Blog Archives

Gouda Cheese & Gouda the Town: Two Dutch Treats to Discover

Ah, Gouda – a delicious cheese that we’re all familiar with! Eat it as it is, on a cheese board, or slice it up and pop it on a sandwich – you simply can’t go wrong.  Gouda is named after a city found in the South Holland province of the Netherlands. And the city has a lot going for it, not just the cheese.  This post will serve as a primer on what you need to know about Gouda – the cheese name and the Dutch city. So, stick with us as we cover the basics of the city of Gouda, the origins of the cheese, how to pronounce it, and most importantly, how to eat it. With this info in mind, you’ll be primed to dig in to learn – and eat – more Gouda. How to Pronounce Gouda […]

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Visit Kylemore Abbey and Estate in Connemara, Ireland

Step back in time when you visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful, large estate located within County Galway, only an hour away from Galway City. Built during the 19th century, the abbey was originally meant to serve as a home – and it did, for many years! It then became a sanctuary for Benedictine nuns, adding layers of culture and information to the fascinating history of the estate.  Visiting Kylemore today is a multifaceted experience. It’s a chance to learn about the history of the estate and the story behind its origins and inhabitants, as well an opportunity to to tour the grounds and its buildings. You can choose to join a tour of the building and estate or explore on your own. If you work up an appetite walking the grounds and exploring the woodlands, you can rest up with […]

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Buying an Aran Sweater: History, Meaning & Cultural Importance to Ireland

The Aran Islands are a group of three small islands located off the west coast of Ireland in Galway Bay. The three islands are Inis Mór (meaning “big island”), Inis Meáin (meaning “middle island”), and Inis Oírr (meaning “east island”). The islands have history dating back to prehistoric times. The rugged terrain and isolation of the islands helped preserve many of the traditional customs and ways of life that were lost on the mainland during the centuries of English rule. The Aran Islands were also an important center of early Christianity in Ireland, and many ancient churches and monastic sites can still be seen on the islands today. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands were hit hard by the Great Famine, and many residents were forced to emigrate to the United States and other countries. Today, the […]

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Onboard the Viking Neptune: Iconic Western Mediterranean Itinerary [Review]

The Mediterranean has always been a place where history and cultures come to life. From the bustling metropolis of Barcelona to the turquoise waters of the French Riviera to the rolling hills of Tuscany – there is so much to see that it can be overwhelming to plan a Mediterranean trip.(I know – I’ve done it.) That’s what enticed me about the Iconic Western Mediterranean itinerary with Viking cruises onboard their Viking Neptune ship. Cruise life not only allows you to sit back and relax while waking up in a new place each day, but this itinerary takes you to some of the most well-known cities in the Mediterranean, made famous for their history, culture, and natural beauty. That is to say, they have become iconic. And while we have spent a fair amount of time in this part of […]

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