Reason of the railroad During WWII Thailand officially remained neutral until Japan invaded it in 1941. Soon Thailand and Japan signed a military alliance. Japan invaded British Burma and needed a railroad to supply the fighting troops. Contruction, closing and reopening Between … Read More

In 1889 Gustave Eiffel built a wonderfull tower to be exhibited at the World Exhibition in Paris. It was intended to be a temporary attraction, but luckily for us they changed there minds and kept it after the exhibition was … Read More

St. Patrick. Mention Ireland and almost everyone knows at least something about its Celtic culture. Most backpackers also have heard of St. Patrick’s Day. On this day most Irish drink a Guinness or two to celebrate on the day that … Read More

5 Skellig Michael. Near the southwest coast of Ireland lie two islands called ‘the Skellig Islands’. In 1986 they made these islands a special protected area, because they are the habitat and nesting area of various species of birds. Little … Read More

s’-Hertogenbosch. s’-Hertogenbosch started as a trading post. In the year 1184 it received city rights from Gotfried III of Leuven, making this city one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. People who live in s’-Hertogenbosch like to celebrate carnival. People … Read More

The Rijksmuseum. This National Museum was designed by P.J.H Cuypers. Cuypers also designed Central Station in Amsterdam, but mostly Catholic Churches. You can see this Catholic influence, because the building looks just like a Catholic Church. Rumor has that none of the members … Read More

West coast. On the west coast there are several historical remnants you can visit: dolmen, forts and unfinished walls. The cliffs are impressive and wildlife is abundant. Aran Islands. In the Galway bay are three islands that go by the … Read More

Weesp. During the golden era of the Netherlands Amsterdam was a vital part of our economy. It needed protection against armies coming over land. In order to stop invasions we had a water line and a string of forts surrounding … Read More

Tomb of Napoleon. Napoleon was born in 1769 in Corsica only one year after it became part of France. We know Napolion as one of the great generals. Best known are the campain in Russia and the battles of Austerlitz … Read More

World War II. The first military flights in the Netherlands took place in the early years of the 20th century on this base. It remained a small air base until the Second World War. The Germans upgraded it and renamed … Read More

A must see. If you are an art lover, the Louvre is a must see when you visit Paris. The museum is located on the north bank of the Seine. People flok here to see loads of art. Most people … Read More

Gouda is the only city in the Netherlands that has a latin name, also in popular use. This is derived from the river the Gouwe (‘golden’) that flows here into another river, the Hollandse IJssel. At the end of the … Read More