Welcome back to England 🏴 🩷
Welcome back to England 🏴 🩷
2024-07-21 14:56:23 +0000 UTC View Post
travellover2025 posts
Enjoying the afternoon tea 🫖 🧁 🥪 🍾 🩷
Enjoying the afternoon tea 🫖 🧁 🥪 🍾 🩷
2024-07-19 14:13:12 +0000 UTC View PostNo worries - I'm still alive 😉 Sorry for the long absence 😬 ..
No worries - I'm still alive 😉 Sorry for the long absence 😬 I have so many great impressions to process here. Lovely wishes from Inverness (unfortunately half my holiday is now over ....) Kisses 😘
2024-07-14 12:41:05 +0000 UTC View PostI love my Scotland-Trip 🩷 Location: Torrs Warren Country Hot..
I love my Scotland-Trip 🩷
Location: Torrs Warren Country Hotel
With the ferry ⛴️ from Calais/France to Dover/England. Was w..
With the ferry ⛴️ from Calais/France to Dover/England. Was windy 🌬️ Then off to Windsor. What a city. So amazing. Love it there. An amazing walk along the Themse (river) 🩷 and lunch in a pub. Pics of Windsor will follow later.
2024-07-06 20:17:56 +0000 UTC View PostOn my way to summer holidays ☀️
On my way to summer holidays ☀️
2024-07-05 17:13:28 +0000 UTC View PostTomorrow I will start my trip to Scotland 🏴 🩷
Tomorrow I will start my trip to Scotland 🏴 🩷
2024-07-04 18:40:07 +0000 UTC View Post⚽️ Ready for Football (soccer) ⚽️ Kisses 😘
⚽️ Ready for Football (soccer) ⚽️ Kisses 😘
2024-06-29 15:45:43 +0000 UTC View PostAfter wine tasting and eating oysters, I headed back to my v..
After wine tasting and eating oysters, I headed back to my vacation home through the beautiful countryside of Languedoc/Southern France. Together with the Midi-Pyrénées, it now forms the French region of Occitania. It spoils you with endless beaches on the beautiful Mediterranean. And there are impressive cultural monuments to discover in the region's cities: the imposing amphitheater in Nîmes, for example, or the world-famous Pont du Gard aqueduct. Plus: good wine and walks in the countryside. We crossed the world's longest cable-stayed bridge with the world's highest bridge pillar - the Viduc de Millau. It carries the A75, which is located here, 2,460 m and up to 270 m high over the river Tarn and its valley. Absolutely impressive! Kisses 😘
2024-06-27 16:03:23 +0000 UTC View PostHave I ever mentioned that I love oysters 🦪? I certainly hav..
Have I ever mentioned that I love oysters 🦪? I certainly haven't said anything about it since March 🤣 I love oysters. Where better than freshly caught right by the sea? After the Domain Paul Mas, I first had to fortify myself properly. With a fantastic view of the Étang de Thau. Before you ask: Yes, the entire plate of oysters 🦪 ended up in my tummy! 😍 With a nice and cold glass of white wine!
The Étang de Thau is the largest and deepest lagoon (on average 4.5 meters and up to 10 meters deep) of all the lagoons in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
As a true inland sea, the Etang de Thau is only separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow sandbank called "le Lido".
The Etang de Thau is a natural habitat unlike any other in Europe. The lagoon has a unique ecological diversity, in which over 400 plant species grow and over 100 animal species live.
Shellfish are the main resource of the Etang de Thau. The region's mussel and oyster farming is provided by 2,800 raft-like frames where liners are cultivated, divided among 800 local farms. 13,000 tons of oysters, 90 percent of which are Pacific oysters, are cultivated in the 19-kilometre-long and five-kilometre-wide inland sea and enjoyed fresh on its shores.
The oysters from Bouzigues are fleshy and of a remarkable taste quality, which is the reason for their excellent reputation. Kisses 😘
I took a trip to the Languedoc/France. The grapes for fantas..
I took a trip to the Languedoc/France. The grapes for fantastic wines grow here. As I had done a few years previously, I stopped off at the renowned Paul Mas domain. A little snack and a few drops tasted. And a few nice bottles have already ended up in my trunk! The Domain Paul Mas is located near Montagnac in the immediate vicinity of the Mediterranean. A fantastic area! Kisses 😘
2024-06-25 16:46:53 +0000 UTC View PostEnjoy your Saturday 🩷 Kisses 😘
Enjoy your Saturday 🩷 Kisses 😘
2024-06-22 10:33:02 +0000 UTC View PostMy favorite color? Pink 🩷 I was so happy when I found this g..
