Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk on April 2, 2010 · 0 comments

in Trip ideas

If you’ve just got one whole day in Prague, it’s best to be guided by an expert. The weather wasn’t cooperating, what with its wind and showers, but we still managed to enjoy our short stay in this wonderful city. It’s a must see to visit the Prague Castle, the largest castle in Europe today. [...]

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Nuremberg

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk on March 29, 2010 · 0 comments

in Trip ideas

Nuremberg Castle was home to the German kings and kaisers from 1050 to 1571. It was heavily damaged in the Second World War but all parts were restored to its historical form. Albrecht Dürer is one of the famous citizens of Nuremberg. His most memorable is that of his brother’s hands. Read about the love [...]

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Munich’s Marienplatz

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk on March 29, 2010 · 0 comments

in Trip ideas

First stop was the Olympic Stadium. Honestly speaking, I would have preferred spending more time at the old town rather than the Olympic area. The rest of the group enjoyed the various locations of the Olympics. We reached the Marienplatz just in time to view the ringing of the bells of the Glockenspiel. I didn’t [...]

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Meeting Mabel in Munich

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk on March 27, 2010 · 0 comments

in Trip ideas

Doing a tour at last minute’s notice can be very exciting. I begin a tour in Munich and got in touch with Mabel to meet up and catch up with each other’s lives in the flesh. We’ve kept in touch through Facebook and it was high time to meet her — it’s been 36 years [...]

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Saint Peter Basilica watercolor original

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk on February 5, 2010 · 0 comments

in Travel Shopping

Found this gem of a painting on Etsy.com. I love the interpretation of Ginette Creations. Her choice of colors is vibrant — probably the aura of such a beautiful architectural masterpiece. Check more of her works at GinetteCreations.

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Where to?

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 6 March 2009

This question pops in my head when I’m in the mood to travel. I know my body needs routine to strengthen my first chakra but us girls need an occasional break! Wouldn’t it be fun to just drop whatever you’re doing and do something out of the ordinary? Call me shallow, but when I step [...]

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Tasting & Shopping

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 16 March 2009

Two activities I enjoy when I take off with girlfriends. When I find a gift I think a friend will enjoy, I buy it, have it wrapped and wait for the right time to make her happy. The activity of spotting something special for someone else makes is fun! It tests how well you know your friends.

The activity of eating is something you might call sacred to me. I just don’t break bread with anyone. It has to be with someone I like. We’re sharing our food and time together. If I don’t really like the person, I don’t get an appetite.

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Silk Women’s Scarves and the Four Seasons

by Jane S.W. Adams 26 March 2009

Silk women’s scarves are one of those accessories that are considered to be classic by many.

Worn in any form and with any type of outfit – in the hair, around the neck, as a belt. Find a scarf that you like and you will wear it in any season for any occasion.

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London: Spring is in the air!

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 13 March 2009

With the British pound almost the same rate as the euro, visiting London suddenly becomes affordable! Spring is just around the corner and there are lots of last-minute flights to this wonderful city! Most stores are all set for spring – Regent Street is all decked with the yummy spring pastel shades of green, blue, [...]

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Travel through Europe with a Click of a Button

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 1 April 2009

Photo by John and Mel Kots My favorite movies make me travel through Europe in an instant. When I’m in the mood to have a few days off but I can’t due to a million obligations, I settle for the next best thing – picking a DVD and clicking on “play.” The Sound of Music [...]

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Fly to Europe from the USA at discounted rates – deadline on March 26!

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 4 March 2009

Fly to Europe with great deals from American Airlines. They’ve got discounted tickets to Europe — and at incredible prices! Take note, these prices are based on one way rates to make them look cheaper, but even if you do multiply the rate by two, it’s still a pretty good rate! If you’re into last [...]

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Delftware, a favorite Dutch souvenir

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 19 March 2009

Dutch souvenirs from Delft Most travelers visit no further than Amsterdam when they come over to the Netherlands. To cap their trip, the search for interesting souvenirs begins. A lot of these will have the blue on white designs of windmills and dutch countrylife or landscape. Delftware has been around since the late 16th century [...]

