Category Archives: Travel Tales

My favorite hobby. I would travel all the time if I could afford it. My goal is to visit all 50 US states and most continents (if not countries) in my lifetime. I’m ambitious like that.

March 29, 2011 · 8:40 AM

Brisket at Black’s in Lockhart, Texas: OMG doesn’t begin to describe it!

Listen up, kids. We have serious business to discuss. Brisket business. And in Texas, that’s as serious as it gets besides football. This weekend, on our way to Austin for the big race, The Complete Package and I took a side trip to Lockhart, Texas for a barbecue lunch. What makes Lockhart unique is the sheer volume of BBQ heavy-hitters within one square mile of each other. Four of the best barbecue places in Texas can be found in Lockhart, and that’s bold talk for a tiny town. Barbecue is the main event here and trust me – these people aren’t playing around. Today, we’re following the big yellow arrow to Black’s Barbecue, just off the main square. Strap on your fat pants, people. It’s about to get tasty.

Sure there's a line. This place is a meat palace. Suck it up, mister!

Don’t let the line fool you. It moves pretty quickly, and in our case it wasn’t because it was crowded inside, it was because you go through a slow-moving lunch platter assembly line of home crafted pleasure. Once you get to the head of the line, you’ll have the opportunity to fill your plate with homemade sides from pickles to potato salad to mac & cheese and chili beans or candied yams.

You'll get misty eyed when you see all the sides. Stay focused. Eyes on the prize!

They even have banana pudding, cobbler and pie on that line. But be warned: you do NOT want to fill up on the sides and miss the main event. And once you try the meat, you’ll be sorry you wasted precious plate space on what will forever be thought of as useless filler. Delicious, homemade filler for sure, but still…meat is the headliner here. Because this was our first visit and I got side-tracked, I tried the chili beans and pickles with a yeast roll. TCP sampled the potato salad, coleslaw and mac & cheese. As for meat, we both went with what they’re known for – the “wet” brisket and homemade jalapeno cheese sausage.

A typical plate at Black's. Wait...there's nothing typical about the food at Black's!

Okay, here’s where we explore the “brutally honest” portion of this review. I cannot tell a lie. I love jalapeno cheese sausage, but I didn’t love it here. It wasn’t even in my Top 10. I saw the flecks of jalapeno and little blobs of cheese, but I couldn’t taste any of it. It was bland, and that’s not good for a sausage that’s designed to pack a punch. I’m sorry, sausage lovers, but the texture and taste of this one left me disappointed. That said, however, the brisket more than made up for it. Oh, that brisket! That gorgeous, fatty, smoke infused, blackened hunk of beefy perfection! I can hardly contain myself. It’s like buttuh, I tell ya’.

That smoke ring...that black crust...that layer of fat. I just want MORE!

Let’s just bottom line it, shall we? This is the best brisket I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. Bar none. Hands down. No competition even remotely close. Seriously. And no, my maiden name is not Black. I’ve sung the praises of the Salt Lick in Driftwood. I’ve dined on the picnic tables at Kreuz Market in Lockhart. But this one….this one is different. This brisket fell from heaven, carried by angels who obviously love their purebred Texas cattle. This one belongs in the record books. There are very few foods in the world that I could binge on until I feel nauseous, but this is one of them. I could eat it every day. I would surely die of a coronary, but I would argue that it might just be worth it. Like totally.

Come for the brisket, but stick around for the charming atmosphere.

The interior of Black’s is decorated in circa 1958 “Grandad’s Fishing Cabin” which adds to the charm. I didn’t even notice the dead animals on the wall until most of my lunch had been consumed. Yup, this place has charm. The clientele is as varied as the sides. You’ll find yourself in line with tour groups, couples, families and bikers. And that just makes it better. At Black’s Barbecue, people from every walk of life come together to celebrate smoky meat. And when it comes to brisket, Black’s is definitely worth celebrating.

Take Me Back to Blacks. YES, PLEASE!