My favorite color? Pink 🩷 I was so happy when I found this girl's dream come true in Épernay/Champagne. And immediately changed my birthday wish! Now the bottle 🍾 🥂 is sitting quietly in my vinothek in the wine fridge, waiting for a worthy occasion 🥳 👯 ! Hotel-Location: Château d’Étoges…..Kisses 😘
2024-06-19 15:04:57 +0000 UTC View Post„I only drink champagne on two occasions: When I am in love ..
„I only drink champagne on two occasions: When I am in love and when I am not!“ (Coco Chanel)
Far away from German wine-growing regions 🍷(and Italian....), I'm travelling through French territory for the first time (before heading to Bordeaux afterwards). And since I believe that champagne 🥂 🍾 always works, I absolutely had to visit this incredibly beautiful region! A must: a guided tour of the cellar. Selected in the Ruinart cellar, which is absolutely worth seeing! Wow! Deep down in the chalk cliffs 🪨 I had an explosion of the senses! Listen: Music, see: Light installation, smell: Champagne flavours in the glass, taste: the tingle on the tongue, feel: this incredible environment! I found my new favourite brand of sparkling water! 😉 Kisses 😘
Home is where the cathedral ⛪️ is - that's what they say in ..
Home is where the cathedral ⛪️ is - that's what they say in Cologne (or Kölle, as the locals call it). Even from a distance, you can see the most striking landmark, the cathedral, in the bay of Cologne and your heart 🩷 leaps for joy. Cologne Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the Gothic style. Its construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880. Some art historians have described the cathedral as a "perfect cathedral" due to its uniform and balanced design and, at 157.38 metres, it is the second tallest sacred building in Germany after Ulm Minster and the third tallest church in the world. It houses the Shrine of the Epiphany with the relics of the Three Kings 👑👑👑. Numerous antique gems and cameos alone, with 300 cut stones, represent the largest collection of antique picture stones of the Middle Ages in the world. From Epiphany (6 January) to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (the Sunday after Epiphany), the trapezoidal panel at the front of the shrine is open so that the "skulls of the Magi" can be seen behind a grille. And one of the largest swinging church bells in the world rings regularly in the tower: St Peter's bell - or the "dicke Pitter", as the people of Cologne call it. Incidentally, I was able to experience a private evening tour under the floor slab of the cathedral. Impressive! Kisses 😘
2024-06-13 15:56:01 +0000 UTC View PostAnyone visiting Cologne has to cross the Hohenzollern Bridge..
Anyone visiting Cologne has to cross the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Together with the neighbouring main railway station 🚉 , it is one of the most important junctions in the German and European railway network. Together with Cologne Cathedral, the structure is an integral part of Cologne's cityscape and, with 1220 train journeys per day, it is the busiest railway bridge in Germany.
Yes, the bridge is beautiful to look at. However, it has been known for something else for years - the tradition of couples in love attaching a small padlock 🔒, labelled with their name and date, to the railings of the Hohenzollern Bridge in order to - quite romantically - swear eternal love and fidelity to each other. The key 🔑 is traditionally thrown into the Rhine together. I love romances! Kisses 😘
An evening out in Cologne! You have to make the most of the ..
An evening out in Cologne! You have to make the most of the nice weather here! Our Rhine is currently carrying quite a lot of water. The boats are still travelling! Unfortunately, the Old Town is always directly affected by flooding. However, unlike many other regions in Germany, we have still been spared. The normal water level of the Rhine near Cologne is 3.21 metres. It is currently at 5.17 metres.
The Rhine promenade with its old town and lovely pubs is an ideal place to go out in the evening and enjoy a "Kölsch". Kölsch is a light-coloured, bright (filtered) and top-fermented full beer 😉 I have to admit: I don't drink beer 😉 Or very rarely.......
Kisses 😘 and fingers crossed 🤞 for better weather with more (lot more) sun) ☀️
Wish you a happy & lovely start of your weekend tomorrow. Ki..
Wish you a happy & lovely start of your weekend tomorrow. Kisses 😘
2024-06-06 17:15:25 +0000 UTC View PostBensberg Palace is also pure pleasure from the inside. After..
Bensberg Palace is also pure pleasure from the inside. After 1945, it was first used by American, British and, from 1946, Belgian occupying troops. From 1965 to 1997, it served as the seat of a Belgian grammar school.
The building was converted into a grand hotel in 1997. It has 84 rooms and 36 suites and three restaurants, including the two-star Vendôme restaurant under the direction of Joachim Wissler. The Enoteca also serves excellent Italian food. Or you can enjoy the Sunday champagne brunch in the restaurant named after the castle builder Jan Wellem. English tea time is also a real treat!
Bensberg Castle is a hunting lodge/castle built in the early..
Bensberg Castle is a hunting lodge/castle built in the early 18th century, which is now used as a grand hotel.
The style of the building was modelled on Versailles Palace and Winchester Castle. The central axis of the building complex is precisely aligned with Cologne Cathedral, which is 14 kilometres away as the crow flies. From up here you have a fantastic view of the Bay of Cologne. Kisses 😘
However, I wasn't actually in Aachen as a tourist, but took ..
