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  • Kiss and Ride Efteling

    Efteling : short term parking Kiss and Ride

    Parking at the Efteling is possible at the designated paid parking lot, but what if you only want to bring and pick up people at the Efteling. For short term parking you can go to the Kiss and Ride Efteling parking lot. Where can you find this parking lot?

    Kiss and Ride Efteling address

    The Efteling Kiss and Ride [pick up and drop off] parking lot is located next to the large parking lot at the main entrance of the Efteling. So you do not have to pay to park your car on the Efteling parking lot, or find a parking spot elsewhere in Kaatsheuvel. On the Kiss and Ride parking lot you can park your car for a short time for free at the Efteling to let visitors get out and / or pick up again. It is not allowed to park your car in this free parking lot at the Efteling for a longer period of time. This is maintained.

    The Kiss and Ride Efteling parking lot can be found at the Efteling Bus stop at the Europalaan. Look here for the exact location on the map (opens Google Maps).

    How to get to the Kiss and Ride Efteling parking lot

    Most visitors to the Efteling come from the side of the Efteling Hotel. From here the ‘pick up and drop off’ Kiss and Ride parking is easy to find.

    Coming from the N261 (Midden Brabantweg) take the Europalaan towards the center of Kaatsheuvel. At the entrance of the Efteling parking lot, keep to the right lane.
    Three lanes go left to the paid Efteling parking lot, and the fourth lane goes straight on towards the Kiss and Ride parking lot of the Efteling.

    When you pass the entrance of the large Efteling parking lot, follow the road for about 150 meters, until you see a large bus stop on your left. Immediately after this bus stop you can turn left. There are traffic signs already indicating where the pickup and drop off parking is. You drive along the Efteling bus stop to the Kiss and Ride parking lot directly behind it.

    It is a fairly large parking lot. If there is enough space on the kiss and ride parking at the Efteling, it is best to park the car as far as possible on the left side. You have to go through a tunnel under the road to get to the main entrance of the Efteling. You will find the tunnel on the left side of the parking lot.

    Walk from the Kiss and Ride parking lot to the Efteling main entrance.

    When you’re on the pickup and drop off parking lot, you can’t walk directly to the main entrance of the Efteling by crossing the road. You first have to go under the road to the other side.

    On the left side of the Kiss and Ride parking lot is a small stairway down. Take this staircase and walk through a small tunnel under the road to the large parking lot. On the other side of this tunnel you are directly on the large parking lot of the Efteling. This is something you need to know, otherwise it’s just a search.
    The Kiss and Ride Efteling parking lot is really ideal for picking up and bringing people.

  • What is a rash guard, and why you need one in sun and sea!

    Rash guard : Swim, snorkel and dive with a rash guard

    If you go on vacation to the sun and plan to go swimming or snorkeling, it is important to take good precautions. Many people who go to the sea to cool off or snorkel assume that a layer of sunburn is enough to protect themselves from the sun. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and they notice at the end of the day that they have been badly sunburned anyway.

    Jump directly to your subject::
    When to use a rash guard
    What is a rash guard
    Origin of rash guards
    What is a rash guard sequel
    What to pay attention to when purchasing
    Price of rash guards

    There are also a number of swimmers and snorkelers who try to protect themselves from the sun with a simple t-shirt. When you lie in the water you burn as hard as when you lie on the beach… maybe even faster than when you lie on the beach. Also when you wear an ordinary t-shirt, because the sun’s radiation goes right through it.

    The advice is to use a rash guard. Using a rash guard prevents burning, but can also protect you from other dangers of the sea.

    What is a rash guard

    What is a rash guard : A rash guard, also called a rash vest or rashie, is a shirt that is often made of spandex, nylon or polyester. These swim shirts / rashguards are specially made to be used in the water. It looks a bit like the top of a diving suit, but it is a bit thinner.

    A rashguard is used for a few reasons.
    Burning : Rash guards are there to prevent you from getting burnt if you lie longer in the water. A good rash guard offers a high protection against UV radiation. The harmful radiation doesn’t get through, which happens with a normal t-shirt.

    Cooling down : A rash guard also prevents you from cooling down too quickly. Even when the water is colder, you will stay warm much longer than when swimming in a t-shirt or without a shirt. Divers sometimes use a rash guard as an extra layer of insulation. The rashguard is then worn under the diving suit.