To learn more about Black’s BBQ, you can go to http://www.blacksbbq.com/

Disclaimer: NanaBread is not related to or compensated by the Black family or anyone else associated with Black’s BBQ in Lockhart, Texas. She is just an outspoken, meat-eating, BBQ loving Texan seeking smokey perfection wherever she can find it. And there’s nothing wrong with sharing the gospel of brisket.

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March 1, 2011 · 9:57 AM

Travel Tip: Hit the Street Markets

One of my favorite things about travel is exploring street markets. No matter where we go, you can bet I’ll be looking for a good market. If you’re a regular reader, you know we hit the German Christmas markets HARD in November.


I’m no expert, but I think Paris has the most beautiful shopping stalls. So lovely.


The Complete Package is a big fan of the Petaling markets in Kuala Lumpur. He likes to spend quality time browsing there when he travels to KL for business.

I loved the markets on Amsterdam’s canals and squares. Oh, the glorious cheese!

And I have very fond memories of a farmer’s market in McMinnville, Oregon and the dry-roasted hazelnuts, huckleberry syrup and artisan cheese I bought directly from the hard-working farmers who produced them. Let’s not forget the Pike Street Market in Seattle. Give me a grande Starbucks vanilla latte and a tub of Beecher’s cheese curds, and I’m a very happy camper. I really love Seattle.

But one market we BOTH loved was Camden Lock northwest of London. If I had to choose a favorite street market right now, this would be it. Hands down. It’s indoors and outdoors. It’s old and new. It’s also fun, funky, and wildly popular.

There really is a lock at Camden Lock. It regulates boats along the Regent’s Canal as is runs through the heart of Camden Town. The markets can be found along several streets, along the canal, and in the old Camden Stables. The heart of Camden Town has been home to one type of market or another since horses pulled boats to the Thames in the 1800’s. Old meets new here in an exciting way.

While you browse, don’t forget to take advantage of the food stalls. We followed our noses to a small stand where morning orange juice is squeezed to order while you wait. Then we followed our stomachs to this little Chinese food vendor for lunch. And a few days later, we followed them back to eat there again.

Camden is also known for its dynamic music scene and numerous pubs. If an English pub crawl is on your “to do” list, you may want to consider jumping the Tube for the short ride from London. Think of it as your public designated driver. While you’re there, keep an eye out for Amy Winehouse. She is known to frequent the pubs of her hometown. Who’s surprised? Anybody? No? {crickets} Here’s a photo of my favorite resident of Camden Town. Little tough guy.

The thing I loved most about the Camden Lock market is the atmosphere. It’s so far removed from the sedate, conservative lives we live at home. It’s not just fun, it’s funky. And it’s not just outrageous, it’s totally over the top. Camden is exciting, and gritty, and exotic, and fascinating. If variety is the spice of life, the markets of Camden are a multi-sensory feast. And this is one party you’ll want to attend over and over again (if you’re of age & behave responsibly, of course).

I'm pretty sure Sexy Goth are two words that will never be used to describe me.

I'm confused. Are they selling scorpions or shoes? It's Camden, so it's probably both.

I'm not going in there, but that facade is definitely a work of art.

There are so many markets I haven’t seen yet – the grand bazaar in Istanbul, the wet markets of Bangkok, the historic downtown market in Philadelphia. There are far too many to list. It’s a big, wide world out there, and I intend to see as much of it as I can before I ring the bell at the Pearly Gates, if I get that lucky. So, please share your suggestions. Where do you go when you “hit the streets”? I’d love to add your favorites to my list!

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February 7, 2011 · 7:00 AM

Travel Tip: See the Bison at Yellowstone

I love to travel, and this is one for your bucket list. One of those “things to see before you die” adventures. Everyone should go to Yellowstone National Park at least once in their lifetime. And while you’re there, say hello to one of their most impressive residents, the American Bison. They are magnificent. And the beautiful thing about seeing them in Yellowstone is that you not only see them in a completely natural habitat, you see them up close. I mean really up close. Once in a lifetime up close. And when you do, you’ll fall head-over-heels in love with bison. Furry, mangy coats and all. These beasts are awe-inspiring.






