Roman Museum.
In 2014 it will be exactly 100 years since World War I broke out. Dreadful battles were fought in the Westhoek, an area in the province of West Flanders. The names Passendale and Ieper are still engraved in the memories of the English, French, Germans and Belgians. Tourism in the Westhoek is often a trip filled with emotion. A penetrating image of daily life and dying on the front is presented in the museum In Flanders Fields, located in Ieper. The Last Post has been sounded at the Menin Gate in Ieper every night at 8 p.m. since 24 July 1927. The gate is a memorial to the numerous Commonwealth soldiers that died and whose bodies were never recovered.
Boxtel is a small town, but its big church shows that it was an important place once. Just outside the town you'll find a park in which lies this castle, Kasteel Stapelen. The entire complex was given a new look in early neo-Gothic style in 1857-1858, to fit the then popular ideas about what a medieval castle should look like. Towers were heightened, the facade of the chapel was renewed and countless battlements were added to places where there never had been any. Since 1915 the castle has been used as a monastery. In the Middle Ages a miracle occured here which is still celebrated each year with a big procession.
Dear friends!
Thank you so much for your kind comments and visits! They are appreciated.
With love
Geetha 😊
Dear friends!
Thank you so much for your kind comments and visits! They are appreciated. Stay safe dears <3
With love
Geetha <3
Het eind-veertiende-eeuwse kasteel lag oorspronkelijk achter de nog bestaande traptoren die in de vijftiende eeuw gebouwd is. Aan de voorkant van de toren lag een plein, omringd door een muur met schietgaten. Hier lag ook een versterkt poortgebouw met ophaalbrug. Het geheel was door grachten omgeven.
In 1621 werd Nieuw-Herlaar vermeld als: Nyent-Herlaer, 't hoff tot nyent-Herlaer met zijn bijvanghe, gelijck als daer gelegen is allom tusschen de dommele aldaer vloeyende..
In 1736 meldde men: Nieuw-Herlaer aan de oostzijde van de afgebroken zaal met de kelder onder de afgebroken zaal, besingeld met zijn gragt en de rivier de Dommel, met hoven, boomgaard, stallingen, schuur, het recht van de visscherij, vischvijver inden hof, capelle, brouwerij en bequame woningen daeraen, omsingeld met hegge en plantagiën..
In 1791 werd het oude kasteel afgebroken op last van Van Bonstetten en werd het huidige gebouwd aan de andere kant van de toren. Men sprak van een zeer oud en bouwvallig gebouw, en Stephanus Hanewinkel meldde: De heer Bonstetten heeft het doen afbreken en in plaats van hetzelve een modern buytenhuys doen setten, zijnde niet van 't oud kasteel, dat een sterkte is geweest, overig gebleven als den toren.
Verdere uitbreidingen vonden plaats vanaf 1799, toen het kasteel een seminarie werd. Ook de bestemmingen daarna vereisten vele verbouwingen. Na het vertrek van de katholieke instellingen in 1970 trad opnieuw verval in, maar na 1978 werd het kasteel gerestaureerd en de meeste bijgebouwen, op het Zustersklooster na, werden gesloopt.
There was not a good translation in English.
Oude Loo Castle, locally known as Kasteel het Oude Loo, lies in the gardens behind the 17th century Royal Loo Palace, in Apeldoorn, in the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands.
In the name Oude Loo Castle, Oude translates to 'old' and Loo meant 'forest on sandy soil'.
Oude Loo Castle started out as a farm in the early 15th century, probably built by an Udo Taholt. Later that century it was owned by a Gerrit van Rijswijk who probably fortified the farm.
Later it came into the possession of the Bentinck family. Johan Bentinck rebuilt the castle around 1538-40 into the moated castle we see today. It was rebuilt in an U-shape when residential wings were built against the older front with the round corner towers. In those days it was used as a hunting lodge by Karel, Duke of Gelre.