However, I wasn't actually in Aachen as a tourist, but took part in a big party at the Eurogress (THE congress and event centre in Aachen, right next to the casino). I can do the big stage too....! 😉 3 days of big wardrobe and show walking. 😉 The big performance! Just what girls like! However, after 3 days on super high heels, I couldn't walk another metre on Sunday. 🤣 Hotel location: Parkhotel Quellenhof. Kisses 😘
2024-05-23 16:00:23 +0000 UTC View PostFor centuries, Aachen Cathedral (episcopal church of the dio..
For centuries, Aachen Cathedral (episcopal church of the diocese of Aachen, foundation stone laid in 795, consecration in 803) was the coronation site of German kings and emperors - today it is considered a landmark of the city and its cathedral treasury houses one of the most important ecclesiastical treasuries north of the Alps.
The cathedral building saga is a very popular story and tells of the construction of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen, the oldest part of today's Aachen Cathedral, by Charlemagne. Charles wanted only the best materials to be used for the cathedral. When he left for a long war, he instructed the city council to complete the building by the time he returned. Due to the costs of the war, the city council soon ran out of money, construction came to a standstill and the craftsmen left. In their plight, the councillors made a pact with the devil and promised him the first soul to enter the church once the building was completed in exchange for further funding of the cathedral construction[1].
Although the devil's pact was supposed to be kept secret, word got around and nobody wanted to be the first to enter the completed church. A monk asked for advice explained to the councillors that they had promised the devil a soul, but not a human soul, so it could also be an animal soul. The councillors then had a wolf caught and driven into the church. The devil tore the wolf's soul out of his body and only then realised that he had been cheated. Enraged, he slammed the door so hard as he left the church that it was cracked. He also jammed his thumb on one of the door pulls when slamming the door. Check it out. You can still feel the thumb in the right-hand door pull! And the crack in the door is clearly visible. Who knows, who knows .... Maybe something is right after all! And: I know the cathedral very well even at night - from the inside, mind you! 😉 😘 Kisses 😘
There are 3 population groups in Aachen: 1/3 locals, 1/3 stu..
There are 3 population groups in Aachen: 1/3 locals, 1/3 students, 1/3 tourists. As I was born there on 10 July, I belonged to the first for 1/2 year, then to the second for 5 years during my studies and now to the third. What a great time (I can't remember the very first one 😉). Aachen is a city in the border triangle of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and is known for its world heritage site (the cathedral) of Charlemagne and the quaint old town. In winter, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the region smells of Printen and mulled wine and in summer you can romp around in colourful trendy districts with old buildings, cafés and small shops. Okay. Printen (a special type of brown gingerbread that has been baked in Aachen since around 1820) can also be enjoyed here in summer! At the height of summer, the students sit on the ground of the market square and the atmosphere is very cosy! Aachen is considered an elite university in the technical field. Every winter, around 1,000 students start their studies in mechanical engineering - with a very low proportion of women! Kisses 😘
2024-05-21 17:44:09 +0000 UTC View Post15.05.2014-15.05.2024: 10 years - WOW! You're the big hit in..
15.05.2014-15.05.2024: 10 years - WOW! You're the big hit in our lives. You ran right into our hearts. No matter how I get home and you weren't with me: You're always happy and put a smile on my face. There are no bad moods with you. And when I'm not feeling well, you stay with me and slobber away my tears. You neatly spread your glitter around the house (because that's not hair), you're my angel on four paws with fur. You are my soul, my friend. My personal trainer. My guarantee of fresh air. You are the innocent look in person when you do something that you are not supposed to. You are present everywhere as a matter of course. You are calmness itself, nothing can shake you. The only thing you don't like is rain. The sun all the more for it! You can speak with your eyes. Because you don't bark (extremely rarely). You don't think that's necessary! You have brought us all up the way you think is right. You are not given commands - you are given suggestions, which you then evaluate. You can sleep soundly next to my desk. When the cheese tin is taken out of the fridge, you're there! You are only really satisfied when your pack is complete and we are all at home. The path to my heart is paved with paw prints. I don't exist without you and you don't exist without me. You are my Aziza - my darling! Happy Birthday, Principessa! 🩷
2024-05-15 03:57:25 +0000 UTC View PostThe Saar - one of my favorite wine-growing regions! It flows..