See that gray bar in the bottom left corner? That’s the frame of our car window. This guy was in the middle of the road and close enough to touch. We would never do that (without wetting our pants), but that’s how close he was. Oh, and for the city slickers – never fear! You can still enjoy encounter traffic issues. Sometimes it’s due to the number of tourists in the park, but sometimes it’s due to a more specific type of traffic issue – a bison jam. And no, I’m not kidding.


And as if that wasn’t enough, those park rangers go ahead and throw in some spectacular scenery. Just for your viewing pleasure. They’re friendly like that.




NanaBread’s Yellowstone travel tips:
1. To beat the crowds, go in mid-May. As a bonus, it’s “baby” season in Yellowstone, and you’ll get to see all the new additions to the park.
2. We preferred the north and south entrances, but it doesn’t really matter how you get there. The important thing is to get there.
3. When you go, try to stay for at least a week and plan to spend each day driving a different section of this enormous national treasure. You should see it all.
4. For stunning mountains, stay near the south entrance and Jackson, Wyoming. For incredible vistas and bountiful wildlife, stay near the north or northeast entrance to the park. For shopping, museums and tourist attractions, stay near the west entrance of the park.
5. Pack your camera, your zoom lenses, and a spotting scope (if you have one) every time you venture out into the park.
6. Pack a picnic and a cooler of drinks each day; you never know when the perfect spot for a picnic may arise and it can be hours before you get to the next store or restaurant. That goes for gas stations, too.
7. Take advantage of the ranger talks, visitor centers, and locals for information on weather, animal sightings, photography gems, etc. Information is invaluable in a place this large.
8. Pack layers of clothing and rain gear; temperatures can drop and rise with elevation and storms. Always be prepared.
9. Invest in a good book or fold-out guide on the animals and plants you may encounter in the park; it helps enhance your experience, especially when traveling with children.
10. Take your time. Relax. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery and the clean air, and take a million photos. Once you’re gone, you’ll miss this magical place, and you’ll want to remember it forever.

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January 11, 2011 · 9:49 AM

Travel Tip: See the Oregon Coast

Years ago, my in-laws took an RV down the coast of Oregon, and for years after, they shared stories of that trip and how beautiful it had been. Two years ago, The Complete Package and I decided to follow in their footsteps and drive the Oregon coast. We don’t own an RV, but a rental car works just as well. You see, it doesn’t matter how you get there, you just need to get there. Give yourself at least one week. Two would be even better. You’ll understand why when you get there. Don’t try to rush it. Scenery like this should be savored and deeply appreciated. And you will definitely want to linger.






This story is dedicated to my father-in-law who passed away 2 years ago. Thanks for encouraging us to get out and see the world while we still can.

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January 6, 2011 · 2:50 PM

Things I Love, Volume 6: Lighthouses

I can’t explain it, but I am inexplicably drawn to lighthouses. I’m pulled toward them like a ship in the night. There is no real explanation for this. I did not grow up anywhere near a large body of water or a lighthouse. And yet, when I travel I am drawn to them like my brain has been hard-wired to seek them out. Maybe it’s the romance of being alone in the mist, calling sailors home. Maybe it’s the allure of a solitary life on the coast with a simple purpose. Maybe it’s those ornate glass lenses and the powerful light they create. Or maybe it’s just that they’re pretty and I like to stare at them. Whatever the reason, I’ve seen some beautiful lighthouses and thought I’d share a glimpse of them with you.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse - Bass Harbor, Maine

