Brussels

Brussels was everything I imagined and more. There was definitely an international feel to it when you hear five languages spoken within hours. The ubiquitous chocolate shops sell delicate chocolates wrapped in beautiful boxes with satin bows. Ty, Ron, Lil C, and I took the train there and went directly to the Grand Plaz. After taking more pictures than what the typical tourist would have(we are all camera crazy), we headed for the Chocolate museum. When we first entered they gave everyone a Speculoos cookie dipped with rich milk chocolate. Everyone was raving about the chocolate and I couldn't help but wonder if maybe Belguim chocolate was different than the chocolate I've tasted in the past.

I've always had a strong aversion to chocolate. All types: chocolate milk, cookies, cake, candy bars etc. Because I was tired of being made fun of, I figured I'd be adventurous and try some. Right when we were about to leave, I asked for some and sure enough, I hated it. Ty was making fun of the face I made when I tried it. She said I had a repulsive look on my face. I couldn't help it. It has such a strong bitter taste to it. Je detest chocolate.

Soon after, we visited the underground Beer Museum. What a rip off!! For 5 euros you get to see a video in French and a few beer relics. We saw the whole museum within 5 minutes. The only cool part about it was that you get free beer with your entrance ticket. We took advantage of the fact that we were able to sit down and let our feet defrost for awhile. Ty commented how we were able to drink at a bar with a four year old next to us. Europe has such a laizze-faire attitude toward drinking.




While Ty and I updated Ron on the last episodes of Nip n Tuck, we heard some loud electronica music outside. We ran up the stairs and were just in time to see a light show at the Grand Plaz. The way the buildings were lit up was impressive. There were also images of snowflakes and reindeers projected onto the buildings. At the end of the show mirrored balls and lights gave the illusion of snow flurries in the sky. Check out the show:


We walked around the Christmas Markets, and had tapas at a Spanish restaurant. Ty and I had waffles before heading to the train station. The waffles had melted sugar on them and they were crisp but soft and warm inside. It was délicieux. We will be back to see more in Brussels. I want to see the Comic museum and Ron wants to see some famous atom. Au Reviour

Christmas in Belgium

It's Christmas day and my sister and I are still in our PJ's drinking wine and watching Chrsitmas movies with the rest of the family. Yesterday Ty made Christmas cookies and I helped Lil C decorate them with colored sparkles.
Ron and I also taught Lil C how to play Go Fish. At first Ron and I couldn't remember how to play, so we just made up the rules as we went along. It's been awhile, what can I say?


We had a fabulous dinner with each of us making our specialty plate. Ty made a artichoke/crab dip, I made my procuitto pasta, Ron made asparagus with pancetta, and Steve made pork loin with apple sauce. Cooking with friends and family makes any occasion so festive and special.

After Ty and I read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to Lil C, we set out all the beatifully wrapped gifts under the tree and were up until 2:30 am chatting away. After we opened gifts, we ate maple sausages and pumkin and cinnamon/walnut waffles made from scratch and watched White Christmas with Bing Crosby. I really do like old movies, but I forgot how slow they can be!!! We all passed out sleeping in the middle of the movie. Now we are about to eat dinner and later we're going to play Family Fued. Ty still won't let me get out of my PJs. Talk about sister peer pressure. Anyhow, Merry Christmas everyone where ever you are!!

Monschau, Germany

Ahhhhh Back in Germany. Never once while in Germany during this past summer did I imagine that I was going to return so soon. Monschau is a small, historic town outside the border of Belguim. I had no idea what to expect and Monschau was an exquisite, charming town. The Christmas Market was small but definitely a great addition to my German experiences. Monschau has small, cobblestone steets meandering thoughout the town. I felt like I was in a Medieval town with the water channels and small shops. I tried some Gluh Wein, a German wine served hot, and Reibekuchen, German potatoe pancakes that are fried and served with apple sauce. And of course, I had to have my bratwurst.



I bought a windmill with a Naivity scence. I've always wanted one ever since my sister bought two for my mother and grandmother. The windmill top spins from the heat of the candles and makes the small baby Jesus go for a spin. It's lovely. I know it's something I will cherish forever.

Lille, France

Christmas vacation is finally here! Being in Europe spending time with my sister and her family makes this Christmas extra special. When I arrived I was completly jet lagged. I felt like a zombie for the first day. But after taking a 2 hour nap and then falling asleep again at 8pm, I felt like new the next day.


On Friday my sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and I went to a city in France called Lille just outside Belguim. We went to a Christmas market that had a huge ferris wheel and stands selling food and nick nacks. I tried onion soup (am I allowed to say that the french onion at Mimi's Cafe in CA is better) and vin chaud, which is wine with brandy and spices served hot. In 30 degree weather it was very delicious. We also bought brioche bread, which I have never tried. Tylene says it's very buttery and great toasted. We also ate a crepe with chestnut cream and roasted walnuts. The walnuts were horrible; it had no sugar concoction to give it flavor but they came in handy to keep my fingers warm.


My sister was teaching me French on the way to Lille. She was making me laugh so hard. She said that if you don't know how to say something in French, just say it in English and give it a French accent and most times you'll be right!!! In that case I guess that means I can speak French. Je appelle Giselle Je detest chocolate. Polly vu francze.

We decided to not eat dinner since we stuffed our faces with food from the stands but lil C was hungry so we went to McDonalds. How typical, but hey, the kid is 4. I was practicing my French with Tylene, and she was speaking to me in her French accent acting as if she were my French teacher. When I said something wrong she feign slapped me. What a strict teacher! I have it rough. Well, so far I've learned my numbers and days of the week. Before I know it, I will be fluent. If only it were that easy.