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Best Places to Shop in Rome

by Guiseppe Mancuzo 3 April 2009

One of the big attractions for anyone on a visit to Rome is the shopping, and there are plenty of attractions for tourists. If you love shopping but don’t know where to start when it comes to Rome, here are some options.

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Uitsmijter, a Dutch snack that’s easier to eat than pronounce

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 23 March 2009

An uitsmijter looks to me like a heavy breakfast but to most Dutch people, it’s mostly labelled as a snack (a really heavy one). Some of my non-Dutch friends here didn’t even know what it was and they’ve been living here longer than I have! Here’s how to do it: Get one large plate. The [...]

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Paella Valenciana: A Taste of Spain

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 1 June 2009

Planning to visit Spain soon? Add a little bit of inspiration and excitement by preparing Paella Valenciana! When I think of Spain, one of the first visions I have is paella. And I’m  not the only one. The province of Valencia considers their paella as its provincial pride. The earliest known versions of Paella Valenciana [...]

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Eating Carbonara, Dreaming of Rome

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 15 June 2009

I love Spaghetti Carbonara. It’s easy to make and my sons make me feel I’m the best cook in the world. But, it’s not just the taste that I love. Carbonara takes me temporarily to the Eternal City. Rome is one of those cities that you just don’t visit once. I’ve been there several times [...]

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Jewelry travel organizer: jewels travel safe in a pretty bag

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 28 August 2009

A jewelry travel organizer made so pretty, it will remind you to keep your jewelry properly when you’re out traveling. I’ve learned my lesson, I used to just dump my necklace, watch and rings in the hotel ash tray (a clean one but yet an ashtray!!) until I left my Paris hotel for the airport [...]

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Where’s the ladies room?

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 7 November 2009

One of the first things women ask me during their Europe travel is what “ladies room” is in various European languages. We always have a fun time practicing these words: Dutch: WC (pronounce “vay-say”) French: toilet (pronounced “twalet”) German: toiletten Italian: la toilette/ il bagno Spanish: el baño Of course, the easiest thing to do [...]

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Travel Deal: Hotel Modigliani Last Minute Offer

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 18 March 2009

Hotel Modigliani in Rome provides a discount for those booking last minute from march 15 to April 9, 2009. For a standard room, pay only 120 euros instead of 188 euros, per room per night! I’ve booked a few clients at this hotel and only got rave reviews from them over the phone when they [...]

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Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night and other paintings as fun jewelry souvenirs

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 7 September 2009

When I heard that Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night would be displayed at the Van Gogh Museum for a limited period, I just had to make sure to see it. I have been semi-obsessed in seeing the original ever since Miss Sy (or was it Miss Tsai) talked about it during Art History twenty or [...]

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How To Determine A Good Wine

by Tom Johnson 18 May 2009

Determining a good quality wine requires understanding how wine quality is determined and how that affects the price. When you understand this, you can be sure that you are making the best wine purchase for the value of your hard earned money.

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The Right Way to Taste Wine

by Irene Mmari 6 April 2009

Wine tasting is not as hard as you think. You don’t need to have formal training and anyone can do it. As far as etiquette is concerned, the ladies are normally served up before the men. Be prepared to be given bottled water served at room temperature at your wine tasting party. You might find this peculiar but the water is used to clean the roof of the mouth out ready for the next sample of wine. Make sure that the water you are given is not too cold as this can shock the roof of the mouth and ruin the taste of your next drink.

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Keukenhof: Tulips of Holland in full bloom

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 1 May 2009

Tulips take my troubles away. So, at this time of the year, I always look forward to visiting the Keukenhof. There’s still time – last day is May 21, 2009. If you’re based in Amsterdam, there are several ways to get to the Keukenhof. There is the Combi-ticket, which, by its name means that you [...]

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Traveling Chic? Go Boutique!

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 17 April 2009

Boutique hotels stand for exclusive, one of a kind, beautiful, creative, charming and itsy-bitsy expensive. This type of hotel has existed in Europe for ages but leave it to an American to brand it. It is said that it was Steve Rubell who coined the term when he, together with Ian Shrager, opened a hotel [...]

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Flying cheap… not bad at all with cheap Europe flights

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 31 July 2009

If you have a limited time in Europe, you can still fly using cheap European airlines. Sometimes, there are promotional flights for as low as a euro! Don’t expect rockstar treatment. Most of these flights are no frill flights. Frills such as drinks and eats are still available but you’ll just have to make sure [...]

