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Villa Augustus – My Secret Garden (Well, Not So Secret Anymore)

As soon as the first warm rays of sunshine peek through the clouds and the buds dare to bloom, I too emerge—like some sleepy bear stepping out of hibernation. I always say it, loud and clear: I do not like winter. Full stop. But spring? Spring gives me wings. Literally. Like in that famous energy drink ad—but prettier and more poetic.

The sun lures me outside like a mischievous child waving a secret, and I can’t resist. I toss a book into the basket of my bike and start pedaling. I cross the Merwede by ferry, that charming little detour, and lose myself among the narrow streets of Dordrecht—a town that’s been around since 1220 and proudly holds the title of the oldest city in South Holland.
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24 Hours In Köln

They say that once you visit your first German city, you’ll be hooked—and I’m here to confirm: it’s true. One glimpse at the mix of centuries-old architecture, war-era scars, and modern glass-and-steel giants, and your curiosity gets greedy. It wants more. And more. And more.

We started our adventure with a weekend visit to Frechen, a small, sleepy town just 12 kilometers south of Cologne. From there, we took the S-Bahn—Germany’s über-punctual suburban train system—into the heart of the action. The ride? A quick 18 minutes. The entertainment? Unexpectedly fabulous. Our fellow passengers were dressed for Karneval: feathers, glitter, painted faces, and wigs that would make Lady Gaga proud. Cologne’s “Crazy Days” were about to begin, and it was clear we had arrived just in time for the pre-party.
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One Week in Den Helder: Blue Skies, Fairytales and Chocolate Cravings

Saturday morning started the only way any good Saturday should—coffee first, always. (Coffee addict here, remember?) Once the caffeine hit just right, we packed a few bags and headed off on a little adventure to the north of the Netherlands.

Our destination? Julianadorp aan Zee, a charming village just 4 km south of Den Helder, the northernmost city in the Netherlands. We booked a cozy bungalow in Strandslag, nestled right at the foot of the sand dunes lining the North Sea. Read more