    Protection : A rash guard also protects you against damage to your skin due to abrasion along a rocky bottom, or when you unexpectedly come into contact with coral. There are rash guards with short and long sleeves.

    Origin of rash guards

    Rash guards were once specially designed for surfers. By falling down and climbing on their surfboard again, the skin of the surfers was often damaged and irritated. By wearing a good rash guard this was a thing of the past.

    What is a rash guard – 2

    So a rashgard is a sturdy shirt. In addition, it is water-repellent, and therefore quickly dry. The shirt is very stretchy and, if you have the right size, fits tight around your body. Because rashguards don’t absorb water, you don’t have the problem that you will swim heavier than with a normal shirt. There is often a UV filter in the rash guards, so you’re really well protected against the sun. With a normal t-shirt you can still burn… right through your shirt. So a rash guard is also handy to have with you when you’re doing a day at the beach. Especially for children playing on the beach, it offers extra good protection against the sun. Are you planning to buy a rash guard, pay attention to the protection factor against UV radiation.

    In addition to a rash guard alone, it is wise, especially if you plan to swim or snorkel for a longer period of time, to buy pants made of the same material. This will prevent your legs from getting burned, or damaged against a sharper bottom.

    Don’t forget your head…it’s above water most of the time. Special swimming caps with a UV resistant layer are also available for this purpose. Swimming with a swimming cap on may not be that cool, but it prevents your head from burning… especially with men with less hair.

    What to pay attention to when buying a rash guard

    Important when buying a rash guard, is the degree of protection from the sun. The higher the degree of protection against UV radiation, the better the rash guard is in that respect. In addition, the shirt must be sturdy and well stretchable. The shirt should be tight, so that no air bubbles can form under the shirt, making it a bit harder to swim or dive.
    Also make sure the shirt has smooth seams. Flat seams prevent your rash guard from rubbing against your body, which can cause you to get sensitive spots in the long run.

    Price of rashguards

    Rash guards in themselves are not that expensive. You already buy a good rash guard for a few tens. In general it is true that the more expensive models last longer. If you use a rash guard once in a while, then you are already cheap. Are you going to use the rash guard more often, or are you going on a snorkeling vacation to for example Egypt, then it is advisable not to save on your rash guard.

  • Free parking Delft

    Free parking Delft, where is that possible?!
    You know it, you are going to visit a city and doubt whether you will go by car or not. By car is relaxed, but you do not want to pay the main price for parking. Cheap parking is often not available, not even in Delft. Free parking in Delft center you will not succeed, but there are alternatives. Within walking distance of the center are still places where free parking in Delft is possible. If you walk a bit too far, there is always public transport in the neighborhood.

    All things to do in Delft with reviews

    In the text below are places where you can park for free in Delft. These free parking spaces you can click on the map of Delft and you will see the free parking.

    Our tips for free parking Delft

    Free parking Delft in combination with the Delft City Shuttle
    Our number 1 location for free parking delft!

    The first location for free parking Delft is the Korftlaan. The Korftlaan is located just outside the center of Delft, on the recreation area Delftse Hout. Right at the beginning of the Korftlaan you can park for free on both sides of the road. Halfway, near the Delftse Hout vacation park, there are only parking spaces on one side of the road. There are many free parking spaces available. Only on extremely busy days it may be possible to look for a parking spot, but that is almost not the case. Normally you can easily find a place to park your car for free within walking distance of Delft center.

    From your free parking place on the Korftlaan, you walk in about 20 minutes to the Market Square in Delft. This is right in the center. If you do not feel like walking, or maybe you want to visit more places in Delft, you can take the Delft City Shuttle at the Delftse Hout vacation park. This is a kind of tuktuk that makes stops at several fixed places in Delft. You park your car for free, and let the Delft City Shuttle transport you further. This shuttle is not free, but for a few euros you will be brought to the center of Delft. You can also opt for a day pass that allows you to travel all day with the Delft City Shuttle. Tickets are for sale at the stop point of the Delft City Shuttle at the entrance of the park. The shuttle runs a round every 20 minutes.
    Website Delft City Shuttle

    Free parking delft : P1 Tweemolentjeskade Delftse Hout
    Our number 2 location for free parking Delft!
    Also in the Delftse Hout, but on the other side of the park you will find parking P1. Also here you can park for free in Delft, and there is always a place to park your car. This free parking is located on the Tweemolentjeskade, just under the highway (A13). This parking lot is easy to find. From the Van Miereveltlaan in Delft you enter the Tweemolentjeskade. Follow the road until you go under the highway, after which you end up directly at the parking lot. If you park your car here, it is a little more than 20 minutes walk to the Market Square in the heart of Delft. You can also make a stop at Knus Delft for a snack or a drink.

