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, August 23, 2009

A Free Weekend!

Since we were out of town last weekend and will again be gone during the next two, it was nice to have a free schedule this weekend at home. However, with the weather in Belgium being exceptionally nice this summer (highs in the 80's and no sign of rain!) there always seem to plenty of things going on.

On Saturday, Jo and Tori were invited to a potluck dinner party, so we stayed around so Jo could prepare her Chinese chicken salad and chicken teriyaki. Although considered "mainstream" dishes back home, it's probably safe to assume no one else would be bringing this dish to the party...

Another difference here is that since the dinner party was nearby, Jo and Tori decided to ride their bikes to the party! Since I have never seen Jo bike to a dinner party before, I took a picture of them as they set off for their evening.



Notice that our bikes are not equipped with any headlights. The Tervuren police also noticed this fact as Jo and Tori were heading back home at 12:30AM!!!



The next day was beautiful, so Jo packed a picnic lunch and the girls and I headed out to Bois des Reves park in nearby Ottignies. Just about 15 mins away from home, Jo remembered this park from one of her first outings after arriving in Belgium.



I thought it was interesting that there was a small cash machine, much like a parking ticket dispenser, where you paid admission for the day. However, it was strictly the honor system because there was no gate keeping you out unless you paid, and I didn't see anyone come around to check to see if you had paid or not. (this would never work in LA!)



This was probably one of the most nicely manicured playground parks I have seen. Nice fresh-cut green grass, beautiful landscaping, lots of new-looking playground equipment including a very tall slide.



DS and PS had a ball climbing up this structure and going down the slide. Mommy was also enjoying it as well (not sure who went down more times...)



In the evening after dinner, we headed out to Tervuren park and the girls had a nice bike ride around the lake. As we said before, the weather has been great and our fellow Belgians know you must take advantage of it when you can.

Unfortunately, it won't be all that long before the cold winds and temperatures of fall will arrive...

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