Au Revoir (french); Tot ziens (flemish); Sayonara and Aloha L.A! ______________________________


Hi everyone!

As most of you know, Ray has accepted a 2-year assignment with Toyota's European Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. For those of you who do not know, Belgium is located next to France, Germany and the Netherlands. The home of NATO and the European Union, it is considered the "gateway to Europe" with its easy access to many European countries. (Hint, hint--good excuse to come and visit!)

Ray started his new position in February, 2008. The girls and I arrived here in late March. We are living just outside the city of Brussels in the commune of Tervuren, Belgium.

Although we are sad to temporarily leave our family and friends, we are excited for this adventure. What an opportunity to leave our tiny box and experience life outside of America!

Monday, May 5, 2008

"Welkom" to Never-Netherland...

"I really like it here in Neverland! No, DS, we are in the Netherlands, not Neverland..."














The Saturday before last, we hit the road and crossed the border to the Netherlands to visit Keukenhof, located in Lisse, labeled by many as the most beautiful spring garden in the world. The drive across the border took only 45 minutes from our home in Tervuren. To reach Keukenhof, however, took another 2-1/2 hours. It took an hour longer due to very heavy traffic the last 5 miles. Keukenhof is only open for eight weeks from March through May and on this day, April 26, the annual flower parade was taking place. Hence, the exceptionally large crowds. Yes, I planned it that way...






























The gardens were truly breathtaking. A photographer's paradise, even we amateurs got a few great shots (see our slide show to see more of the beautiful gardens). Due to its large size, we did not see everything in the park, but we saw enough to our satisfaction. There was also a large playground and petting zoo the girls enjoyed as well.



























After leaving Keukenhof, we set out on our next adventure of seeing the flower parade. I say adventure because the parade was already in progress and we had to get to a spot ahead of the parade to see it. Combine that w/about a thousand other cars and buses on the narrow roads trying to do the same thing. But, amazingly, with a little bit of luck, Ray made some fancy moves (partly by driving on the wrong side of the road), made a quick turn, and voila! -- front row seats to see the parade! Look out Pasadena Rose Parade!
We stopped for dinner at a town called Kinderdijk, Netherlands - a small town known for its traditional windmills. We enjoyed the beautiful weather eating a casual dinner in a courtyard overlooking the charming town. Due to the late hour, the windmills were already closed. So, like Wendy, Michael and John Darling, we headed back for home...

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