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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.
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.
Ice etched in intricate designs
on the window by which I stand,
trying to catch the elusive
brilliance of winter's light
on a carefully held prism
Coaxing rays of crystalline
luminosity to paint
my world with pretty colors
and vibrant hues -
to cover and distort
my inner pain and give
credence to my facade.
But the winter light is shadowed
by blues and grays, casting
a hazy fog over all that I know,
and those brilliant colors
coninue to dance
away, far away,
leaving me still standing
by a frosty window,
shivering and cold,
praying for the warmth
of summer days.
by Debbie Kerr
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.
'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!
This castle houses a bed and breakfast,and only guests who stay there are allowed on this (private) property,as a staff member told me. They where anti photographer there, we had to go. But after I took a few photo's
The field has been already known since 1350 and has known a rich (construction) history. In the castle are also today a lot of paintings and images which refer among other things to the family history of the successive occupants. Its current view got the castle in 1875, when the couple of Caloen de Besseghem-de Neve de Rode both the exterior and the interior in the then prevalent neo-gothic style let rebuilt and embellishes by the well-known Antwerp architect Schadde. Most striking adaptation, however,was the rebuilding of the castle tower-donjon that during the middle ages stood there.
Castle ten Berghe is situated a few minutes from the historical center of Bruges, surrounded by water on all four sides.
The interior of the castle, which will plunge you into a world completely out of time, contains three reception rooms, a library, a chapel and three bedrooms.
The magnificent domain surrounding the castle is ideal for outdoor events!
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.
About the Dordrecht Christmas market
You no longer need to go to Cologne or Dusseldorf to visit a real and authentic Christmas market. Dordrecht's Christmas market, with its 200 stalls, is the largest in The Netherlands and is known for its cosy atmosphere. The stalls have an extensive offer of attractive Christmas gifts which, accompanied by various delicious hot treats, live entertainment and a magnificent ice-skating-rink, leads for the perfect Christmas experience in the city centre of Dordrecht. The Christmas market has a route of 2,5km and leads you through the beautiful historic city centre and inland harbours. Points of interest are the medieval Minster, with an actual winter garden, the authentic Groenmarkt and Holland's longest shopping street; the Voorstraat.
Activities
At the Christmas market Dordrecht, from 16-18 December 2016, a range of activities are planned to complete the Christmas atmosphere for the visitor. There are many singing choirs and bands that, at different locations and stages along the route, will provide you with live entertainment. There are two main stages where you can enjoy several performances, one located at the Vismarkt and one at the Stadhuisplein. The latter is also where the enchanting Christmas sing-a-long event takes place on Friday and Saturday evening. Moreover you can also run into the singing choirs and bands at different locations along the route.
Whilst some may enjoy the relaxed strolling along the large number of stalls, others can alternate the relaxed pace with a more active one at the ice-skating-rink at the Statenplein. Next to the ice-rink there is also a large tent which offers a cosy retreat with warm seating areas and hundreds of fairy lights.
Practical information
The Dordrecht Christmas market starts on Friday December 16th and ends Sunday December 18th. The opening times of the Christmas market 2016 are:
- Friday December 16: 10.00 - 21.00h
- Saturday December 17: 10.00 - 21.00h
- Sunday December 18: 11.00 - 18.00h
The easiest way to get to the Dordrecht Christmas market is by train. Dordrecht Central Station is situated on a 10 minute-walking distance from the Christmas market in the city centre. Trains run regularly from the south of The Netherlands (Roosendaal, Breda, Eindhoven) and the cities of Western Holland; Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam.
By car it is the easiest to park at one of the free-park-and-ride sites, especially created for the Dordrecht Christmas market. Follow the signs from the freeways A15 and A16. From these parking lots a free shuttle service is available to take you into the city centre.
The Château de Pierrefonds is a majestic and beautiful palace which has weathered the whims of kings for hundreds of years and is certain to be a favorite of any Paris visitor.
Original built by Philippe d' Orléans in the 15th century and demolished on the order of Louis XIII in the 17th century. 200 years later Napoleon III ordered that Château de Pierrefonds be rebuilt as an imperial residence. This work was undertaken by one of the greatest designers of the day-Viollet-le-Duc, and it is often cited as his greatest work.
