Antwerp, Belgium – Day 5
This day found us in Antwerp. We started our morning with some fantastic coffee at the Oasis. We chose Oasis because our friends in Brussels shared that this company was intentionally created as an extension of Breaking Chains, a nonprofit anti human trafficking ministry with the purpose of reaching out to those trapped in prostitution. And their coffee is outstanding, being direct trade and locally sourced as well. If you find yourself in Antwerp, please be sure to stop in. Although we arrived via river cruise ship, we made our way to… Read More
River Cruising and the Avalon Imagery II
Ryan and I had the opportunity to attend our second River Cruise Expo again this Spring. Last year it was in Budapest, and this year in Amsterdam. This Expo is an excellent opportunity for Travel Consultants to learn about the different river cruise companies in person. We get to hear from their executives, interact with staff members, dine in their restaurants, attend educational sessions, and intimately explore ships that have sailed to Amsterdam to be with us for four days. Here’s a little glimpse into what that looks like: Above are the… Read More
Breathtaking Bruges – Days 4 and5
After several days of exploring Bruges, we can confidently say it is one of the loveliest European cities we have ever visited. The medieval architecture, brick and cobblestoned walkways, and the meandering canals weaving through the city really make a beautiful impression and leave you feeling like you were back in time. Even in the rain, Bruges has a fairytale-like quality that is endearing. With 2000 chocolate shops in Belgium, Bruges certainly has its share, which doesn’t hurt when you want to stay warm and dry on a cold or blistery day…. Read More
Ghent, Belgium – Day 3
After a few days spent exploring the fairytale medieval city of Bruges, we decided to visit a different Belgian City. We hopped on the train for a day trip this morning from Bruges to the lesser known university town of Ghent, a short 22 – 27 minute trip. Ghent is the smaller but equally beautiful sister city of Bruges. Gorgeous Ghent. Even on a cloudy rainy day, it is gorgeous! As we were planning our trip to Belgium, we were really split on the decision of where to stay, as both Bruges… Read More
Bruges Chocolate Making Experience – Day 2
Bruges Chocolate Making Experience: For someone who loves chocolate as much as I do, this afternoon was the very best. We had the opportunity to do a delicious 2 1/2 hour chocolate making workshop with our daughter, Mikayla. This is a must do if you’re in Belgium and you love this incredible treat. First Step? Use high quality chocolate. We used Callebaut with 54.5% Cocao. Next, we tempered the chocolate to get a beautiful, professional chocolate coating on it without adding additional ingredients. This is the process of melting the chocolate in… Read More
Bruges Walking Food Tour – Day 2
Day 2: Bruges, Belgium Food Walking Tour. One of our favorite ways to visit a new city is to do a walking food tour. We had an excellent one this morning. It gave us a good sense of the area, along with some of the best restaurants, foods, and drinks to try. Our Guide, Jonathan was amazing. Friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. He introduced us to Bruges via its Frites, Stroopwafles, Belgian Chocolate, and waffles. Speaking of Frites, or “French Fries” as we call them in the States, apparently they are not “French”… Read More
Brussels, Belgium – Day 1
Day 1: Are you ready to join us on a new adventure? We arrived into Brussels, Belgium from Chicago early this morning on a nonstop red eye flight and were greeted by an old and dear college friend who now lives with his family in Brussels. He and his wife made the best tour guides as we explored Brussels together on foot, catching up on the many years that had passed! Brussels is beautiful, but the time there was so much more special, getting to spend it with our friends. First up…the… Read More
Deena Gainor
Six Hearts One Journey 
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