sven verbeek

I just returned from a lightning visit to Holland for work. Very few time to visit friends and family, so had to squeeze that almost all in one day. Apologies to everyone who I could not visit or see. Maybe next time ! Meanwhile I enjoyed beautiful autumn in ‘t Gooi, one of the few places [...]

It sounds weird, but growing orchids in Australia is actually more challenging than back in The Netherlands. The traditional Phalaenopsis orchid is difficult to nurse as the outside environment is not tropical enough and inside without the Dutch central heating also not ideal. Orchid species like the Cattleya is however a bit more easy to grow in Australia, [...]

What a surprise and how special to see Mariëlle again and have her over at our place. She was in Sydney for a short and sweet visit with her son Koen, after having left Australia a year ago. Six years in Australia made her missing so many things of this beautiful country that she decided [...]

Two freelance journalists from Holland have filmed and interviewed us for almost a full day today. Remie and Mieke have worked for Omroep Zeeland (a regional tv station in the southwestern part of Holland), quit their jobs, took the backpacks and have toured New Zealand and Australia for the past 12 months. During their sabbatical [...]

Marit’s big birthday party will take place in December. Due to her theatre performance in November she has to do rehearsals each weekend, so we will wait for a more relaxed moment to organise. Meanwhile her best friends from school joined her for a nice afternoon with treats at the day she turned 10. And [...]

Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter Marit who turns 10 today ! What a milestone, the first double digit age for her. Time has flown like a short breeze. She has already experienced a lot in her short life. Born in The Netherlands, emigrated to Australia at the age of 6, and now a half Aussie, [...]

Nancy’s parents were 3 weeks in Sydney. For only two days during their stay, the temperature rose above the average for first half October (23 C). Only the last two days. Just in time to show them how we enjoy the most beautiful beach of Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the usual gorgeous Sydney weather. For the [...]

If it comes to good restaurants on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, there isn’t much choice. The heart of activity is in the city, or along the beaches, but not in suburbia. But there are hidden gems around. The best restaurant up north is without doubt the Berowra Waters Inn,  SMH Good Food Guide, score 17/20, and [...]

A beautiful sunny day in Sydney’s Blue Mountains. Breathtaking views on Jamison Valley, from the Three Sisters in Leura, Shipley Plateau from Hargraves Lookout, and a bushwalk near Govetts Leap Lookout, with a stunning waterfall near us. Via Bells Line back to Sydney, after buying some fresh Belpin apples. This is one of the most [...]

A real 4WD experience in the Hunter Valley. Due to the recent rain, some rivers and waters around Wollombi were flooded, and without a decent four wheel drive vehicle it would have been a real challenge. Unfortunately no photo of my Toyota Prado Landcruiser crossing the river (difficult if you’re inside), but hilarious to take [...]