It has been a while since I was a student, and particularly since I have actively used the facilities at the university I studied at to get work done. The last time I studied for exams at university was probably around 2010 or 2011. It feels like it was yesterday, but that's over a decadeContinue reading "Nostalgia"
When you expect it the least
Some things you just don't really expect to happen in certain places. For me, as a biologist and herpetology enthusiast, finding an amphibian species that I have never seen before in my home country of the Netherlands was one of these things... I was born and raised in the Netherlands. It was pretty obvious fromContinue reading "When you expect it the least"
Flowers aplenty
My son pointed out to me today that the garden has lots and lots of flowers. What can I say? He's not wrong... He spotted the first peonies flowering, and that's for some reason always a bit special. But I'm biased. I think all my plants are special. And my garden, as you heard fromContinue reading "Flowers aplenty"
Organic and homegrown
I've always been a fan of growing my own food. As a young child, my grandfather helped me maintain a vegetable plot in an underused part of our garden. We lived in a rental home in a housing block. Most gardens were small, but we were lucky to have a corner home, which came withContinue reading "Organic and homegrown"
Doing what you love
"It doesn't really matter what subject you choose for your further career. Most important is that you get a position. You'll learn to love it when you study the subject." This is what an early mentor once told me, when I was facing a crossroad in my career. Should I follow my heart? Or shouldContinue reading "Doing what you love"
Orchid season
I don't have much to say today. Or these last couple of days, to be honest. My mind has been busy racing about the start of the work week next week. Perhaps it wasn't very smart to plan my holidays just before the semester starts. What can I say, with daycare closures and little alternativeContinue reading "Orchid season"
Fortress
We tried our hardest today to visit Forte Fenestrelli, one of the longest fortified settlements in the world, and the largest Alpine fortress in Europe. The thing is massive. And very impressive. It is beyond me why there were maybe three or four other families strolling around. It's a gift and a curse, the lackContinue reading "Fortress"
Where is everyone?
Another beautiful day in Piemonte. After waking up in Perrero, and exploring the town a little bit, we found a cute little bakery with fresh bread and a whole selection of delicious cookies. (Yes, of course). Right next door to the bakery was Mulino del bi - a restoration project started a couple of yearsContinue reading "Where is everyone?"
I think I love it here
The best thing - by far - about traveling with a small campervan is that it can take you pretty much anywhere a regular car could take you. In Italy that often is a great luxury. I think we drive to places where the big campers don't go. Or, well, I wouldn't go there withContinue reading "I think I love it here"
Fairly local
The weather conditions in northwest Italy changed 180 degrees from a continuous downpour to the best weather imaginable. We got to see the best of two valleys yesterday as we left Valle de Soana, and left for the next. There was supposed to be a beautiful Sosta Camper, right on a beautiful mountain lake. However,Continue reading "Fairly local"
Robin Heinen 