Baden

 I would say that I like Karlsruhe in Germany. Karlsruhe is located in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, in southwestern Germany, not far from the French border.

I was also in Karlsruhe during one of the nights over Christmas in 2025. As usual, I walked to Karlsruhe Palace (Schloss Karlsruhe). Even from the park, you can see how long the palace is—it almost doesn’t fit into a standard iPhone photo.

On warmer days or nights, when approaching Karlsruhe Palace along the main road, you can often smell the nearby zoo. It is located just behind the fence next to the sidewalk, so its presence is usually quite noticeable. During the freezing Christmas nights, however, I noticed it mainly because of the interesting sounds of the animals. There are residential buildings on the opposite side of the street.

I also like that the walk to Karlsruhe Palace takes you past Platz der Grundrechte (Square of Fundamental Rights), which is located in the lower part of the Schlossbezirk, in front of the Federal Constitutional Court.

The square features 24 double-sided street signs displaying quotations from judges, lawyers, scholars, and ordinary citizens about law, justice, and democracy. Each sign places two different perspectives on the same subject face to face, creating a public dialogue about the meaning of law, justice, and democratic society. The entire installation forms a unique public reflection on law and democracy.

Amerika 03.

            Many times, when I’m walking through the streets, I stop and think about taking a photo, but sometimes it feels a bit strange.

The Netherlands is probably the place where you can see the most classic American cars from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s compared to any of the surrounding countries. 

The Netherlands has one of the most visible communities of American classic car enthusiasts in Europe, and there are several reasons why it stands out much more than its neighboring countries.

The country has a long tradition of American car clubs and car meets.

Historically, it was also easier to import American vehicles through the Port of Rotterdam, and many Dutch people used these cars as their everyday vehicles.

Dutch cities, especially in South Holland and North Holland, have a fairly open alternative and performative culture, so it’s not unusual to come across themed cruises or groups of people dressed in costumes. American culture—rock ‘n’ roll, hot rods, muscle cars, and the spirit of the 1980s—is deeply rooted there, and people are not afraid to drive eye-catching American cars even outside of organized events.

Also, cities in South Holland, with their modern architecture and major port atmosphere, often feel like places where classic American cars naturally fit into the urban environment. 

52 hours in a hot Netherlands

• Day 01.

11:00 a.m. – Arrival for a stop in Eindhoven.

Travel from Eindhoven to South Holland.

Check in to accommodation.

Grocery shopping.

Visit to Hoek van Holland, traveling by tram and metro to the beach near Rotterdam.

Return to the hotel for personal needs.

Dinner.

A visit of Katendrecht and some time relaxing in the park, then continuing the night.

A private party until late at night.

• Day 02.

Before noon departure and travel to The Hague.

Visit to Scheveningen, including the beach and the sea.

Return to the hotel for personal needs.

Evening visit to Rotterdam city center.

Visit to Nieuwe Werk, Het Park, and other sights.

A private party until late at night.

• Day 03. 

Morning packing and late morning check out.   

Visit to the Maastunnel, then continue through tree parts of city to the afternoon departure point from the Netherlands.