Cape Blanco Lighthouse - on the Oregon coast

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse - Washington state

Cape Meares Lighthouse - Oregon Coast

Umpqua River Lighthouse - Oregon Coast

Yaquina Head Lighthouse - Oregon Coast

Kilauea Lighthouse from the overlook - Kauai, Hawaii

Kilauea Lighthouse with Hula Dancers - Kauai, Hawaii

View of Kilauea Lighthouse from Secret Beach - Kauai, Hawaii

Heceta Head Lighthouse - Oregon Coast

View of Oregon Coast from the Heceta Head Lightkeeper's House

My favorite - Heceta Head Lighthouse - Oregon Coast

This last one is my personal favorite. We got to spend one night in the Lightkeeper’s House (a B&B) during our trip down the Oregon coast. It was fabulous. We had a room with a view of the lighthouse, which made the best nightlight ever. We walked to the lighthouse late at night with our flashlights and laid on a bench watching the light beam circle around and around, bouncing off the trees and rock cliffs as it circled toward the coast. We had the most spectacular 2 hour, 7 course breakfast the next morning – I’ve never experienced anything like it. It was a magical, wonderful place. And it just cemented my love of lighthouses. I’m smitten. Bewitched. Addicted. Entranced. And I just can’t imagine ever getting enough.

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December 17, 2010 · 8:18 AM

A Lego Holiday Wonderland

When The Complete Package and I were in Stuttgart, Germany on vacation recently, we fell in love with these awesome holiday window scenes. Then we noticed they were made of Legos. To that I say “WOW” for several reasons:

1. These are totally awesome!
2. This must have taken someone forever to build.
3. Someone got paid to do this.
4. Now I know what Jonah Bear can be when he grows up.

I love to look at the holiday displays in store windows. It’s an art form, and I really appreciate all the time and effort that goes into putting them together. If you agree, leave a comment and tell me about your favorites. Someone in your city might like to check them out, as well. And if you have any suggestions for neighborhoods covered in Christmas lights in the Houston area, I’ll take those, too. I already have Pecan Grove in Richmond/Rosenberg and Green Tee Terrace in Pearland on my map. Thanks for sharing, and merry everything!

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December 14, 2010 · 6:35 AM

Vacation Photos, Part 4: Esslingen Favorite German Town…Ever!

A view of Esslingen and the Church of St. Dionysius on the Neckar River

This is Esslingen. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I would even say that this might be the most beautiful little town I’ve ever visited. Bruges in Belgium is still in the running. It charmed me the same way Esslingen did. Just look at this place:

An Esslingen landmark - the balancing man on Schelztor Tower

One of the few towns not bombed in WWII, it's still intact and gorgeous

Esslingen is the definition of charming

The medieval town wall and towers are still standing

The hills surrounding Esslingen are covered in vineyards

This is a great example of Esslingen's half-timbered fachework buildings

A closer look at the ironwork balancing man

Town Hall overlooks the square and Christmas Market

That smoke in the upper right corner is from the bonfires lit around the Christmas market. Esslingen is home to the most beautiful medieval Christmas Market, and they take full advantage of the medieval theme. Bonfires line the market streets, vendors wear medieval period clothing, and there are activities for the kids in the style of ancient times. This place is magical, especially at night. But I’m not going to blather on and on about why this was my favorite Christmas Market. I’ll just show you the pictures. Then you’ll understand.

Everything about this market is vivid and colorful and alive

One sweet booth - gingerbread and candy for sale

A Knight to Remember - a vendor sells children's costumes

Miniature versions of Esslingen are available to take home

If the market doesn't enchant you, the town will

The Church of St. Dionysius towers over the market

I just can't get enough of this half-timbered fachework style

I love German pyramids, and this one takes the big prize

A medieval ferris wheel - children just can't get enough

Oh, if only these were easier to pack!

An old-fashioned game of chance I like to call Mouse House

Pick the same house as the mouse, and you'll win a prize

This spicy lamb gyro was a revelation; it was awesome!

A medieval fire dancer twirls flaming balls as musicians play

Even the Garlic Lady's booth is a work of art

Peeking in the window of the Gingerbread House workshop

Luminaries and candles are a Christmas market tradition

Booth-top gnomes watch over the Esslingen market

There were so many beautiful ornaments for sale

I fell in love with these paper star luminaries - so beautiful

Handcrafted German nutcrackers - now we're talking!

I could just sit and stare at this beautiful little town all day long

Thank you, Esslingen. Your medieval Christmas Market captivated me.

Your rich history and stunning architecture delighted me

And your fairytale village thoroughly enchanted me. The End.

