Solo in Europe; The Netherlands, Belgium and France

In this post I continue to chronicle my solo travels. This is a trip that I took back in 2011. This was actually a birthday trip for me. This trip began about a week after my birthday. This was an eight day trip that included The Netherlands (Amsterdam), Belgium and France. This was a very enjoyable trip. Preparation for this trip was pretty uneventful, no specific vaccinations needed and no visa required.

I joined a group tour for this trip and met some pleasant travel companions. I was the only black person on this trip. There were a couple of other solo travelers; one guy and one girl and a few other combinations of family and friends. The was a mother daughter duo, a mother and son and I can’t really recall all the others. This was a pretty small tour group though. I remember all of the tours and events as being fun and entertaining and everyone in the group got along well. True to form I took some time for myself away from the group and overall it was a great experience.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands was the first leg of the tour. I took a flight from St. Louis to Philadelphia and then took an eight hour flight from Philly to Amsterdam. There was lot to do and see in Amsterdam. While in this city, I did some site seeing to local landmarks, museums, etc. I also took a cruise through the city canals in a glass bottom boat, which allowed me to take in the views of the city. Being in and around the water is one my favorite pastimes so that was one of the highlights. One landmark of note was The Anne Frank House. This is the home where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazi persecution. Her diary was later found and published and has been a big part of the teachings in American history books.  

There was a stop at a fishing village in Old Zuiderzee, a Cheese Farm and Windmills at Zaanse Schaans Hertiage Park. At the request of some of the tour participants our guide did take us through The Red Light District that evening which was interesting and quite entertaining. Some of the things/people we saw are too much for words. For those that haven’t heard of The Red Light District this is a part of town that is known for brothels, sex shops and sex workers. As far as I know, no one in our tour group decided to partake in any business transactions it was strictly for entertainment purposes only. I was certainly entertained.

And of course we stopped at a cobbler’s shop where they make the wooden shoes.

Belgium

The next stop was Belgium. There was additional sight seeing but I must say what I remembered the most was the Belgium Chocolate and Waffles. I must admit that was my primary motivation to see Belgium😁. Belgium is a beautiful city with amazing architecture, waterways and canals, but let me tell yall something about that Chocolate…it was So GOOD. My lil greedy butt was in Chocolate Heaven.

Paris, France

The final leg of the tour was Paris, France. I absolutely love this city. I would say this was my favorite part of the tour. I stayed at an amazing hotel within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. Of course being the adventurous person I am I had to climb to the top of the tower. I couldn’t come all the way to Paris and not go to the top. I remember there was an elevator but I took the stairs and went to each level. It took me awhile and I was tired when I got to the top but it was worth it. The view from up top was great. I loved the food in France, yall know I had to partake in the escargot (snails) which is a French delicacy and they are absolutely delicious. The texture reminds me of mushrooms which is one of my favorite foods. They were prepared in this amazing garlic and butter sauce. It was so GOOD. I also had a really great Roasted Duck that same evening and the next day I had some very tasty chicken for lunch. As you can see I am one of those people that love to eat.

I was able to explore some other parts of the city as well. I was even able to take a glance at the Mona Lisa.

I think the most exciting part of my time in Paris is that I got lost. Yes, I got lost again in a foreign land….that seems to be my thing🤣😂🤣. I decided that I wanted to venture out on my own so after site seeing with the group, I decided to stay in the downtown area and go shopping. The tour guide gave me directions on how to ride the “Metro” which is their public transit. Yall know me I figured hey its nothing to it….so I finish my shopping and head back to the Metro Station. Long story short I get on the bus going in the wrong direction end up somewhere in Paris that I am unfamiliar with. Did I panic? Of course not. I’m like I know I will figure it out eventually…so as I am standing in the station trying to read their schedule/map whatever you want to call it, a young lady walks up to me and apparently she is lost too. She is from Australia. We talk and realize that we are both staying in hotels near the Eiffel Tower. So we work together and figure out which bus to catch. After making it back safely to the hotel, I decide I want to further explore. So I spend that night walking through the streets of Paris enjoying the nighttime breeze, eating Cotton Candy, Croissants and various other snacks…..and feeling Amazing. This trip was an amazing Birthday Gift to Myself. The next day I took a flight from Paris to Charlotte, NC, the flight was a little over nine hours and then the final flight from Charlotte back to St. Louis. I thoroughly enjoyed my Lil European Getaway.