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Run the Race with Patience: From Delphi to Olympia

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(town of Olympia) Hebrews 12:1 says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” There are days on a journey that feel less like travel and more like a walk through history, and today was one of them. After a delightful breakfast buffet filled with local abundance—Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, freshly baked breads, preserves, vegetables, eggs, and savory meats—we departed with both grateful hearts and eager anticipation. As the bus rolled forward, Bill guided us into a reflective prayer time and shared a devotional from Psalm 106, reminding us to remember the Lord’s faithfulness across generations. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1) Our route traced the breathtaking coastal highway along the Corinthian Gulf, where the blue waters seemed to stretch endlessly beside us. Along the way, Emily offered a sweeping overview of Greek history, from ancient civilizations to the founding of Olympia, where the first Olympic...
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Boats, Bicycles, Baptist Beginnings, and Belgium Fries: The Top 20 Things We Learned on Our Journey from Amsterdam to Antwerp

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Our journey from Amsterdam to Antwerp was more than a vacation. It was educational and inspirational. Here are the top 20 things I learned along the way: 1. The Netherlands and Holland aren’t the same thing.  Holland refers only to two provinces—North and South Holland—while the Netherlands includes 12 provinces in total. 2. The canals in Amsterdam rival those in Venice.  They’re carefully engineered, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and every bit as picturesque. 3. Bicycles outnumber people in the Netherlands.  With more than 23 million bikes for 17 million people, cycling is truly a way of life. 4. The first Baptist church was formed in Amsterdam in 1609.  John Smyth and Thomas Helwys planted seeds of religious liberty here that still bear fruit today. (Actually, I knew this. However, I had forgotten the year.) 5. There are a large number of locks on the rivers and canals.  These ingenious systems manage water levels in the Netherlands, keeping ...
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Castles, Chocolates, and De Cathedral: Highlights from Our Tour of Antwerp

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On Friday morning, our Viking River Cruise brought us to Antwerp , Belgium’s vibrant port city, where cobblestone streets, grand squares, and centuries of history greet you at every turn. We arrived to find the city moving at a slower pace because this  is a national holiday , which meant many shops were closed. Yet the quieter streets gave our walking tour a relaxed, unhurried charm, allowing us to notice details we might otherwise have missed. Our guide, Garen, is a native Bosnian who has resided in Belgium for many years. At age 35, Garen was our youngest guide of the week. He was very knowledgeable about the local area and Belgian history. Interestingly, however, he holds a PHD in Applied Economics. Our tour began at the Steen , also known as the Rock , a medieval fortress that once guarded the banks of the River Scheldt. Built in the 13th century and later used as a prison, the Steen is among the oldest surviving buildings in Antwerp. From its ramparts, we enjoyed sweeping vi...
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The Boat, the Basilica, the Bookstore, and the Cabbage Lady: Highlights from Our Tour of Maastrict

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During our day in Maastricht  we enjoyed one of the most memorable walking tours of our Viking River Cruise, an experience rich in history and . Nestled on the banks of the River Meuse, Maastricht blends Roman roots, medieval architecture, and modern significance in a way that few cities can match. We began in the city’s lively Markt Square , where fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies were on full display. Among the most charming sights was the “Cabbage Lady,"  a statue of a vendor who has become something of a local icon. It was here that we learned a bit of unexpected culinary trivia: cole slaw, which is derived  from the Dutch koolsla , meaning “cabbage salad," traces its roots back to Dutch settlers who carried the recipe to America centuries ago. From the market, our walk led us to two of Maastricht’s most famous churches, standing side by side like contrasting chapters of a book. The Basilica of Saint Servatius , a Romanesque masterpiece dating back to the...
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Birdhouses, Bombs, and Bicycles: Highlights from Our Tour of Nijmegen

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On Wednesday, we toured  Nijmegen , the oldest city in the Netherlands, a place where history and resilience meet at every turn. Founded over 2,000 years ago as a Roman military camp, Nijmegen has worn many hats: imperial outpost, medieval market town, and, in more recent history, a front-line city in World War II. Our walking tour took us from the bustling streets of the lower city to the heights where Charlemagne once reigned. We began in the lower city in the early morning , where the Grote Markt was slowly coming to life.  This lively square, framed by colorful gabled houses, has been the heart of trade for centuries. At its center stands the Waag , or weighing house, a 17th-century landmark where goods were once measured and taxed. Our guide brought the scene to life, describing merchants unloading barrels of beer, wheels of cheese, and exotic spices from distant ports. We also visited one of the alleys that had been lined with colorful birdhouses, which was like a smal...
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Are We in the Netherlands or Holland? A Brief Explanation of the Difference Between the Two

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Our tour brochure gives the name of our cruise as “Holland to Belgium.” Yet, our itinerary says we are visiting several towns and villages in the Netherlands. What is the difference between the two? It’s a question that comes up often, especially for travelers preparing to visit this charming corner of Europe: What’s the difference between the Netherlands and Holland? Are they the same thing? The short answer: all of Holland is in the Netherlands, but not all of the Netherlands is Holland. The Netherlands is the official name of the country—meaning “low lands”—a reference to the fact that much of the nation lies at or below sea level. The country is made up of twelve provinces, each with its own local identity, traditions, and dialects. The Netherlands is bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the west and north. It is famous for its windmills, canals, tulips, cycling culture, maritime history, and a spirit of innovation that has helped it re...
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Faith in the Low Country: Religious Affiliation, Baptist Origins, and Historic Churches

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(Basilica of St. Nicholas in Amsterdam) As a student of all things related to church, religion, and spirituality, when we travel, I am eager to learn more about the faith and culture of the places we visit. I am especially interested in the Netherlands because of the role the Dutch played in our Baptist history. Our tours have taken us to several historic churches, but I'm inclined to probe a little deeper. What is the current religious landscape? The Netherlands has undergone a remarkable shift in recent decades. As of 2023, about 58% of Dutch adults claim no religious affiliation, while Catholics and Protestants account for roughly 17% and 13%, respectively; Islam also represents approximately 6% of the population. Though secularism is prominent, around 44% of people still identify with a faith tradition—a slight increase from previous lows. Religious attendance remains modest: about 12% attend services regularly, with Protestants attending most frequently and Catholics lea...
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