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December 10, 2010 · 11:02 AM

Vacation Photos, Part 3: Germany Basecamp Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg

A view of Stuttgart from our hotel window

When we decided to visit Germany for the Christmas Markets, we were surprised to see how many cities we had to choose from. With some internet research, we discovered that there are many great cities to choose from – Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Nuremberg. They all have excellent Christmas Markets. In the end, we chose Stuttgart for several reasons:

1. It’s in southwestern Germany near the Black Forrest (oooo & ahhhh)
2. It has one of the largest traditional Christmas Markets in all of Germany
3. The baroque Christmas Market in Ludwigsburg was 20 mins away by train
4. The medieval Christmas Market in Esslingen was 15 mins away by train
5. As you can see, we could visit 3 Christmas Markets from one location
6. Stuttgart was an easy one-hour hop by plane from Amsterdam
7. I would have gone anywhere TCP chose, if they had Christmas Markets

We chose the Hotel am Schlossgarten in Stuttgart as our base camp. What a great choice! We got a park view room that was the epitome of old world European charm. We had a king bedroom with a sitting area, great windows overlooking the park and hillside (including the opera house and museums), a bathroom with a towel warmer (great for drying our handwashed skivvies) and a chandelier. You heard me! I said a chandelier! It looked like a crystal and gold chrysanthemum. The hotel’s location couldn’t have been more perfect.

Hotel am Schlossgarten - Park View King Bedroom

The sitting area of our park view deluxe king room

It's an ornament...it's a chrysanthemum...no, it's our sitting room chandelier!

The hotel is located on the Koningstrasse (a major shopping street) and directly across from the main train station (for easy access to anywhere we wanted to go by subway or train). It was also only a few short blocks to the Christmas market on the plaza across from the palace. We were able to walk to everything we wanted to see, as well as some great shopping and our favorite German brew house, the Calwer Ech Brau, where we enjoyed some fabulous local Swabian cuisine and some fine hand-crafted beers. PS – we’re now in love with spaetzle. Big time. Google it. You should eat this every chance you get. It’s simple, buttery, and oh so very delicious! Here are a few shots from around Stuttgart:

Konigstrasse - Great location & excellent shopping in Stuttgart

Hauptbahnhof Train Station right across from the Hotel am Schlossgarten

Stuttgart's modern Kunstmuseum on the Schlossplatz

Market Hall's fabulous indoor market - I could live here!

A Market Hall food stall - mouth-watering goodies for sale

Warm bread & fresh veggies - Market Hall rocked my world

What's a vacation without a chocolate shop? I mean, really.

The New Palace and Schlossplatz (Square) from the gazebo

Every year, beginning the week of Thanksgiving, Stuttgart hosts one of the largest traditional Christmas markets in Germany. The market covers an area from the lovely Konigsbau building on the schlossplatz through the Old Palace, across City Hall and Market Square and down to the beautiful Stifts Church and Schiller Square. It’s a beautiful stroll along old cobblestone streets in the lovely, historic center of town. Every twist and turn brings another cluster of booths selling a variety of food, beverages, and holiday gifts and decorations. The market opens by 11am each day, but it’s especially lovely at night. Take a look:

A choir creates a magical moment in the Old Palace

Christmas Market stalls in Stuttgart, Germany

Ornaments for sale at the Christmas Market

A typical cobblestone lane lined with vendor booths

The booths are beautifully decorated - each one is unique

Saurkraut with dumplings and sausage - outstanding!

So many pretty things to choose from at the Christmas Markets

From Stuttgart, we took a lovely 20 minute train ride out to Ludwigsburg, where they host a Baroque Christmas Market. You know what they say…if it ain’t baroque, don’t fix it! Sorry. It’s also a great place to see the baroque palace of Duke Eberhard Ludwig from the 1700’s, including the main residential palace, and several others. The town’s main square with its pretty town hall is the site of the Christmas Market. While it’s not as large as Stuttgart’s, it is unique and lovely and totally worth a visit. I just realized I’m saying ‘lovely’ way too often, but it’s true. Everything about these towns and Christmas Markets was lovely. See for yourself:

Ludwigsburg's Residential Palace

The angels with lighted wings are a Ludwigsburg trademark

Carved wood items are a tradition at the German markets

Gluhwein - it's hot, spicy mulled wine & warms you quickly

Colorful gingerbread cookies - another Christmas Market tradition

Handcrafted items include scarves & paper star luminaries

Honey and beeswax items for sale

A closer look at the hand carved ornaments for sale

I've never seen a cuter chocolate-covered pear!

