Category Archives: Europe

by the Baltic Sea: On the Road to Liepaj

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Kiki

It was a four hour drive to Liepaja, and I slept in the back seat for most of the trip. There is one main rest stop, and we took a break there on the way and on the way back. … Continue reading →

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By the Baltic Sea: Lido and the Latvian National Gallery in Riga

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Kiki

Friday we went to Lido, a very reasonably-priced cafeteria frequented by locals. The helpings were ridiculous, I had thought America had a lock on giant portions. There were around six fish dishes, even more meat dishes, a giant wok filled … Continue reading →

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Amsterdam: Taste of Amsterdam

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Kiki

When I was buying a ticket online for the Van Gogh Museum, I saw an ad for something called “Taste of Amsterdam.” How could I resist? The event was held in a large, gorgeous park, and included a market as … Continue reading →

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The Freak Valley Fest Netphen Germany

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Kiki

Bob’s Band, The Freeks, played this psychedelic metal festival with his band … It was located in a camp, perhaps a camp for disabled kids because there was some accessible playground equipment. It was a nice location, with a big … Continue reading →

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By the Sea by the Sea by the Baltic Sea: Riga

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Kiki

Thursday evening we landed in Riga. Bob’s mom picked us up at the airport and we checked into our hotel, The Radisson Blu. The Radisson is a good mid-range hotel. They are clean and reliable, and more upscale than a … Continue reading →

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Ich Bin Ein Berliner: Now I Got a Reason

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Kiki Maraschino

Remember when cabbies used to know their city better than anyone? They could take you to the best steakhouse and knew every shortcut to the airport. They could even get you hookers and blow, or so i have been told. … Continue reading →

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Ich Bin Ein Berliner: Dali at Potsdamer Platz

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Kiki

Potsdamer Platz was also the location of a Dali Museum. In a mall. And that is why I was there. There were some nice sculptures, and an unreal amount of book illustrations. Naturally, I loved the Alice in Wonderland illustrations … Continue reading →

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Ich bin ein Berliner: Saturday: Off to Market

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Kiki Maraschino

This morning as I headed out for the day at the crack of noon, as my dad used to say, i chatted with an Italian couple who had just arrived. After i set out for the street market a young … Continue reading →

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Ich bin ein Berliner: Monsterkabinet is Awesome!

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Kiki Maraschino

If you ever find yourself in Berlin, you absolutely must go to Monsterkabinet. It was the most creative and fun attraction I have ever seen. It is something of a cross between a haunted house and an art exhibit. It … Continue reading →

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Ich Bin Ein Berliner: Lutter & Wagner at Gendarmenmarkt

Posted on July 26, 2020 by Kiki

“In 1811, the wine merchants Christoph Lutter and August F. Wegner opened a wine shop on Gendarmenmarkt, which in no time at all enjoyed an excellent reputation. They became purveyors to the court of the Prussian crown prince, Frederick William … Continue reading →

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Ich bin ein Berliner: Welcome and The Zoo

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Kiki

More than any other place I have traveled so far, I had a difficult time in Germany. There were a lot of complex procedures and rules of conduct that I was unaware of, and when you break them, Germans get … Continue reading →

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I amsterdam: Dutch Culture

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Kiki Maraschino

I have 2 questions whenever I arrive at a new place. Question 1. Can you jaywalk? Yes. But cars and bikes will run you over–even if you are in a crosswalk! Between the street and the bike lane, it is … Continue reading →

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Rotterdam: Foodhallen

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Kiki

There was a much more extensive Foodhall in Rotterdam than in Amsterdam. Besides the prepared food, there were counters of spices and cheeses and sit-down restaurants. It was right next to the train station and just across the street from … Continue reading →

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Rotterdam: Mooii

Posted on December 27, 2018 by

Citizen M did not have a restaurant, but it faced a large square with at least 5 restaurants, and if you wanted to walk around the small harbor, there was a whole restaurant row with some really jumping bars. It … Continue reading →

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Rotterdam: Thoroughly Modern Citizen M

Posted on August 10, 2018 by Kiki

I had heard a lot about the architecture in Rotterdam, with one striking example being the yellow cube houses (Kubuswoningen). As soon as you exit the train station they are right there, and continue across the street right to my … Continue reading →

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