In 1684 Prince William III, Stadtholder of Holland and Zeeland acquired the castle. He also used it as a hunting lodge. But because the castle soon became too small for his hunting parties he built the Loo Palace at a short distance in 1686-88.
In 1795, when the French occupied Holland, the castle was used as a military hospital and the castle fell into neglect.
In 1806 Napoleon Bonaparte appointed his brother Louis Napoleon as King of The Netherlands. Louis resided in the castle during summers. He filled up the moat around the castle because in his youth it was predicted that he would die by drowning.
In 1904 Queen Wilhelmina of Orange ordered the restoration of the castle. This was done by the famous Dutch architect dr. PJH. Cuypers who also built the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and rebuilt De Haar Castle. Also in the 1950's and 1960's restoration works were carried out. The castle is now the private property of the Dutch Royal family who use it at a regular basis. The castle itself is not accessible but the grounds surrounding it are, during April and May.
heath or heathland is a shrubland habitat found on mainly infertile acidic soils, characterised by open, low growing woody vegetation, often dominated by plants of the Ericaceae. It is similar to moorland, but is generally warmer and drier.
Heaths are widespread worldwide. They form extensive and highly diverse communities across Australia in humid and sub-humid areas. Fire regimes with recurring burning are required for the maintenance of the heathlands. Even more diverse though less widespread heath communities occur in Southern Africa. Extensive heath communities can also be found in California, New Caledonia, central Chile and along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to these extensive heath areas, the vegetation type is also found in scattered locations across all continents, except Antarctica.
In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises - Eifel and Hunsrück - lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. It is true - a few things have changed since then, but the attraction has remained because the past centuries - above all the Middle Ages - have left their marks here.
The magnificent Reichsburg, the big castle, situated on a precipitous rock high above the town, dominates the landscape. The many delicate pointed towers, battlements and oriels give the impression of a typical fairy tale castle, particularly as it is one of the few castles in Germany, which was rebuilt in its original style after its complete destruction. As impressive as the castle itself is the view of the Moselle Valley with its beautiful forests, meadows, fields and vineyards, as well as the old part of the town.
The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing, not only because of its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the lovingly restored half timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place, but also because of its medieval town gates, churches and walls. The wine-growers and restaurant owners would also like to take the time to introduce you to the variety of their excellent Riesling wines.
You can enjoy another facet of the town walking along the Mosel promenade which is decorated with flowers and where many benches invite you to a quiet break. A further attraction is a river tour on one of the Moselle boats, either during the day or at night with music and dancing, when the lights of the castle and the town are reflected in the water. Have fun and relax in the only indoor swimming pool with artificial waves in this area. It is a wonderfully situated leisure centre between meadows and vine-yards and offers all the luxury of a modern swimming pool in fine and bad weather.
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric (pronounced /ˈæɡərɪk/) or fly Amanita (pronounced /ˌæməˈnaɪtə/), is a poisonous and psychoactive basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus Amanita. Native throughout the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Amanita muscaria has been unintentionally introduced to many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, generally as a symbiont with pine plantations, and is now a true cosmopolitan species. It associates with various deciduous and coniferous trees. The quintessential toadstool, it is a large white-gilled, white-spotted, usually deep red mushroom, one of the most recognizable and widely encountered in popular culture. Several subspecies, with differing cap colour have been recognised to date, including the brown regalis (considered a separate species), the yellow-orange flavivolata, guessowii, and formosa, and the pinkish persicina. Genetic studies published in 2006 and 2008 show several sharply delineated clades which may represent separate species.
Although generally considered poisonous, deaths are extremely rare, and it has been consumed as a food in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America after parboiling in water. Amanita muscaria is now primarily famed for its hallucinogenic properties, with its main psychoactive constituent being the compound muscimol. It was used as an intoxicant and entheogen by the peoples of Siberia and has a religious significance in these cultures. There has been much speculation on traditional use of this mushroom as an intoxicant in places other than Siberia; however, such traditions are far less well-documented.