Market booths are a feast for the eyes - so beautiful

Ludwigsburg's town hall and market - a perfect day trip

I’ve saved my favorite Christmas Market for last, so stay tuned! Next up – the medieval Christmas Market in the jaw-dropping town of Esslingen, Germany.

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December 6, 2010 · 10:03 AM

And now, a word from our sponsors…

Rick Steves, Burt Wolf & Joseph Rosendo - the best travel show hosts on PBS

Okay, I lied. These guys did NOT sponsor our vacation in any way, but they did influence it. Heavily. So it’s their fault. Really and truly, I blame them. If it weren’t for these three guys, I would never have known about the German Christmas Markets. I could have lived my life in ignorant bliss, but they wouldn’t let me. They had to put it out there on television and taunt/haunt me with it.

For starters, The Complete Package and I do not have cable. I know it’s barbaric, but we don’t support being voluntarily robbed of $80+ a month for 1,600 channels of crap. Sorry for the language, but that’s how we feel about it. Instead, we enjoy the “basic 10” channels, and are lovers of all things PBS. That’s how all of this got started, and that’s why I’m calling out these three guys for planting a seed in my head that I just couldn’t shake. For example, if I say “brownies” you’re going to spend the rest of the day craving brownies. It’s the same principle. Ooooo…brownies. Ahhhh…Christmas markets.

These three gentlemen produced three separate shows about German Christmas Markets, and my obsession was born. And that’s where my beloved, The Complete Package, stepped in. Since he had to go to The Netherlands for a week on business, he invited me to tag along. And since the German Christmas Markets were only an hour away by plane, he said we might as well take another week to hop on over there and check them out. Wow, honey. I love you so much right now! And so that’s exactly what we did. After our week in The Hague and our weekend in Amsterdam, we jumped a flight to Stuttgart and started a week-long adventure I call “ChristmasMarketPalooza.” See, kids? Sometimes dreams really do come true. You just have to keep believing. And watching PBS. Especially Rick, Burt and Joseph. Thank you guys. Really, I mean it. This trip never would have happened without you and your travel shows.

So stay tuned, readers. Next up is Germany, and you won’t want to miss this!

German Christmas Markets - my travel dream come true!

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December 3, 2010 · 8:24 AM

Vacation Photos, Part 2: Amsterdam Let’s just say it was…interesting.

Amsterdam - it's an extraordinarily unique city

Okay, so after 7 days in The Hague, The Complete Package and I jumped a train back to Amsterdam for a weekend of sightseeing. I was excited. I’ve seen photos of Amsterdam with its gorgeous architecture and its stunning canals and houseboats. I expected to love it. I mean really love it. Instead, I’d have to say I found it interesting. After some thought, I think a good example would be to compare it to Manhattan. If The Hague is comparable to the upper east side, then Amsterdam would be Times Square. It was crowded, vibrant, always open, and a little seedy. Where The Hague was peaceful, professional and dignified, Amsterdam was a party. And not just any party. It was more like a bachelor party in Las Vegas. It’s been many, many years since I’ve been exposed to that much beer and weed. Really. Like the early ’80s. When I wore layered Polo shirts and boat shoes and cut my hair to look like Lady Di. **nostalgic sigh**

Coffeeshops in Amsterdam don't sell coffee. Seriously. Did you know that?

We stayed in a hotel near Dam Square, which is probably why I’m comparing it to Times Square. It’s a large, open square surrounded by shopping, restaurants and bars crisscrossed by a myriad of trains, trams and buses and sprinkled with a gorgeous old church, a Madame Tussaud’s, a royal palace and this guy.

Neptune at Amsterdam's Dam Square - it's certainly one of a kind!

