When you travel, do you use a guidebook so that you're well prepared, or do you go without much prior knowledge so that you're surprised?
Submitted by Jack Yan.

The most preparation I do is consult Google Maps for directions from one place to another, once I've decided on where I want to go. I don't use guidebooks and I never read the tourist literature that hotels leave in hotel rooms. I much prefer to talk to local people and ask them what they think is good and worth doing. I also like walking around places and getting myself lost. Paris is especially good for getting lost in. If walking isn't practical because the place is too big then I like to use public transport and then loaf around in cafés.

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How far from your last home do you live? Why did you move and are you glad you did? 
Submitted by Matthew 25.

I now live in Brussels which is about about 209km (~130m) south of Amsterdam. It's about two hours by car or three hours by train. Taking the train lets you watch movies and read books, though, so I think that's the winner.

I lived in Amsterdam for about seven years but moved in August last year. I moved for a bunch of administrative reasons associated with my job but I don't regret the change as Amsterdam is still close by and I get to see more people at work now.

Amsterdam to Brussels

Globe Courgette

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If your Vox Neighborhood had a potluck dinner tonight, what dish, drink or dessert would you bring?

If I could cook it there then I'd like to serve something like this.

but if I just had to bring a ready cooked item them I'd take something like this.

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What are the 10 foods you must have in your refrigerator and/or your kitchen cabinet? 
Submitted by Carol.  

My fridge is broken. A man from the manufacturer came and confirmed that it doesn't work properly. As such, I am unable to keep any food that requires refrigeration in it. So I will list the foods I must not store in my fridge while I am waiting for it to be replaced.

1. Obviously, fresh milk is the first candidate. Experience has taught me that it leaves a nasty smell when it grows up and becomes cheese.
2. Secondly, cheese. I like really strong, mature cheeses. These are particularly painful when the fridge doesn't work.
3. Fresh fish and meats are another no-no, too. No-one like a whiff on ammonia with their breakfast.
4. Leftovers. If it's been cooked and served but not finished it's going to go bad. Put it in the trash and the city will burn it and turn it into electricity.

That's about it, really. Other things, like sodas, beers, wines and so on don't go bad in a warm fridge. They just stay at room temperature. Warm Diet Coke isn't the best but it's not quite as bad a cheese with legs.

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What are the 5 words that best describe your life right now?
Submitted by mojito.  

I have just moved to Brussels and this has created a lot of administration for me. I am also want to start French classes so that I can re-learn everything I have forgotten since I took my exams all those years ago. Meanwhile, I am waiting for my stuff to be delivered. It should have been delivered earlier this morning and has not yet arrived. I am still waiting.

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If a waiter stopped by right now to take your order, what cocktail or drink are you having?

A few weeks ago I'd have had a nice dram but today is far too hot. Far too hot! I need long, icy cold drinks and I need them once every 20 minutes until the heat goes away, I tell you.

Mojitos, caiprinhas, even gin'n'tonics. Just make sure they're served in pint glasses and have lots and lots of ice.

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If you could eat anything you wanted, and not have to worry about gaining weight/being unhealthy/inhumane, what would you totally pig out on? 
Submitted by Jay.

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What's the next country you want to visit? 
Submitted by Schomer.

Want to or are going to?

I'm going back to Amsterdam at the weekend and then I'll need to pop over the London for a couple of days before making a series of short trips to Bali, Puerto Rico and, Estonia, Venezuela and possibly Nigeria before June. Oh, and I need to pop over to Manchester for a day in April.

The trip I'm really looking forward to is the trip to Estonia. I've never been to a Baltic country before and I've always wanted to. Also, I like colder weather and dislike humid, tropical weather. I don't expect cool breezes in Bali or Puerto Rico.

I don't have anything planned for Cenrtral Asia or Russia, this year. With a little luck I might find myself visiting St Petersburg during the summer and if I'm really lucky I might get a chance to visit Armenia - but I'm not holding my breath.

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How do you pass the time during a flight?  What do you bring in your carry-on?

I try to take as little as possible on to the plane with me. I can obviously take less on board with me if I'm checking hold luggage but I try and avoid that whenever possible. I've managed to pack everything I need for a week in this little carry-on. But I suppose there are four key things I take with me:

1. MacBook Pro

This isn't actually quite like my MacBook Pro. It's a slightly earlier model from the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.

IMG_3669_apple_computer

2. A Passport

They aren't meant to let you on board without one :-)

IMG_1084_passport

3. An iPod

Because I try to keep my eyes closed and listen to a BBC R4 comedy.

IMG_1083_ipod

4. Noise canceling headphones

Actually, if the flight less than four hours I don't think they're worth the extra bulk. If it's a short flight then I'll use a pair of regular ear buds or Sennheiser PX100s.

IMG_1082_base_noise_cancelling_headphones

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We know you never slack off at work, but if you did, what would you do?

I'd make a pot of tea in the shiny tea pot I got for my birthday. Then I'd drink it.

IMG_0520_tea_pot

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