The Château de Pierrefonds features a permanent exhibition of the masterpieces of 19th century ornamentation produced by the Monduit workshops. These expert craftsmen restored a wealth of historical monuments, worked extensively for the Great Exhibitions of 1889 and 1900, and helped to create the Statue of Liberty.
Château de Pierrefonds rises majestically out of the Compiègne forest. It is both imposing and spectacularly beautiful, with particularly lovely grounds. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through these tranquil gardens for free
Dear friends!
Thank you so much for your kind comments and visits! They are appreciated. Stay safe dears <3
With love
Geetha :)
My black and white photos : www.flickr.com/photos/188771880@N02/
As early as the 11th century, Flemish cloth production had reached such a scale that the supply far exceeded the local demand. As a result, Ghent cloth became an important export article all over Europe. Originally, indigenous wool was used from the many flocks of sheep kept in Artois or on the salt lands and salt marshes of the newly enclosed Flemish polder land. Very soon, however, the raw material gained on the spot was no longer sufficient. From 1100, more and more wool merchants bought their supplies in England. In particular, Lincolnshire wool was of top quality and some of the abbeys had a significant source of revenue thanks to the large flocks of sheep with wool destined exclusively for Flanders. The wool was imported to Bruges and Ghent via the Zwin. The final product, fabricated in Ghent, was fine and durable, but also most valuable. It was sold on all the major West European markets, and even in Nowgorod (a Russian trade centre), in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, and further in the Near East via Islamic ports. Ghent became the most important textile centre of the known world and, with 65,000 inhabitants, the second city in North Western Europe after Paris.
Throughout its history, Ghent has always been a gateway to the world and has played an active part on the international scene. For example, the people of Ghent will gladly tell the English that King Edward III of England was also proclaimed King of France on the Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market) during the Hundred Years War. His son, John of Gaunt, founding father of the Lancasters, was born in Ghent. They will tell the Dutch that no less than five Ghent nobles were the authoritative captains of the formidable Watergeuzen fleet during the second half of the 16th century; or that Willem de Key, architect of Leiden Town Hall and the 'Waag' and 'Vleeshalle' in Delft, was also of Ghent origin. They will proudly guide French visitors to the Hotel d'Hane Steenhuyse in Veldstraat, where King Louis XVIII of France sought refuge for a hundred days after the return of Napoleon from Elba. The Americans and the British know that the hostilities between both nations were put to an end by the 'TREATY OF GHENT' which was signed on Christmas Eve in 1814. The World Exhibition of 1913 was intended to put Ghent amongst the modern cities of the 20th century, but the two World Wars dampened this fervour.
The first house was build in the thirteenth century as a hunting lodge used by the counts and dukes of Gelre. The house was named 'Pauwenburcht' (Peacock Castle) because of the white peacocks they kept there. The dukes of Gelre used to wear the feathers on their helmets.
The present house was build in 1905 on the foundations of a house dating from the seventeenth century.
Staverden Castle is build on the foundations of a seventeenth century house.
At the backside of the house lies a small island in a pond. On the the island you can find the tomb of Eleonora. This Eleonora lived at Wildenborgh Castle, one of the eight castles of Vorden. She had a lover, who went on a crusade in the Holy Land. When he was away, another man wanted to gain her by force. When her lover returned home, he was killed by his rival. Eleonora wanted to escape this evil man and fled to Staverden, where a mighty knight lived, who gave her protection. She stayed there for the rest of her unhappy life, always dressed in black.
After her death she was buried on the island in the pond. On moonlit nights, the black lady is seen there, walking to and fro on the island, wringing her hands and lamenting about her lost love.
The city centre offers many possibilities for a real voyage of discovery. A city tour takes you along the harbours, the six highest mills in the world, and distilleries and malthouses. You can also follow the footsteps of Saint Liduina, one of the most famous Dutch saints, by admiring her beautiful relics, located in the Liduina Basiliek. The museums, galleries, workshops and specialty shops are definitely worth a visit.
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.
Castle De Haar is one of the most famous and visited castles in all of Holland and was originally founded in the late 1300’s by the Van de Haar family, whose standing in society allowed them the comfort of building a fortified abode.