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Short strip on stroopwafels

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 4 May 2009

It’s always a lot of fun to go to the weekly market and find out what there is to take home to family. These photos were taken last month when I was out with a girlfriend. She discovered these larger sized stroopwafels and wanted to share this precious find with me. I had a fun [...]

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Your netbook as travel companion? Here are some travel tips

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 12 May 2009

The perfect travel companion is thin and light. Nope, it’s not your favorite girlfriend — although she’ll love you forever if she thinks you’re describing her — I’m talking about a handy travel laptop, or better yet, a mini notebook or netbook. I admit I love having my iPhone with me but at the end [...]

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You’re the star at Madame Tussauds

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 15 May 2009

Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam adds a lot of fun and laughs to your stay in Europe. After visiting all those must-see paintings and other historical treasures at the Rijksmuseum, Ann Frank House, Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums, head for Dam Square. You won’t miss Madame Tussauds museum. It’s the one with the long queue. I [...]

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Packing your bras? Check out the bra bag!

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 26 May 2009

I just happened to stumble across these Bra Bags and Panty Paks. They look really cute and might be ideal for the super meticulous women travelers with big cup sizes (I don’t belong to the first category… and the second!). These chic bra bags handle your precious pieces with utmost care. There are various colors [...]

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What’s the best way to get from Paris to Rome?

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 12 June 2009

Friends and clients often ask  – What’s the best way to get from Paris to Rome? Paris and Rome are two of the famous destinations in Europe for both first time travelers and those who love returning to Europe for vacation or short holidays. I love these two cities, too! So, because this is an [...]

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6 minute bikini body before heading for that beach vacation

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 7 July 2009

I’ve been living in the Netherlands for 4 years now and didn’t notice that I packed in a  few kilos until I was in the Philippines for Christmas last year. I’ve always dressed in layers since the temperatures in Europe are much cooler than they are in Manila. I’ve even forgot what it felt like [...]

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Goor Schoolfeest Parade

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 28 June 2009

The town of Goor, located in the Province of Overijssel in the Netherlands, celebrates its feast during the last weekend of June. This is the time of absolute merrymaking. Not only for the townspeople but also people from all over the country drop by and share in the merriment! Beer, lots of beer, is consumed [...]

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European Walk of Fame in Rotterdam

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 23 June 2009

When I asked my husband about the must-sees in Rotterdam, he just shrugged his shoulders and said – the Erasmus Bridge. I stayed the night at the Golden Tulip in Rotterdam and had a great view of the Erasmus Bridge. Was that it? I didn’t even bother to check online about the other attractions since [...]

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Visualize your European vacation playing the 10 Days in Europe Game

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 3 July 2009

I’ll be honest with you. I’ve never played the game but it’s a good way to get you in the mood and visualizing for that trip to Europe! Here’s the product description: Get Packing! You have 10 Days in Europe – Touring by plane, boat, or on foot. Chart your course from start to finish [...]

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I miss Michael Jackson

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 30 June 2009

Michael Jackson’s music was very much a part of my Childhood to my early twenties. At the Break of Dawn waking up to news from Pinky, my sister, that Michael Jackson passed away due to cardiac arrest left me in a daze and Speechless. I told my sons my sad news that an icon just [...]

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Radisson SAS Hotel, Brussels

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 28 September 2009

The Radisson SAS Hotel is my fave home away from home when I’m in Brussels. Haven’t been there this year but I thought I’d share my thoughts about the hotel here. The service at the reception was excellent! They made me feel that their goal that day was to welcome me to the hotel. Heehee, [...]

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How to eat raw herring

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 21 August 2009

Another Dutch snack I love is raw herring, or as they call it here — maatjes. You’ll find these red, white and blue stalls mostly in the center of cities and towns in the Netherlands. These stalls normally have all the food on display, so be on the lookout for the raw herring. Signs like [...]

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Got everything you need for your trip? Don’t forget Twitter

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 9 July 2009

I try to send tweets out often but end up only sending tweets once in a while. Thus, my admiration for Benji Lanyado and his TwiTrips! I don’t write for the Guardian and 4 out of my 6 fans on my Facebook page are 4 of my sisters (still waiting for my two other sisters [...]

