A Tour and a Tasting

Greetings!

Last Wednesday we were given the opportunity to tour a dairy farm and their cheese-making facilities and, as two avid cheese lovers, it was an offer we couldn't refuse. Located in Nijmegen, De Diervoort was only a short bike ride away and a pretty one at that. Once there, the cheese-making process was explained to us before touring the factory (though much smaller than the term usually indicates) and the farm. Naturally, the tour ended with a cheese tasting. Of course, the farm produces more than its own milk and cheese also making yogurts, ice creams, vla (pudding of sorts), and chocolate milk. It was a really interesting (and tasty) experience and some place we will definitely be biking to again. Plus, in addition to everything else, the farm has several public trails that we are looking forward to exploring. View the photos from this fun outing here and take a glance at the cheese-making process.

Until next time,

Jessica

Updated Photo Sets

Hello all!

We have recently updated a few photo sets with pictures we have either found or recently taken. The updated sets are listed below along with a description of the added photos.

1. Radboud Walk-Around

To this set Farrell has added pictures from a spring walk we had around campus. It covers a slightly different area of campus, including some pictures from the top floor of the Erasmus building (the tallest in Nijmegen), and shows the crocus in bloom.

2. Happenings of the Flat

In keeping with the spring motif, this set includes some pictures from the spring redecorating I gave the flat, as well as a few portraits of each of us. There are even a few random photos that I took, other than the ones of Farrell. (See if you can guess which!)

3. Nijmegen with Visitors

This nice, little set has been updated with a few more pictures we uncovered from when our friends visited from the U.S.

Feel free to take a peek! Enjoy!

Until next time,

Jessica

CouchSurfing in Cologne

Hello everyone!

I am glad to report that our trip to Cologne turned out great! The city was beautiful and we had an excellent host, which made our very first CouchSurfing experience very enjoyable. For those of you who have never heard of CouchSurfing, it is an online community of travelers who are interested in making new friends by hosting and visiting other community members. So, rather than staying in a hostel, this allows you a chance to stay with a local resident who is interested and excited to talk to you about their city and (if you are lucky like we were) show you around as well. It is a really great experience that I strongly recommend. And, don't worry, it really is safe: there is a verification system and you can view feedback and reviews from people that have hosted or been hosted by that individual.

As for the city itself, as the fourth largest city in Germany, Cologne has a lot to offer. Sometimes referred to as "Italy's northernmost city," Cologne is historically Catholic with beautiful cathedrals, a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and, of course, their famous Kölsch (or Koelsch) beer. What's more, Cologne has a lot of museums and on-going archaeological projects, which makes since given that Cologne is such an old city, nevertheless we were surprised by what we found. We walked along the Rhine, tagged along with a Danish tour group we bumped into, and explored all over the city. Take a look at the photos and see for yourself!

Until next time,

Jessica and Farrell

Germany for the Weekend

Hello everyone!

Well, we are off to Cologne and Bonn Germany for a few days! Look for an update on Sunday.

Quick update: The trip was great and we are back safe and sound, but a bit later then expected. Look for a post and pictures soon, but not today.

Until next time,

Farrell and Jessica

Potluck Dinner

Hello there!

A few weeks back, in part to celebrate the beginning of May break, we had a potluck dinner with a few friends that turned out to be quite the cultural experience. Our friend Maria made pelmeni, a Russian dumpling dish, while Carlota prepared some authentic Argentine empanadas and (being from Spain) some typical sangria as well. Expectedly, we brought a big, taste-packed salad and Olivier baked his usual chocolate tart, which was a perfectly delicious compliment. View the photo set here for a glimpse of our tasty experience!

Until next time,

Jessica