Top 10 Tips to follow when visiting the Bokaap

t’s said that color impacts our mood, and when you walk down the streets of Bo-Kaap, you’ll find that the bright colors make you feel happy. There’s something about this area—once home to slaves, later becoming multicultural, and eventually declared a Cape Malay quarter by the Apartheid state—that draws both tourists and locals. The vibrant…

How to survive long bus trips

I used to take many long-haul bus trips while living in Germany. I would typically board the bus at 3:00 p.m. and end up at my destination around 7:00 a.m. the next morning. Almost all my travels to other European countries were done by bus. I travelled by bus to the Netherlands, France, Austria, Italy,…

The history of Germany’s beautiful Gingerbread hearts

Oktoberfest 2019 has kicked off in Münich, Germany. This means it’s time to wear lederhosen guys, dirndls ladies, and to drink lots of beer. Then there’s the wildly popular Lebkuchenhertz, which are sold at Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, and at some bakeries around Germany. Lebkuchenhertz are gingerbread heart cookies; in South Africa, we call them biscuits….

The best stress free guide to gorgeous Ghent, a Belgian treasure

Before my Erasmus journey, I had never even heard of Ghent. I met my friend Bilqees at the Erasmus scholarship departure event. While she was heading to Ghent for a short study program, I was bound for Germany. However, Bilqees kindly invited me to visit her in Belgium. I ended up visiting Ghent in June…

How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Paris

If you want to have a better time in Paris, here are some essential tips based on my personal experiences and insights from local French friends. Avoid these common travel mistakes to make your Parisian adventure more enjoyable and stress-free. Don’t carry tons of luggage bags When visiting Paris, especially if you’re just there for…

A complete Coffee shop etiquette guide

In the Netherlands, a coffee shop isn’t a place for baked goods and coffee; it’s a legal marijuana dispensary. Most coffee shops in Amsterdam are located around the Red Light District, though several claim to be the oldest, including the Bull Dog, which is often mentioned. On my first solo trip to Amsterdam, I skipped…