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A Unique Travel Experience On An Extraordinary Spanish Island

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 11 July 2009

The Island of Majorca is in the Western Mediterranean Sea, just off the east coast of Spain. It is a busy holiday island during the summer months but less crowded in winter and spring. Palma is the capital city of Majorca and it is a great place for shopping and doing a bit of sight [...]

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Visiting flea markets or Dutch farmhouses on sunny days

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 17 July 2009

One of my weaknesses (or strengths) is visiting markets. I just prefer going around when the day is sunny or at least dry. It’s pretty optimistic to want to have sunny days in the Netherlands, so when the sun shines, I’m in my market visiting mood. We’ve just moved into a new home, so I [...]

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Adventure travel a la Amazing Race

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 24 July 2009

If you’re the type who goes for adventure travel in Europe, how about considering Competitours for that next trip? This isn’t for those who just want to hang out the entire day at the museum or go shopping for hours. There are activities you need to accomplish within a certain time frame and this goes [...]

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Under the Tuscan Sun

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 14 August 2009

Since I am still dreaming of my Florence trip, I thought I’d watch Under the Tuscan Sun… again. I just adore the setting and the adventures of Frances (Diane Lane’s character). The little details in the movie about the Tuscan lifestyle makes one look forward to visiting Florence and Tuscany! Alright, most women are pretty [...]

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Birth of Venus inspiration for your Florence trip

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 7 August 2009

Boticelli’s Birth of Venus is one of the most popular artworks to see at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. I’ve been to Florence several times accompanying groups who come to see the main sites of Europe in 2 to 3 weeks. An afternoon in Florence is not enough to appreciate all that Renaissance has to [...]

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Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 14 September 2009

It was just a few days ago that I watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. Although I’m a few decades older than the four girls in the movie, the theme of great girlfriends and traveling and the perfect pair of jeans got me interested.

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Add charm to your travel souvenirs – hang them up!

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 21 September 2009

Look what I found! The cutest little half skirt wall decor to pretty up a blank wall! I’m sure you’ve got a box filled with tiny travel souvenirs you just don’t have the heart to throw away.

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Leaning tower of Pisa travel trinket

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 7 October 2009

The leaning tower of Pisa remains to be one the most visited landmarks in Italy. Could it be because us women are as resilient as the tower? That no matter what the situation, we remain standing? I’m a big fan of Nostalgems and found this Leaning tower of Pisa vintage pendant. Perfect to wear as [...]

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Marie Antoinette, 18th century’s pretty in pink princess

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 14 October 2009

When I see something about Marie Antoinette, I think of Versailles. Marie Antoinette was one of the most influential women during her time and her life story continues to attract lots of attention. If you’re heading for Paris, I’m pretty sure, you’re thinking of spending a day at the palace of Versailles. Prepare yourself by [...]

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Still going gaga over Marie Antoinette

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 21 October 2009

Oh, and if a day tour of Versailles is too short for you, there is one that is five days long. It’s called the Marie Antoinette Tour, travel in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette… this is very exciting — well, except for the beheading part.

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Travel purse with ruffles

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 28 October 2009

This travel purse with ruffles doesn’t really look like a purse so I am assuming it doesn’t attract roving eyes of bag snatchers when you go out at night.

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Health tips for women who love to travel

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 14 November 2009

When you’re going on vacation, you don’t change your health habits on the day of departure. This should happen even before you leave. Here are a few health tips:

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Travel light and 6 other cards of Pocket Inspiration

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 14 November 2009

Women love being inspired. We watch movies, read books, arrange flowers, sew, cook, paint, play the piano to get us going. Guess what I found… these delightful little cards filled with the simplest thoughts. Pure inspiration!

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That Mona Lisa smile

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 28 November 2009

The Mona Lisa is immortalized as having THE mysterious smile. Hmmm, she’s got something up her sleeve and to this day, both men and women can just guess what she’s smiling about. What is it, Mona Lisa?

