Hi to you all. I registered about a month ago and started posting 2 days ago. Until that moment I had no clue what to find here, to be honest. Deep down I am looking for true love. But you can’t force that. I’ve experienced the last 2 days that having pleasant conversations also is a lot of fun. And guys (male and female), if you’re planning to come over to Europe in the near future: don’t hesitate to contact me. I may offer you a place to stay, or we’ll just settle for a cup of coffee. I would love to have a proper English conversation (learning by doing is the best); and I’ll show you around. So we’ll gain both from this encounter
Barend

Howdy and Welcome

Which country of Europe are you in?

the Netherlands. I live in a small, rather boring, town. But the interesting touristic sites are not far from here.

Holland is on my "must visit" list. Flights to the rest of Europe is at an all time low right now, I probably will do so in the coming year.

I'm glad you're having fun, Barend!

Good that your enjoying the forum...many good people here.

There you go! If you need any info, let me know. And I might even show you around in Amsterdam (on the must-do list for sure)

That's two people I will have to visit, I have a friend who lives in Amsterdam. We have never met but have been friends these past six or so years. We have spoken on the telephone and email each other everyday.

Friends for so long? Must be exciting to meet your friend in person finally! You don't need me then to show you AMS. But you can always put me on your reserve-list.

I keep promising, then get caught up in some project or other and then it doesn't happen...... I feel awful. I have visited Denmark, Germany, Belgium and France. Switzerland is on my list too, my brother-in-law is Swiss, but once again I get tied up in projects and cannot tear myself away. Have you ever visited the UK?

Last summer actually: London and Kent. Weather was awfull, but I enjoyed it very much. I was with my son and did all the things tourists do: high tea, english breakfast, sundays roast, drinking beer in the pub. And I noticed that English people really fancy a chat! Although I have to admit: sometimes it was very hard for me to understand the different accents and dialects. Especially from those from Northern England.

I also went to the London Zoo. Beforehand I thought: wow, the London Zoo, that must be a big one! But in fact it is just a small zoo (nice though).
If you ask my son (turned 5 this month) about London: he tells you about the buses and the underground.

I'm glad your son enjoyed his visit. Longleat may have been better for you to visit as it is an animal park, and much bigger. The further north you go, the harder it becomes to understand the dialect and accent.

So, England I will do once more for sure. But the problem is: there are so many countries where I've never been yet! So many countries to visit.

If anyone has good ideas about visiting more 'exotic' sites: please let me know.

I suggest you visit the Caribbean, a cheap way of doing it is to book a flight to a designated island, then island hop from there, works out much cheaper than booking an isalnd tour from Europe.

Welcome to Mingle- Its great that you are having such a great experience here. There are a lot of fine folks here.

I have actually been to Holland, Venlo, and yes Amsterdam. Now that is an awesome place! I loved it there. The people are fabulous-It is definately on my list to go back!

Good to have you here-and keep posting.

Venlo? That is a surprise! Not a place you would normally go. I guess it wasn't a tourist trip?
Thanks for your warm welcome

Welcome...All of my Chicago friend doctors with families from Australia fly via Amsterdam and taking a break before going connecting flight to oz...Must be nice .....

"Proper English conversation"??????

They teach you guys how to speak Texan over there? COOL!

so this is an example of my lack of understanding of your beautiful language? Because I don't think I understand what you just said: is it an Texan expression?

Please help me to improve my English. I would be grateful

note: I think I got the joke now. I can be a little slow sometimes...