I think I experienced sensory overload standing in Dam Square. I’m not joking when I say we had a “coffee shop” right across from our hotel. For those who haven’t heard, a coffee shop in Amsterdam is a place to purchase and smoke marijuana. It’s not legal, mind you, it’s just tolerated. If you want that machiatto or latte, you’d better ask for a cafe. As for the weed, you don’t really need to buy it to enjoy it. I think I inhaled enough second-hand smoke around town to enjoy an unintentional two-day contact high. No wonder I was craving McDonald’s. Especially the fries. And pancakes. Oooo…Dutch pancakes are divine.

Amsterdam's canals and neighborhoods are lovely

Once you get away from Dam Square, you find peaceful neighborhoods with stunning canals, traditional architecture, street markets, quaint squares, gorgeous old churches and fabulous museums. We were lucky enough to be there just as the Winter Wonderland markets set up across town. We particularly enjoyed the one at Rembrandt Square. The food is the main draw (after the quaint holiday decorations). Our first experience was a mind-blowing waffle swimming in melted milk chocolate. Oh, my. Still brings tears to my eyes.

You're lucky we got a photo before we destroyed this thing

Waffles are a popular sweet treat here. And they cover them in everything known to man…chocolate, nuts, fruit, whipped cream, candy coatings…I could go on and on. I think we ate at least two over the weekend. Maybe more. There were so many awesome vendors. I’ll let the photos tell the story:

Waffles...oh, sweet waffles. You are so delicious!

Okay, this koffee shop actually sells coffee (with booze, no less)

Churros and popcorn being sold from a giant Santa stall

A typical sweet shop at the winter market (notice the olliebollen on the right?)

That's an 18" bratwurst on that grill. Just thought you should see it.

In addition to the winter wonderland markets, there were also great street markets in Amsterdam. From clothes to antiques to cheese and produce, you can find just about anything in a street market here. It’s a great shopping city. Here’s a peek at some of the market vendors we loved, and a look at Amsterdam’s famous flower market:

A woman on TV once said that good cheese "smells like the feet of angels". Ewww.

I can't identify some of these mushrooms, so I'll just call them delicious

There's something for everyone at Amsterdam's street markets

An example of a flower stall in Amsterdam's Bloemen Market

Amaryllis for sale at the flower market - gorgeous!

And now you know how to say DON'T TOUCH in five languages!

Cyclamen are beautiful in every country. These are stunning.

If there’s one thing in particular that Amsterdam is famous for, it has to be their canal system. It’s what keeps the city humming. Boats are everywhere, from sightseeing boats to delivery boats, houseboats to floating museums and bed-and-breakfasts. Water and controlling it are vital to Amsterdam’s existence. It also makes for some beautiful real estate (and vacation photos). Take a look:

Four main canals ring the city of Amsterdam.

A gridwork of bridges cross the canals to connect each ring.

A charming collection of houseboats line each canal.

And a handful of tour boat companies ferry visitors around the city.

And now, here’s a little collection of various photos I took from around Amsterdam. They don’t fit any specific category, but they’re still worth sharing.

I just can't get enough of this architectural style. So very charming.

A cheese cave? Holy crap! It's a cheese cave!

Our hotel room - a step down from the Hague Hilton, but that bed was comfy!

Walk these streets for long, and you'll call them hobblestones, too!

Yup. That's a public urinal, and men really use them.

Oude Church, Amsterdam - my winner for best organ pipes. Ever.

The Bulldog bills itself as Amsterdam's original coffeeshop. Coffeeshop = no coffee

I never thought the words "beautiful" & "train station" went together until now.

I would have loved to include photos from the Rijksmuseum (Dutch masters) and the Van Gogh museum, but they don’t allow any photos to be taken. I did get to see some great Van Goghs including some sunflowers, and I got to see a great collection of Rembrandts at the Rijksmuseum, including The Nightwatchmen. That painting was HUGE, and it was awesome! I love art museums. Okay, kids. That’s it for Amsterdam. Thanks for reading along. Coming up next, my holiday dream trip to Germany (thank you, TCP, for making it come true). Stay tuned!

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