In the green plains of the Flemish Brabant, many rivers and streams flow into the Dijle, itself a feeder of the Rupel, one of the Schelde's main tributaries.
On the first hot weekend of 2009, we found ourselves in the Netherlands. Thankfully, cool waters were never far away, on the beaches and beside the canals.
Early in World War I, German forces planned to sweep quickly through Flanders but they were stalled in the flat, agricultural lands near the city of Ypres.
This wild and wintry corner of Germany is home to icy clear rivers, thick woodland, quaint villages of timber frame houses and the odd Nazi training camp.
The great medieval city was frozen in time after its river silted up, leaving Antwerp to dominate Flanders. These photos are the result of several different trips.
"Like all good pigs, one must have excellent standards in which to toss and turn piggie thoughts of the world. And so I tasked my friends with sorting it out."
A visit to the famous, leg-snappingly steep cobbled climb at the climax of every Ronde van Vlaanderen. He who reaches the top first will almost certainly win the race.
The capital of Belgium and of Europe, rebuilt from the siege of 1695 and further developed on the proceeds of Leopold II's activities in the 19th century.
One of Europe's most extraordinary examples of Karst topography (look it up!), the El Torcal nature preserve divides Málaga and Antequera in rugged relief.
Home to the grand Caliphate, tenth century Córdoba was the splendid home of half a million residents, the largest city in Europe and possibly the world.
In 2005 a severe hurricane caused massive damage to the city of New Orleans and its citizens. Two years on, we saw some of the aftermath and the efforts to rebuild.
Palm trees, blue seas and relaxed attitudes all the way in the southermost enclaves of the United States, where eccentricity is key and individuality is welcome.