    Free parking Delft : Hoflaan
    A little further away, on the border of Delft and Delfgauw, you could also park for free on the Hoflaan Delft. This is a road with on one side a cemetery, and on the other side tennis courts and a sports hall. For walking from the Hoflaan to the center of Delft, you need half an hour. On the corner of the Hoflaan is a bus stop that also takes you to the center of Delft. Free parking Delft on the Hoflaan is therefore possible, but keep in mind a short drive by public transport or half an hour walk. There is plenty of parking space here.

    In addition to the above places, there are more places to find free parking Delft, but we think the above places are the best options. The two top locations are the best choice as far as we are concerned, because there are always parking spaces to be found.

    Free parking Delft is certainly possible.

  • Oostpoort Delft, the last city gate

    The characteristic Oostpoort Delft is the only city gate that can still be visited today. In the past Delft was walled, and there were eight gates through which you could enter and leave the city. The Oostpoort is the only city gate that is still standing. The other gates are together with the city wall disappeared. The Oostpoort is currently in use as a residence and exhibition space. It is not possible to see the Oostpoort Delft from the inside.

    The city wall and gates of Delft

    Like many other cities, Delft has also built a wall around the city. Around the 15th century the city wall was built around Delft. This wall offered the city protection against enemies. There were eight city gates made in the wall, including the Oostpoort. These gates were the only way in and out of the city. So there was some control on who and what Delft went in and out. The place where these gates were built has been well thought out. During the day the gates were opened but at night the city gates were closed.

    Towers were also built at the gates and on the city wall from which the surroundings could be monitored. In case of danger, the gates could be closed immediately to keep the danger out of the walls.
    In 1514 the towers of the Oostpoort Delft were further raised.

    The city wall of Delft has stood for a few centuries. In the 19th century the wall around Delft was demolished. Now Delft was no longer closed, this benefited the further development of the city.

    The Oostpoort Delft

    As said, the Oostpoort is the only city gate left from the past. Originally, the Oostpoort had round towers. When in 1514 the towers of the Oostpoort were raised, the shape has also changed. The towers became more octagonal in shape. Via the Oostpoort you could enter and leave the city of Delft by land and water.

    In the past there used to be a statue of Sint-Catherijne above the entrance to the Oostpoort Delft. Because of this the Oostpoort also had the name Sint-Catherijnepoort.
    Next to the Oostpoort is a small piece of the old city wall to see.

    The Oostpoort Delft is a popular object to photograph. The Oostpoort seen from the Oosteinde gives a nice picture of the gate and the water gate with the house above it.
    From the Oostsingel the Oostpoort can be seen from the other side. This is the side from which most pictures are taken, and in my opinion also the most beautiful side to admire the Oostpoort.

    Other city gates of Delft

    Unfortunately, the Oostpoort is the only city gate that can still be admired. The other city gates have largely disappeared along with the city wall.
    Other gates were the Rotterdamse Poort, Schiedamse Poort, Waterslootse Poort, Koepoort, Schoolpoort, Haagpoort and Wateringse Poort.

    If you are visiting Delft, it is certainly advisable to walk along the Oostpoort and admire the gate. It is one of the more beautiful places of Delft. We have written an article about free parking Delft. If you walk from the parking lots in the Delftse Hout where you can park for free you can also walk along the Oostpoort towards the center.

    The Oostpoort can be found at the address Oostpoort 1, 2611 RZ Delft.

  • Is snorkeling in Egypt dangerous?

    Some time ago we made an article about the possibilities of snorkeling in Egypt (Red Sea). From questions we had about the dangers of snorkeling in the Red Sea near Egypt we conclude that there are many questions about the safety of swimming and snorkeling in the Red Sea. “Is snorkeling in Egypt dangerous?” or “what about dangerous animals and sharks in Egypt?” are common questions. There are indeed some risks involved in entering the Red Sea on the Egyptian coast, but is snorkeling in Egypt really that dangerous? A few examples.

