Belgium

I awoke this morning very early to the sound of someone’s suitcase being dragged along the paved square in front of out hotel. We arrived in Brussels last night very late. The train was delayed on route sadly due to someone taking their life on the tracks. An unfortunate incident that happens all over the world each day I guess. Something else that is also universally common are the crazy skills of taxi drivers. Talk about taking your life in your own hands.

Our Sunday in Amsterdam passed very quickly. We walked more around the streets, cruised the canals on a tour, bought a beautiful print from some artist’s markets called art plein spui. Quite a small, market with only a dozen or so stalls, but the quality of the works was worth the diversion. I had a lovely conversation with artist, Marjan Smit about her drypoint prints. We decided to buy one of the small works called Eigen Drunk.
The market is open on Sundays from 10am-6pm, March to December.
By the time we found a warm and cosy place to have a late lunch, we realised that it was time to get our bags, head for the train station and farewell the city. We noted that there is a great variety of restaurants to choose from. Including, Indonesian (being an ex colony of  this region) and also Argentinean cuisine. So if you love your meet you won’t have trouble finding somewhere to eat. I was surprised not to see more seafood focused restaurants. Not that I eat a lot of seafood myself, but given Amsterdam’s accessibility to the seas I thought there would be perhaps be more on the fish scene. The bakeries were good, and I have no doubt they will continue to impress our tastebuds as we venture south.

So my day ahead awaits. Weather today is meant to be lousy, but I am prepared. Today is my first day on my own. Mr N and his work colleague have already left for the conference here in Brussels. They are setting up for a poster presentation and a big day of networking I guess. I have a list of shops, and places of interest to visit and may head to Brugge tomorrow.

I’m missing the kids terribly and have often had a tear or two in my eye when thinking about them. I know however that the week will fly by, and before long we will be on our way back home.

Comments

[monique]

I suppose the work of Marjan Smit was called EigenDunk ( and not dRunk) meaning Self-conceit.

[val]

Hi, hope you will enjoy your trip to Belgium, you need to go to Brugges.

[tess1960]

Thank you so much for sharing your trip with all of us. I am seeing so many wonderful places that I only dream of through you. Your blog is so fun and I feel I am learning so much about another part of the world from you. I know how you must miss those little ones but remember mom, they are having an adventure too. You all will have so many things to share when you reunite!
Tess from USA

[Susan Tuttle]

You must go to Brugge - it is a gorgeous, pristine city untouched by wartime - it is one of my favorite places! Go, go!

Susan

[Di]

Sounds like you are having fun! Definitely try to go to Brugge as it is meant to be beautiful and different to Brussels!!

Time will fly and before you know it you will be home telling your kids all about your adventure on the other side of the world!

[Jo]

A late suggestion for you:
http://www.dille-kamille.com/
This is a great shop and there's one in Bruges. It reminds me of a European Muji. Make sure you order a Dame Blanche icecream after lunch. You don't get such yummy things in Brisbane!

[monda-loves]

I went to Bruges (Brugge to the locals) and to Brussels, and I have to say I much preferrd Bruges - lovely cobbled streets and quirky buildings - It's definitely worth a visit if you can fit it in, and from memory, its not too far on the train from Brussels either.

Monda
x

[jonipossin]

Thanks for sharing. I hope that the rest of your trip is delightful. Savor the flavor of the cities... and of course shop!
Joni

[Do]

Like Zoe; It's a strange feeling that someone who's life you have been following who seemed to be so far away, is within 200 km all of a sudden. I hope you enjoy your stay in Brugge, even though you're missing the kids. :)

[Esti]

I've found your blog today and enjoyed it a lot. I'll come back to read your impressions on Belgium and Europe tomorrow.

[nicolette]

Your kids will do fine! Enjoy your time. I hope you love Brussels and Belgium. It’s a crazy idea indeed that you are so close! When will you leave for Paris?

[Zoe]

I can't believe your this close and yet still too far. Maybe this is as close as we'll ever get?

The kids will be just fine, enjoy the time and before you know it you'll be home. x