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Celebrating Sinterklaas in the Netherlands

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 8 December 2009

Adults and children alike get all excited when they find out that it is a foreigner’s first time to witness the arrival of Sinterklaas. I don’t know why but every time I see children greeting him, it always brings tears to my eyes.

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Stocking fillers for women who love to travel below $5

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 10 December 2009

I’ve been checking out stocking filler travel gifts for ideas on what to give my friends. I’m thinking travel here to inspire them to go and discover places next year! Here are some of my ideas.

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Cologne Christmas market – gluhwein, bratwurst and loads of fun

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 15 December 2009

Get to enjoy your own merriment this Christmas. If you’re living in Europe, make plans to head off to Germany to visit a Christmas market. Or if you live anywhere else, plan next year’s Europe travel with the Christmas markets in mind!

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Gluhwein recipe for post-Christmas market madness

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 17 December 2009

Ahhhh, still relishing the Cologne Christmas market. Since I took home the gluhwein mug (they sell these at the market for 4.50 euros), I could whip up our own gluhwein — Yeah!

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Merry Christmas!

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 25 December 2009
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Do Buy Italian Cheeses And Take A Regional Journey

by Luigi DeMarco 5 January 2010

If you are looking for great cheeses Italy has hundreds on offer, so buy Italian cheese and take a gastronomic journey via its regional offerings. Cheeses made by add another distinction. Go online and explore the expanding number or venture into retail specialty stores to see how many cheeses are now available.

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5 Top Europe Travel Ideas

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 8 January 2010

By Micah Waters If heading to the beautiful, culturally diverse continent of Europe is in your travel plans this upcoming year, here are the top five- or more specifically, the European cities – that can’t be missed! London, England – For tourists intimidated by their lack of foreign language skills, London is the perfect comfortable [...]

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Cathedrals Of Europe

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 12 January 2010

By Chris Bonds Being an enthusiast of great architecture as well as a history buff, I have developed a fascination, with European cathedrals. My wife has never quite shared my passion, but since she adores traveling and shopping, we have a perfect arrangement. Our special time of the year is Easter, for the religious significance [...]

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Some of the Different Shops and Markets Available in Barcelona

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 15 January 2010

By Daniel Lesser One of the great things about visiting Barcelona is the experience you will have exploring its excellent variety of fresh foods and fantastic deals on clothing and merchandise. Barcelona has great deals on a wide array of products available to the public and their many markets and shops. Therefore, it’s no wonder [...]

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The Angels and Demons Walk in Rome

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 19 January 2010

By Tony Maniscalco Walking in Italy doesn’t usually conjure up images of a peaceful city break sauntering around the sites of Rome, but there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be the case. The term ‘flaneuring’ was coined by Charles Baudelaire in 1917 and is defined as’ a person who walks a city in order to [...]

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Mamma Mia in Greece

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 22 January 2010

By Tony Maniscalco Go walking in Greece on the beautiful island of Skopelos. The island was the setting for the hit musical ‘Mamma Mia’ and on a walking break you too can sing and dance your way around the island. Skopelos, located in the Sporades, is one of the best islands for walking in Greece. [...]

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Oberammergau – Devoted to a Passionate Promise

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 26 January 2010

By Vicki Landes Located in southern Germany not far from the Austrian border, Oberammergau is adorably charismatic and enchanting. Streets are lined with half-timbered houses whose flower boxes are exploding with brilliant red blooms. Many of the buildings are adorned with ‘lüftlmalerei’ – ornate fresco-like paintings on the outside walls, meant to display the residents’ [...]

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Oberammergau vintage ashtray

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 29 January 2010

Spotted this Oberammergau vintage ashtray from CallMeOut on etsy! This year is when Oberammergau performs their Passion Play. Don’t you just love vintage pieces? They’ve got other interesting stuff, too. If you’re planning to include Oberammergau in your trip this year, there are still some tickets left. For more information, Check out my Oberammergau packages.

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Cagliari Explored – A Driving Tour of Cagliari, Sardinia

by Mica Calica-Kerkdijk 2 February 2010

By Michelle Elkins There is no better way to experience a destination then under your own steam and the tiny Italian island of Sardinia is the ideal place to do this. Instead of the usual fare, you can choose to spend your time flitting between the irridescent blue waters and fine, sandy beaches to ancient [...]

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