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!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Valentine's Day in Belgium

Today is Valentine's Day. And I believe that it's the first time that Jo and I have not been together in the past 14 years.

Most of the people at work knew the significance of the day, but I did not see a single bouquet of flowers, gift of candy or romantic card anywhere. Also, there were no mad dashes to the Hallmark store, or last minute calls to the florist to buy a dozen long stem reds... It was just another day at the office. I guess it must be strictly an American holiday?

I noticed that traffic was heavy on the way home tonight though. Perhaps it was the rush of romantic Belgians hurrying home to have a candle lit dinner with their loved one? In reality, it was probably just a big soccer match on TV...

Anyways, since Jo was halfway around the world tonight, I figured Nadaly would be a good stand-in for my dinner date tonight. We pulled out a frozen Wagner Pizza Speciale, threw it in the oven at 230C for 12 minutes, and popped open a cold Maes lager... Yum Yum!


Not sure what we would have done if we were back home in CA tonight. Probably a nice dinner out with the girls somewhere, or possibly grandma and grandpa would have watched them so that that we could go to a favorite restaurant.

We'll make up for it when she gets here next month.

Happy Valentine's Day Jo!

2 comments:

Ray and/or Jo said...

Hi Sweetheart! I'm envious that Nadaly is sitting next to you and not me! Valentine's Day is non-existent without you here w/me... I love you. Happy Valentine's Day! So, what number beer are you on now?? : )

Ray and/or Jo said...

Hey, how about next Valentine's Day is Paris?!