Water Living

Water living is living on the water in the Netherlands, often in a houseboat, floating home, water villa, or sailing houseboat. 

In the Netherlands, approximately 12,000 households live on the water, primarily in and around port cities, waterways, and landscapes. 

It is a unique, traditional form of housing that is part of Dutch intangible heritage. 

Advantages: Peace, freedom, and direct contact with water and nature. 

Often unique views and a flexible lifestyle (some boats are sailing). 

Modern water homes offer full comfort. 

Disadvantages: Scarce moorings (you need a permit). 

Specific regulations, maintenance, and higher (technical/legal) costs. 

Dependent on water level, current, and weather conditions. 

It is popular among people looking for an alternative, adventurous way of living. 

In short: water living combines living comfort with the charm of the water, but it does require good preparation!

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Shōwa

Shōwa (昭和村, Shōwa-mura) is a small village in the mountainous Oku-Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. 

History: The village was formed in 1927 through the merger of two villages and bears the name of the Shōwa era (1926-1989). 

It is located in a remote, quiet, nostalgic mountain setting with traditional houses, winding roads, and few inhabitants. 

Characteristics: Very rural, no trains, low population density. 

Known for agriculture (especially karamushi / ramie weaving, a traditional craft about 600 years old, and kasumi grass / kasumigusa). 

Beautiful nature with swamps, canyons, forests, and viewpoints. 

Sights: Historic Kuimaru Elementary School (restored, with a café). 

Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) for ramie weaving and souvenirs. 

Nature: Komado wetlands, Yanohara Marsh, viewpoints with a possible "sea of ​​clouds". 

Peaceful countryside experience with a retro/nostalgic vibe. 

It is an ideal place for those who want to experience Japanese country life, nature, and crafts. 

Accessible by car (approx. 1 hour from Aizu-Wakamatsu).

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Grand Zwaag Carnival Parade

The Grand Zwaag Carnival Parade is one of the best-known and largest carnival parades in the Netherlands, north of the rivers. 

When: Always on Carnival Sunday (the Sunday before Easter/Lent). 

Characteristics: Large floats, creative walking groups, beautiful costumes, and often satirical or humorous themes. 

Around 40-45 entries participate. 

Scale: Attracts around 45,000 visitors annually from all over the country. 

It is a true folk festival with brass bands along the route. 

Organization: Carnival Association Het Masker Zwaag. 

An awards ceremony follows afterwards (jury and audience prizes). 

It is a spectacle full of color, creativity, and togetherness in West Friesland (Zwaag, municipality of Hoorn). 

Many people call it “the most beautiful parade north of the rivers”.

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Sperlonga

Sperlonga is a charming coastal town in the province of Latina (Lazio, Italy), halfway between Rome and Naples. 

It is situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and is known for: Beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water (often awarded the Blue Flag). 

The medieval, whitewashed historic center with narrow alleys and sea views (one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia”). 

The Villa of Tiberius (Roman Emperor) with the famous Grotto of Tiberius, where impressive ancient sculptures (now in a museum) were found. 

It is a popular, quiet destination for the beach, swimming, walking, and fresh fish, ideal as a day trip from Rome. 

Perfect for those who love authentic Italian coastal life without mass tourism.

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Way of Prayer of the Star of the Sea

The Way of Prayer of the Star of the Sea (also known as Our Lady's Way) is a centuries-old Catholic prayer route and procession in the center of Maastricht, in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady, Star of the Sea. 

Origin: The way of prayer originated over five centuries ago (early 16th century) among the Franciscans as a penitential procession with the 15th-century statue of Mary on Easter Monday. 

The route has remained largely unchanged since then (last adjustment in 1804). 

What is it? 

A fixed walking route through the streets of Maastricht, which is walked while praying (especially the rosary). 

The route is marked with gable stones and statues of Mary. 

You can walk it individually, in small groups, or as a procession. 

Large vs. Small Way of Prayer: Large Way of Prayer: Solemn procession in which the (replica) statue of Mary is carried on a stretcher, accompanied by brotherhoods, torches, singing, and prayer. 

Small Way of Prayer: Silent way of prayer without a statue, often undertaken on one's own initiative or in small groups. 

The statue stands in the Merode Chapel of the Basilica of Our Lady. 

The Way of Prayer begins and ends there (at the Candle Chapel).

In 2022, the tradition was recognized as intangible cultural heritage of the Netherlands. 

The Way of Prayer symbolizes popular devotion, penance, and the veneration of Mary, and is still walked regularly, especially around feast days such as October 10.

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Argosari

Argosari is a high-altitude village (desa) in Kecamatan Senduro, Kabupaten Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia. 

Location & Altitude: One of the highest villages on Java, at approximately 2,900 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Gunung Semeru (in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru region). 

It is often situated above the clouds (“negeri di atas awan”). 

Population: Approx. 3,400 inhabitants (2010), largely from the Tengger tribe. 

Most inhabitants are Hindu (except in one dusun where more Muslims live). 

Main Livelihood: Vegetable cultivation, trade, and government work. 

Tourism: Important gateway to the popular Puncak B29 viewpoint. 

Beautiful nature, misty landscapes, and traditional Tengger culture. 

In short: A picturesque mountain village with spectacular views, ideal for nature lovers and hikers to Semeru.

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Brown Fleet

The Brown Fleet is the collective name for professional charter shipping (passenger shipping) with traditional historical sailing ships in the Netherlands. 

Origin: The ships date mainly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, when they were used for cargo transport (e.g., tjalks, clippers, schooners, and gaff-rigged ships). 

Name: “Brown Fleet” comes from the original brown color of the sails, which were treated with catechu (a dye from acacia wood). 

Current function: Over 400 traditional ships now sail as charter vessels for recreational trips (day trips or multi-day trips) with passengers on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, Wadden Sea, and sometimes further afield. 

Harlingen has the largest concentration. 

Status: It is living intangible heritage: skippers and crew sail with guests and keep the maritime tradition alive. 

In short: the Brown Fleet is the sailing monument of Dutch sailing history, which you can experience today primarily during a sailing trip.

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