Living in Europe: Precursors to “The Sendai Test”

I can’t believe I’m here, I thought to myself as I walked through a German university campus. The side of one old stone building caught my eye: it was covered in vines that were brilliant green and red on that late October day. As I continued walking towards my bus from a building that had … More Living in Europe: Precursors to “The Sendai Test”

First Trip to Luxembourg: Tiny Country with a Rich Heritage

The clean and elegant aesthetic of the tiny country of Luxembourg always impresses the newcomer, but what do we actually know about this place? Those familiar with the feel of France or Germany will find themselves doing double-takes in Luxembourg where these two cultures seem to seamlessly combine. Still, Luxembourg is its own place with … More First Trip to Luxembourg: Tiny Country with a Rich Heritage

For Cultural Understanding: A Different Concept of Space

With the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, some of the details addressed in this article have been greatly modified.  You can first read the original article below to get a frame of reference for a traditionally Dutch concept of space, then read the UPDATE at the end to find out how social space in the Netherlands has been affected by COVID-19. … More For Cultural Understanding: A Different Concept of Space

The Hills are Alive: A Castle Trip Through Germany, Austria, and Slovenia

Twenty years ago, when our son Matthew was just 3 years old, Val and I took him on a European vacation to Germany, Austria, and Slovenia. We were already living near Amsterdam as American expats and had made a few trips to various European cities, but we were eager to discover more. My parents- and sister-in-law … More The Hills are Alive: A Castle Trip Through Germany, Austria, and Slovenia

Luctor et Emergo

Do you have a favorite motto, phrase or mantra that keeps you positive or motivated? Maybe it’s something from a favorite book, or a quote from someone you admire. I have many of these: ‘Stay calm and carry on,’ ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going,’ and of course, ‘when life gives you … More Luctor et Emergo