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    Dangerous animals in the Red Sea near Egypt
    Sharks near Egypt – Red Sea
    Is snorkeling in Egypt dangerous
    Egypt highlights

    Dangerous animals in the Red Sea Egypt

    Egypt, especially the area near Marsa Alam and Hurghada, is a hugely popular vacation destination for sun worshippers, snorkelers and scuba divers. This is not surprising because the sun shines on average 365 days a year and the underwater world is breathtaking from just a few meters from the beach. The coral reefs along the coast are home to a huge variety of fish, turtles, octopuses, rays and more. When you walk into the sea you will soon see the necessary fish swimming around your legs. If you go snorkeling, there is actually a lot to see from the first few meters.

    Along the coast of the Red Sea are many coral reefs where it is teeming with life. Many of the animals are not dangerous, but still it is a bit careful, because snorkeling in Egypt has some dangers and risks. There are certainly some dangerous animals. Some of the animals along the Egyptian coast near Marsa Alam and Hurghada that are not entirely harmless we have described in this article.

    The chance that you will encounter these animals along the coast and in the coral reefs while snorkeling in Egypt is high. To prevent problems, ‘respect’ remains the magic word. You determine (to a large extent) to what extent snorkeling in Egypt is dangerous.

    You enter the domain of these sea dwellers. So just keep your distance and don’t rush them. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone too. This also applies to the friendly giants, the turtles. While snorkeling you will probably also encounter huge turtles. These animals don’t do anything at all. You can get pretty close to them and swim with them for a while. At most they will keep an eye on you but won’t do anything. Still, they can bite, so again… don’t hunt them down and keep a proper distance. You sometimes see people who find it necessary to touch or hold the turtles in order to get in front of them. Apart from the fact that you shouldn’t do this, snorkeling with these friendly giants can become dangerous. You can only blame yourself for a ride to the hospital.

    Sharks in Egypt / Red Sea

    You don’t have to worry about the animals you encounter, as long as you keep an appropriate distance and let them have their way. But… There are also different species of sharks living there. Some of the shark species that live here off the coast can be dangerous for people snorkeling. Near Marsa Alam and Hurghada near the coast of Egypt live among others reef sharks, bull sharks and hammerheads.

    You don’t have to worry too much about sharks, but it does happen occasionally that people are attacked by sharks. Snorkeling near the places Marsa Alam and Hurghada in Egypt can therefore certainly be dangerous.

    In the summer of 2018 a tourist was attacked by a bull shark just off the coast of Marsa Alam. This tourist did not survive the attack. This was a few hundred meters from where we were snorkeling a few weeks later. This gave a special feeling, especially because we were snorkeling with our family. I myself kept a close eye on the rest of the family and the surroundings.

    Never go snorkeling alone, that makes it less dangerous!
    It is therefore not advisable to go snorkeling on your own, even though the chance of encountering an aggressive shark is not so great. Four eyes see more than two and six more than four. Always stay together. It is always wise to bring something that you can use to sting a curious shark if it gets too close.
    It is unwise to go snorkeling alone. Besides the animals that can be dangerous, you can also get cramps or other problems. You should always be able to fall back on someone who swims with you.

    As a diver you are safe from sharks, but as a snorkeler a meeting with a shark can be a bit more annoying. Because you float on the surface while snorkeling, sharks tend to attack you more quickly because they see you as prey. So you always have to pay attention to what is swimming around you.

    snorkelen Egypte veilig
    Is snorkeling in Egypt really that dangerous?

    So is snorkeling in Egypt dangerous?

    Snorkeling, swimming and diving in Egypt at Marsa Alam and Hurghada is not really dangerous as long as you treat the animals with respect and keep your distance. So it is not without danger, there are sharks swimming and attacking people, which also happens sometimes. Still, the chance of encountering a shark is not that big. If you look at the number of people who enter the sea in Egypt every year and how few people encounter a shark… then it’s not all that bad… But of course there is a chance…

    Snorkeling in Egypt dangerous? When you keep your distance and don’t just go snorkeling it’s okay, but it’s not completely harmless.
    You largely decide how dangerous snorkeling at Hurghada and Marsa Alam is, so keep your head… don’t get overconfident… respect the animals and coral