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!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Lunch at NATO...


As most of you know, NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has its headquarters here in Brussels, Belgium. NATO Headquarters provides a site where representatives from both the civilian and military side of all the member states can come together in order to make political decisions on a consensus basis. It also offers a venue for dialogue and cooperation between partner countries and NATO member states, so that they can work together in their effort to bring about peace and stability.


This past week, a friend (whose hubby works here) and I had lunch at NATO. We had a fab time sitting in the outside courtyard enjoying the sunshine without the kids in tow. We were in the staff center of the complex which consisted of a health spa, beauty center, bowling alley, tennis courts, restaurant and shops. You almost forget where you are until you pass the armed guard security and signs inside the restaurant posted in red "No classified information to be discussed in this area". Otherwise, it was a really upbeat atmosphere and everyone seemed to be in great spirits.

Jo's smoked salmon salad and Karen's beef carpacio topped off w/white wine...

In fact, the NATO Summit just occured in Strassbourg, France this past weekend. President and First Lady Obama were among the few in attendance...

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