One day in Ghent, Belgium: How to make the most of your visit. by Kay on 16 August 2026 Posted in Belgium Ghent (Gent in Flemish) is a vibrant port and university city located in the northwest of Belgium between Bruges and Brussels. Well known for its relatively well-preserved medieval architecture. Ghent became one of the largest and richest cities in Belgium in the late Middle Ages and today is the third largest city in the country. Read More 0
The perfect day trip in Roermond Netherlands: Maasplassen cruises, historic architecture and designer outlet shopping. by Kay on 22 July 2026 Posted in Netherlands Roermond is a city in the province of Limburg in the Southeastern part of the Netherlands, just north of Maastricht and close to the German border. Roermond has something for everyone. It boasts some quite diverse activities such as a designer shopping outlet, boating and water sports, museums and historical architecture. What to see and Read More 1
A day trip to Thorn Netherlands: Scenic walks, history and charming cafes… by Kay on 25 June 2026 Posted in Netherlands Thorn, pronounced Tor-un, is a small historic town in the Southern Dutch province of Limburg, situated close to Maastricht. Famous for its white-washed, pristine houses and cobbled streets. Often referred to as ‘The White Town’ (Witte Stadje). It is a beautiful, picturesque town that is certainly worth seeing. A day trip to Thorn Netherlands: Scenic Read More 7
Carnival fever in Somerset: A guide to the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival by Kay on 24 April 2026 Posted in United Kingdom This absolutely spectacular event takes place every year in the first weekend of November. It celebrates the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. It is one of the biggest and most famous carnivals in the UK. And, it is often recognised as one of Europe’s biggest illuminated Read More 4
The dreaded teacher lesson observation by Kay on 11 April 2026 Posted in Teaching The dreaded teacher lesson observation. The very term fills most teachers with quite an unpleasant feeling! And I mean a heart-dropping, gut-clenching, worrying, nervous, unpleasant feeling. We all know it’s coming at some point during the school year, of course. But it’s an email I, for one, always dread receiving. Email announcement of dates and Read More 0
That one time I experienced snow in the Netherlands! by Kay on 18 March 2026 Posted in Life abroad When I got the job, and it was all confirmed that I would be moving to the Netherlands, my initial thought was to be prepared for all eventualities in my new job. I wanted to make sure I at least had some of the basics for day-to-day living whilst concentrating on settling into my new Read More 2
Just what is the Dutch siren every first Monday of the month? by Kay on 15 February 2026 Posted in Life abroad On hearing this somewhat strange noise for the first time, a couple of weeks after moving to the Netherlands, I was quite confused and totally petrified! Especially given the fact that no one, at any point, had mentioned it. Let alone what it was for or what it was about! I mean, you’d think my Read More 2
Embracing a healthier lifestyle and habits in Holland… by Kay on 3 February 2026 Posted in Life abroad A new job, a new country, a new start… One of the main aspects of moving to the Netherlands and making a fresh start, as well as a different experience, was to change some of my lifestyle habits. In fact, I was actually looking forward to embracing a healthier lifestyle and habits in Holland! Ok, Read More 0
Staff meeting. A new approach, apparently! by Kay on 13 January 2026 Posted in Teaching I’ve been teaching for a few years now, so it’s safe to say that in those years I’ve attended my fair share of staff meetings. I have also experienced these regular meetings, which occur weekly or twice weekly on occasion, in three different countries now. I’ve found that they don’t seem to differ that much Read More 5
Some of the best places to hang out and have lunch in The Hague. by Kay on 2 January 2026 Posted in Netherlands With its museums, great shopping and the beach, The Hague is one of my favourite places to head to for a day trip. With such a good transport system, it’s only 30 minutes from Amsterdam and easily accessible from various other places in the Netherlands. And as I’ve done a few day trips already, I’ve Read More 9