By 1449, the castle became the property of the Van Zuylen family thru marriage. In 1482, the castle was destroyed due to differences of opinion (quarrels) between the city of Utrecht and its bishop
By the 17th century, the Van Zuylen family line had become extinct and the castle was inherited by the Van Stembors, who originated from the south of Holland - present day Belgium. French soldiers attacked and damaged the castle during the years 1672 and 73.
In 1801, Castle De Haar passed to JJ.van Zuylen van Nijevelt, a distant cousin of the Zuylen family. JJ had inherited a castle that was in a poor state of repair due to 200 years of neglect. Upon his death, these magnificent ruins passed to his son Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt in 1890.
The rebuilding of the castle was started in 1892 under the guidance of one of Holland’s most famous architects Dr PHJ Cuypers. It is his influence on Castle De Haar that we see today. PHJ Cuypers rebuilt the castle as close as possible to the original outlines and were there was not sufficient material to work with he used his own ideas of what a medieval castle should look like. The interior was rebuilt to a luxurious standard with the inclusion of electricity. A new bailey with an entrance gate was built on its original foundations.
Today the castle is surrounded by parkland but this was not always the case. From the medieval period to the end of the 19th century, the village of Haarzuilens had been surrounded the castle. Haarzuilens was completely demolished and relocated some one and a half kilometres away to the west. The village chapel however was saved from this wilful destruction and incorporated into the new park.
Castle De Haar is now a museum and opens to the public except during the month of September when the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt family turn it back into a home for their month long stay.
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The adres for the car navigator, Kasteel de Haar,
Kasteellaan 1,3455 RR Haarzuilens.
'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. And in this time now you can see a lot of rays, with when you see it, a good composition. So there is enough choice to have a good time!
Thorup beach is Northern Europe's largest coastal landing and today are still fishing boats pulled up on the beach.
Kasteel Duivenvoorde (Castle Duivenvoorde) is in the town of Voorschoten, Zuid-Holland in the Netherlands. It was first mentioned in 1226, making it one of the older castles in Zuid-Holland
The castle is remarkable in that it was never sold; it was inherited by several different noble houses, sometimes through the matrilineal line, something that can be said of very few Dutch castles. For the first five centuries of its history, the castle was owned by one and the same family, namely the Van Duivenvoordes, who gave their name - at that time, van Duvenvoirde - to the castle. Though the castle was named thus, the van Duvenvoirdes properly formed part of the House of Wassenaer, an ancient noble family that has played an important role in Dutch history. Toward the end of the 17th century an owner of Kasteel Duivenvoorde, Johan, retook the name of van Wassenaar, upon which the House of Duivenvoorde became merely another name in the castle’s history.
This is a fantastic castle for photographers. I hope you like the shot I made here.
gr. jaap
God is not a word, Existence is not a game ...
Fighting war of religion, live in harmony !
" We don't need no trouble, what we need is LOVE "
'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!
The city centre offers many possibilities for a real voyage of discovery. A city tour takes you along the harbours, the six highest mills in the world, and distilleries and malthouses. You can also follow the footsteps of Saint Liduina, one of the most famous Dutch saints, by admiring her beautiful relics, located in the Liduina Basiliek. The museums, galleries, workshops and specialty shops are definitely worth a visit.
Cannenburgh Castle is generally well known because of one particularly famous historical figure, Maarten van Rossum. He built a country house on the remains of a medieval castle in 1543, and it remained in his family until the 1950s. It also remained true to its original blueprints. However, since then, the country estate has become the property of the Stichting Geldersch Landschap and Geldersche Kasteelen national heritage foundations, which have restored it and opened it to the public.
OUDEWATER-De Lange Linschoten seems to be getting more popular. Dribs and drabs opportunities to by bicycle, pedal boat, canoe or boat the landscape pass you to go by. There are also more and more reasons to keep on a farm, before arriving in the mysterious Linschoterbos. afraid of headwinds do not need during the bike ride of less than five kilkometer of Oudewater to the Linschoterbos. There is the path, lined by willow trees and farms, far too convoluted for. But there is also not hard, especially when the holiday maker on all offers along the way takes effect. At different farms are fresh eggs, homemade cheeses, boxwood and fruit for sale.The last time many small-scale initiatives are also developed, with an eye on recreation. Thus, it is possible to reserve a boat at the Tourist Office of Oudewater Hotze Classic boats. It is even possible to hire a boat with skipper. Once on the water are kwakels passed. That its characteristic walking bridges that have been built over the kilometer Long Linschoten
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.
