Tag Archives: Netherlands

Where in the world

Posted on December 13, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I recently spotted the photo above on a random book blog. There was no attribution nor indication where or when the photograph was taken. However, I had the uncanny notion that at some unknown point in time I had actually … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Photography, Tourism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How Amsterdam Was Built

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I have visited hundreds of cities over the decades, but Amsterdam is the one place that I have returned to over and over. If you have been there, it’s probably one of your favorite cities too. And, if you haven’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, Film, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Remarkable Library

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

The Netherlands is known for some extraordinary libraries. Among the many beautiful libraries repurposed from historical buildings is the remarkable De Petrus in Vught. The St. Pieter catholic church in Vught was built between 1881 and 1884 to replace a … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Books, Bookstore Tourism, Libraries | Tagged | Leave a comment

What could be better than a hotel/library

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve visited Amsterdam more often than any other city outside of North America and I only just discovered the Hotel Library. Situated in a beautiful 18th century canal house in the heart of the city on Prins Hendrikkade, the hotel … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Hotels, Libraries, Tourism | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Never Have to Leave the Airport

Posted on November 30, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Situated near Amsterdam’s New West ,  Corendon Amsterdam New-West, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel has 680 guest rooms and two decommissioned Boeing passenger planes. One is available for special events, while the other is attached to the one-of-a-kind 737 Suite . … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Europe, Hotels | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

No fierljeppen for me

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I was lucky enough to spent quite a bit of time in the Netherlands and I constantly marveled at how they managed to engineer a nation with so much of the country below sea level. Many of their farmers needed a … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Film | Tagged | Leave a comment

That Girl

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Like many art lovers, I am a sucker for Vermeer’s wonderful paintings. And, of course, I am fascinated by the mysterious “Girl with the Pearl Earring.” Whenever I am in the Netherlands, I make time to visit the underappreciated Mauritshuis … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Stumbling Through Saturday Around the Interwebs

Posted on June 8, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I am not embarrassed at all to admit that I have spent an inordinate amount of time thinking about things in the Lord of the Rings universe such as : who is in charge of trash collection; and what are … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, Public Transport, Tourism, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Making Space for Everyone

Posted on April 2, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I have been visiting the Netherlands for more than 40 years and have been truly impressed by the transformation in the way the country manages public transportation. I only wish that the U.S. would begin to follow their lead. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Film, Public Transport, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Pocket Money

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Even with the widespread acceptance of the Euro, these days there are still about thirty currencies in use among the fifty countries of Europe. In the 17th century, things were much more complicated for travelers. This Dutch book offered a … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment