Day trips with GM and GP...

Here are just a few of the things we did with GM and GP during their recent visit here...

A trip to Namur, here in Belgium, where we took a walking tour through the old city. After a nice lunch in an outdoor cafe overlooking the Royal Theatre of Namur, we drove up to its Citadel. There we walked around and took a little train tour where we enjoyed spectacular birds-eye views of the city and the River Meuse.

A day trip to Tongeren, the oldest city in Belgium (founded in 15BC as a base and supply station for the Roman troops in the Rhine Region). After a walking tour through the city, we drove to Maastrict in the Netherlands, which was only 20 minutes away.

Ambiorix, leader of a Belgic tribe famous for his resistance against Julius Caesar (Tongeren)

Maastrict, Netherlands

A visit to Mechelen, also in Belgium. The girls and I have been here several times, but only to Technopolis (a children's science museum) located near the off-ramp. I was amazed when my parents and I visited the actual town. It was a beautiful city with great shops and restaurants to browse through!

A visit to the European Commission (EU) when they opened its door to the public. The girls had a great time collecting all the "freebies" and playing various childrens' games. We also enjoyed hanging out in the meeting rooms and watching the various entertainment provided during the day.

Aquatopia in Antwerp, an indoor aquarium with a great design and theme...

And of course, a trip to the Grand Place and restaurant Chez Leon for a lunch of "mussels in Brussels". This time, the Grand Place was hosting an interesting event -- a "scarecrow festival" where several different organizations built their version of a scarecrow which were subjected to a public vote during its display during the day.

Lastly, my mom and I visited the National Botanic Garden in Meise on the day of GP's departure. A 92 hectare park filled with flowers, plants, herb gardens, medicinal gardens, a castle, lakes, and an endless array of pathways to explore.

Reminded me of my grandma's coffee farm in Kona...

GP saying bye-bye to PS on departure day...

GM & GP are here!!

Jo, DS, PS, GP and GM overlooking Namur from Citadel

It was much easier coming home from Italy knowing that GM and GP would be coming to Belgium for a visit. The girls are overjoyed that GM and GP are here (as are we) and are enjoying spending time with them.

Since GM loves flowers, the girls and I took her to the Hallerbos Forest where the famous "bluebells" (wild hyacinths) were blooming. Seeing the forest covered in carpets of purply-blue, along with the fragrant smell of these delicate flowers was quite magical. As the bluebells are only in bloom for about 2 weeks of the year, we were happy that we caught the tail end of it. GM and the girls enjoyed picking a small bouquet of flowers to display in our home.

When GP arrived the following day and while the girls were in school, I took them to see the Royal Greenhouses here in Laeken which is open to the public a few weeks of the year. This was my second trip here as DS and I went to see this last year.

Royal Greenhouse gardens

We have also taken a few day-trips to Namur, Antwerp, Mechelen, Tongeren and Maastricht this past week... I will post more details of these cities on future posts.

In addition, we made a visit to DS' school, ISB earlier today where the school is hosting a school-wide art show. We are very proud that one of DS' watercolors was featured in the show. I must say I was quite impressed with the artwork exhibited by the students at ISB (from grades Pre-K all the way to Grade 12)!