The Saar - one of my favorite wine-growing regions! It flows near the city of Trier and is part of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine-growing region. The world-famous Riesling grows here - alongside the other white wine varieties. In addition to excellent white wines, fabulous sparkling wines are also produced here, some of which come very close to champagne. One of the wineries here (Egon Müller, Scharzhof) has produced the most expensive white wine ever sold. And one of the world's vineyards can also be found here: The Scharzhofberg. I visit the region several times a year and simply love walking through the vineyards and enjoying the impressive views. This year, the frost destroyed a great deal after the first shoots sprouted. So unfortunately there will probably be no Pinot Blanc from my favorite winery (van Volxem). Incidentally, fewer red wines are produced here. When the Burgundy is vinified, it tends to be as a rosé wine. Kisses 😘
2024-05-14 15:59:28 +0000 UTC View PostOn the road in Mettlach on the Saar and a little warm-up for..
On the road in Mettlach on the Saar and a little warm-up for our hike. Now I've practically grown up in the area and discover something new: the "Old Tower" in the Abbey Park. It is the oldest upright religious building in Saarland. It is a small church with an octagonal floor plan. The old Villeroy & Boch factory is also located in the abbey park. A long-established porcelain factory. A little secret? I am a porcelain nerd (lover). I own around 12 complete sets of porcelain tableware (for 12 people each). 🤩 Who would have thought it? So: no holiday on the Saar without a visit to Villeroy & Boch. Kisses 😘 and happy fathersday (in Germany) 🩷
2024-05-09 16:01:17 +0000 UTC View PostArrived on short holiday part 1! Wine tour on the Saar. Loca..
Arrived on short holiday part 1! Wine tour on the Saar. Location: Guesthouse Schloss 🏰 Saareck (Mettlach) 🤩 Kisses 😘
2024-05-08 17:17:43 +0000 UTC View PostThe seaside resort of Étretat is a "Grand Site National" and..
The seaside resort of Étretat is a "Grand Site National" and owes its popularity to its famous cliffs. A natural wonder that has made the town famous far beyond the borders of Normandy.
The coastline - also known as the Alabaster Coast - essentially consists of steep chalk cliffs interrupted by valleys, which are under constant threat of erosion. The cliffs have hardly changed over the centuries: the lower part consists of very hard Turonian chalk (around 93.9 million years ago) and the upper part of the later Upper Cretaceous epochs, hardened by numerous layers of flint. Very susceptible to erosion, they bear witness to the fragility of the chalk coast. Some of the bizarre rock formations form gates, including the three large rock gates Porte d'Aval and the Aiguille, Manne Porte and Falaise d'Amont.
You can reach the top of the plateau via a coastal footpath and have a sensational view. I had England within my grasp on the other side of the 🩷 English 🩷 Channel! 🩷🩷 Kiss you 😘🩷🩷
The centerpiece of Mont-Saint-Michel (Normandy) is the abbey..
The centerpiece of Mont-Saint-Michel (Normandy) is the abbey, which was entrusted to the Benedictines in 966.
But if you make your way up on foot via the causeway and footbridge (please walk - there is also a bus, but you simply have to experience this walk....), you will feel almost in awe of this unique building. Once inside the castle walls, a world of its own begins on the Grand Rue that you may not find anywhere else. In this unique atmosphere, it doesn't matter if the weather isn't particularly inviting. Especially when wafts of mist waft through the narrow alleyways and a dim light only dimly illuminates them, you feel as if you have been transported back in time.
The vaults of the abbey are truly impressive and are somewhat reminiscent of the courtyards in Harry Potter or the Lord of the Rings films. No wonder, after all, the monastery complex is said to have inspired the set designers of the Lord of the Rings films a few years ago. We were particularly taken with the cloister dating from 1228. When you imagine that this enormous structure was built on the mountain almost with your own hands, you can only marvel.
Make sure you take a few minutes to listen to the organ playing in the chapel or watch the church servants preparing for the next mass. The monks ate their meals in the refectory and you can still feel the spirit of the past here today. You should also take a moment to watch the sea from the castle walls. You might even be able to watch the tides, as the ebb and flow alternate here in a particularly impressive way. The view is simply magnificent.
More than 1300 years old, the Mont-Saint-Michel monastery hill is an attraction and definitely belongs on every bucket list! DEFINITELY!!! Kisses 😘
On the last day, I went to Mont-Saint-Michel. It and its bay..
On the last day, I went to Mont-Saint-Michel. It and its bay have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. On the edge of Normandy, it rises majestically above the coast and is a monastery mountain, island and municipality all in one. Its bay is the scene of the strongest tides in Europe. This rocky island is home to a former Benedictine abbey. It was one of the most extensive, difficult and costly construction projects of the entire Middle Ages. Today there are still around 25 inhabitants here. The abbey itself is inhabited by the nuns of the Monastic Communities of Jerusalem. A fascinating building that is definitely worth a visit! Not least as a perfect photo location! Attention: Preferably in spring in the early season - or in the late season in fall. The huge parking lots testify to the fact that Mont-Saint-Michel is the most visited attraction in France after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. And you should be a good walker! Kisses 😘
2024-04-25 16:01:14 +0000 UTC View Post