Old 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.
The first house was build in the thirteenth century as a hunting lodge used by the counts and dukes of Gelre. The house was named 'Pauwenburcht' (Peacock Castle) because of the white peacocks they kept there. The dukes of Gelre used to wear the feathers on their helmets.
The present house was build in 1905 on the foundations of a house dating from the seventeenth century.
Staverden Castle is build on the foundations of a seventeenth century house.
At the backside of the house lies a small island in a pond. On the the island you can find the tomb of Eleonora. This Eleonora lived at Wildenborgh Castle, one of the eight castles of Vorden. She had a lover, who went on a crusade in the Holy Land. When he was away, another man wanted to gain her by force. When her lover returned home, he was killed by his rival. Eleonora wanted to escape this evil man and fled to Staverden, where a mighty knight lived, who gave her protection. She stayed there for the rest of her unhappy life, always dressed in black.
After her death she was buried on the island in the pond. On moonlit nights, the black lady is seen there, walking to and fro on the island, wringing her hands and lamenting about her lost love.
Everything is this compact town is so perfect – the Market Square, the Cathedral, the numerous parks all look as if they were crafted by artists of note, which they were!
The city is very well preserved and clean to boot. It is almost like a stage set, nay, make that a movie set, perhaps a Disney flick?
Every window has lace curtains and flower boxes with geraniums, all the buildings are in good repair, and the architecture is infinitely interesting. Low-country designs of the Middle Ages were a matter of pride; every detail down to the outline of a window frame is beautifully proportioned.
In the heart of the downtown, motor vehicles are prohibited, except for deliveries during restricted hours, making it one of the easiest walking cities of the world, safe and well-signed. The winding cobbled streets, adjacent to the canals, are shared by pedestrians and the occasional horse-drawn carriage. Sweepers follow the horses and keep the streets litter free.
Restaurants serve authentic Belgian cooking, a strong rival to French cuisine, as well as numerous international style dishes. Fresh fish, cooked a thousand different ways, is plentiful, as are beautiful homegrown vegetables. Of course, this country is famous for its chocolate, a worthy choice for dessert. My own personal favorite Belgian meal is carpes frites plus pommes frites, which would be called ‘fish and chips’ anywhere else, but is in fact a perfect delicacy here in Bruges.
Dear friends!
Thank you so much for your kind comments and visits! They are appreciated. Stay safe dears <3
With love
Geetha <3
The former municipality of Goeree also includes the communities of, from west to east, Ouddorp, Goedereede (with Havenhoofd), Oostdijk, and Stellendam.
The Brouwersdam is a dam, part of the Delta Works, from the island Goeree-Overflakkee to Schouwen-Duiveland, in Zeeland. The Haringvlietsluizen are floodgates, also part of the Delta Works, from Goedereede to the border of Westvoorne and Hellevoetsluis on the island of Voorne-Putten.
Income consists mainly of tourism and fishery. Because of the extended beach close by, Ouddorp has a large number of camping grounds. Ouddorp, Goedereede and Stellendam have all an extended fishing fleet.
The Schellemolen is a stone windmill in Belgium Damme. The whitewashed stone mill dates from 1867 and replaced an earlier mill. Since 1479 stands on this spot along the Damme canal mill. The mill is equipped with two millstones and an oil mill in the basement. In 1963, the company again, stopped after the Schellemolen fell into disrepair. In 1971, the province of West Flanders bought the mill, after which recovery ensued. In 1977 he was again grind.
This place is about 5 km from the city Bruges
Ruurlo is a town and former municipality in the province of Gelderland in the eastern part of the Netherlands. In 2004 it had a population of 8,676.
The town has a station on the Zutphen to Winterswijk railway line, and is served by trains every half hour in both directions. In the evening there is an hourly service.
Ruurlo Castle lies just outside the town and is a popular place for weddings. It is an old castle from the thirteenth century. The castle was used as the town hall up until 1 January 2005, when the municipality Ruurlo merged with the municipalities of Borculo, Neede and Eibergen into the municipality of Berkelland.