Thinking Back on a Trip

My wife and I were privileged to go to Belgium for three weeks over this past Christmas and New Year's time. The trip was made easier and more enjoyable because our daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren live there (courtesy of NATO). My initial impressions were these:

• The country looks like it does in the movies
• There is a calmness and ease about the country (not everyone is on a cell phone)
• There is a quaintness that is typlified by businesses located in people's homes along neighborhood streets
• A lot of people walk, ride bikes, or scooters (even in the cold winter)
• The local bakeries know how to bake bread and eclairs
• Euros still seem a little like monopoly money but they cost more than real dollars

We had a great time being with family; visiting, playing games, building a snowwoman, and seeing the sites. The sites included a castle in The Netherlands, the uniqueness of several nearby villages, the lavish buildings of the plaza in Brussels along with some very good chocolate, and even a side trip to Paris and the historic stops in the city including Notre Dame; The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and countless architectual and artistic marvels. Yes, we did see the Mona Lisa (famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci that is in The Louvre) and she seems to be holding her age quite well. She is more petite than I imagined.

One thing that is very humbly about Europe is the age and history. Buildings that were constructed in the 12th and 13th Centuries are still in use and retain so much character and even charm. That gives new definition to the word "old." The old houses in our town or the old car that someone owns is really new in comparison to the castle we toured that was begun around 1150 and finally completed in the early 1800s.

Three weeks went by too quickly but with great enjoyment. Hopefully, we will be able to go back while they are still living there. Spring or summer would be my choice. Winter is cold there. But being with family is a warm experience anytime of the year.