2021 began off on a quiet observe. Like most components of the world, the Netherlands remained in lockdown. Restrictions had been regularly lifted in early-spring, and because the months handed, we had been quickly capable of journey once more. I stayed put for a lot of the primary half of the 12 months. My lockdown routine consisted primarily of engaged on this weblog, making an attempt new recipes, lengthy walks and binge-watching. I used to be particularly grateful for the joy supplied by the Euro (soccer/soccer) Championships and the Tokyo Olympics!
When eating places, cafés and retailers had been allowed to function once more, I went on varied journeys across the Netherlands. After being absolutely inoculated, I went on my first cross-border journey (to France) in August. This was adopted by a number of journeys to a few of my favorite nations in Europe, together with Spain and Italy. So, regardless of the pandemic, I’m grateful I received to journey! Listed below are a few of my favorite journey experiences from 2021:
A snowy winter in Amsterdam
This was my spotlight of the primary few months of 2021! A chilly entrance from Siberia resulted in snowfall and freezing temperatures in Amsterdam. The town, coated in snow, seemed completely magical. Every week later, the canals had been sufficiently frozen for everybody to enterprise out onto the ice. It really was particular to see Amsterdam within the snow!
Netherlands street journeys
I deliberate a number of street journeys in the Netherlands as quickly as eating places, museums and points of interest had been open once more. One of many areas I explored was in central Netherlands across the Delta of the Nice Rivers. This stunning area, with its attractive riverine surroundings, medieval cities, castles and nature parks, is one I can completely advocate for any customer to the Netherlands.
One other a part of the Netherlands I visited was Friesland within the north. I spent every week exploring Friesland, a province of limitless meadows, lakes and historic cities.
One other noteworthy place I visited was Giethoorn, one of the vital stunning villages within the Netherlands. Usually crowded with vacationers and daytrippers, Giethoorn was splendidly serene because of the pandemic.
I additionally went on a nature getaway one weekend. Lower than an hour away from Amsterdam lies the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, an space of low hills and thick forests. I spent the weekend mountain climbing within the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and visiting quite a few historic points of interest similar to Europe’s largest pyramid!
Montpellier
As quickly as I knew once I would obtain my second jab, I scoured the Mediterranean coast seeking a summer time vacation vacation spot. I selected Montpellier, an exquisite metropolis within the south of France. Near the hills (and vineyards) of the Languedoc, and the lagoons and wild seashores of the Camargue, Montpellier was the proper base from which to discover the area. Learn extra about issues to do in Montpellier.
Sitges
This beautiful seashore city south of Barcelona is one in every of my favorite summer time getaways. Apart from the seashores, Sitges has nice eating places, a stunning outdated city with its maze of streets and delightful Artwork Nouveau buildings, and a vibrant nightlife. I celebrated my birthday there with my finest good friend who was visiting from Canada – a protracted weekend of terrific meals, leisurely walks alongside the promenade and enjoyable on the seashore! Examine issues to do in Sitges.
Southern Germany street journey
This one-week street journey in southern Germany was one other of my favorite journey experiences in 2021! I began in Munich and made my means south to the Alps, continued alongside the foothills of the Alps earlier than reaching Lake Constance. From there, I headed north to Stuttgart. Alongside the best way, I handed quite a few medieval cities, gorgeous Alpine surroundings, and numerous castles and fortresses. Among the many highlights of this journey had been the castles of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof; the fascinating columns of STOA 169; and Tübingen, a splendidly photogenic medieval city.
Rhône River cruise
October was my busiest journey month of the 12 months, with two wonderful back-to-back journeys. I began with a return to France, this time to Lyon, the place I launched into a one-week Rhône River cruise with the Avalon Poetry II.
This river cruise within the south of France introduced us previous a few of the most stunning locations within the area such because the Beaujolais, Ardeche Gorge, Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Camargue. It was a blissful week of nice meals and wines, gorgeous landscapes, fascinating locations, and unforgettable experiences with my blogger mates.
Emilia-Romagna Artwork Cities street journey
My second journey in October took me again to Emilia-Romagna, Italy. My project was to cowl the eleven Artwork Cities of Emilia-Romagna on an eight-day street journey. As if eleven cities weren’t sufficient, I made a decision to additionally discover the medieval villages and hill cities alongside the best way! It turned out to be an epic Emilia-Romagna street journey, one I received’t simply overlook!
Palma de Mallorca
On the final minute, I made a decision to attend a convention in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. It was nice to see lots of my blogger mates once more, and discover Palma, a fully great metropolis! I took a while off from the convention to stroll round Palma and uncover town’s stunning structure.
On to 2022
Regardless of the challenges posed by the pandemic, I made it by 2021 safely and in good well being, and I’m actually grateful that I received to journey once more! The one factor I didn’t get to do was go to my household in Malaysia, one thing I hope to do within the new 12 months.
The Netherlands is presently again in a lockdown. I hope it received’t final so long as the earlier one! It’s anybody’s guess what 2022 will convey, although I’m positive the pandemic will proceed to dominate the information. I’m celebrating a particular private milestone in 2022 so I hope I’ll be capable to do this with few restrictions. 😉
To all my readers, a giant thanks for persevering with to go to my weblog! I want you a brand new 12 months full of affection, good well being, success and fabulous journey experiences!
