Just in time, here’s my Best & Worst of 2006. More »

For the first time in 39 years there will be no New Year’s dive in Scheveningen on New Year’s Day, here in the Netherlands. A combination of hard wind from the south west and high tide will cause strong currents and high waves that are too dangerous according to the fire department, police, lifeguards, health services and the local government. The event started in 1965 and draws between 7,000 and 10,000 cold-seeking participants every year. More »

Another year has passed. Here is my personal best and worst of 2006 in the categories adventure, discovery, hotel, experience, buy and surprise. More »

I just received two packages through the mail with DVDs that I had ordered from Amazon. I was required to pay the mailman a hefty import tax for receiving these goods, and it was much more than I expected. More »

Here are 10 great things you can do on your holiday in South Florida:

1. Take a bike ride at Everglades NP Shark Valley
2. Canoe down Buttonwood Canal at Flamingo
3. Dive or snorkel the coral reefs off Key Largo
4. Drive down the Overseas Highway
5. Walk around Key West
6. Visit Bahia Honda State Park
7. Look for Key Deer at Long Pine Key
8. Feed the Tarpons (or Pelicans) at Robbie’s on Islamorada
9. Visit Hemingway House on Key West
10. Hike the trails in Everglades NP

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Various environmental groups in the Netherlands have called on the Dutch parliament to invest money in bird protection. Last week Natuurmonumenten and the Dutch partner of BirdLife International, together with five other agencies, sent the strong message to the Minister of Landscape, Nature and Food Quality.