Belgium really ought to thank Al and I. We have successfully managed to bring 4 extra tourists here who otherwise wouldn't have come. "Successfully Managed" may seem like too strong a description, but do you know anyone who travels to Belgium? I wasn't kidding when I said I had to google text Belgium to see if it was it's own individual country.
Of the two Complete Guide to Europe traveling books I've read, both completely skip out on Brussels, and I don't think it was a coincidental accident. But, I must say, even though it's the smokiest and sightseeing-limited-est of the Western European countries I've seen,
it most definitely has it's charms (and warfs).
Court and Wyatt came home with us after Paris and were here for Belgium's National Independence Day (though no one is quite sure from whom they claim their most recent independence). We decided to join the ward for their kayaking outing to The Ardennes - the beautiful forest area of Belgium.
Although it ended up taking 13 hours rather than the 6 we were planning on, it was beautiful. And if nothing else, it helped me miss this place a little less:
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Al, Jim and Malcolm with the Sunfi on Torch Lake, MI 2007
Wyatt and Courtney
Indeed, Wyatt did have a pretty severe asthma attack that evening... sorry.
It was almost this much fun.
It was beautiful, though.
If any of you know anything about me, you know that my weakness is...
adventure fantasy novels. I love them. I think I actually believe them. I've begun The Lord of the Rings Trilogy which I will now refer to as LOTR.
I couldn't help myself from picturing young Smeagol happening upon the ring on this very river. Ages ago of course.
Wyatt and Courtney in Bouillon (like the chicken broth), one of the many detours Philip Lambert (coordinator of the trip + our chauffeur, never make that mistake yourselves) treated us to on our way home.
It's a pretty safe bet that our car, which included the four of us with 45 year old Brother Lambert (who we unfortunately didn't get a picture of), was the last to arrive in Brussels that night.
After all, who doesn't need 2 power naps and a convenient store break on a 1 and 1/2 hour drive home? However, we couldn't have made the trip without him, and for that we owe him our thanks.
We finished the evening with a wonderful fireworks display and some tasty waffles.
All in all it was a fabulous Mystery Independence Day.
Just a taste of what Al and I do for fun sans friends, fam and favorite TV shows.
P.S. Anyone know why my pictures won't enlarge? I download them through the blogger tool. I'd love any tips.
-annie
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5 comments:
Your trip seems so fun out there! Your sunday class misses you. We wont be there much longer so come back for them!
hahaha love the shout out to bro. lambert and we dont even want to know what the last picture is about!
it seems that being friendless also leaves you pantless?
I love your blog. I love your pictures. I love you and Alex. Getting into great books is the time well spent. I also loved LOTR. Did you ever read The Glass Castle? Completely different setting. Amazing story of dysfunctioning family where children adapt.
Keep up the great stories and pictures. Even if it feels like your life has nothing happening, it looks fantastic to me. Love, love.
chris and i would go visit there just to get out of this place :). and i love the last photo of you two...hilarious.
are you loading your pictures on the "largest" size? there are 3 sizes, and it's like small, normal, or large. (i think).
if that doesn't work, then you know just as much as i do :)
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