Around the World in 80 Days

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Beer, Chocolate, and other delights

For Josh's birthday we took a long weekend and spent it enjoying one of his favorite things...beer. What better place is there to go then Belgium? A place known for its delicious fodder. We arrived early evening, and spent the twilight beer tasting and exploring the Grand Place. On day two, we traveled to Ghent and Bruges and learned much about the political strife that divides this country. Our last day was spent in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world.

Shop selling over 250 beers. Josh was in Heaven!

This is chocolate shaped like Brussels' famous whiz kid.

Grand Place at night. We wished we were there to see the infamous flower carpet. Other then here, Brussels is very industrial. We appreciate the tips to plan on venturing outside of Brussels during our stay.

The Grand Place was recently voted Most Beautiful Square. It certainly was Grand, although we were never here during the day.

It was during this tasting that I discovered all the wonders of Cherry Beer. Yum!

The Birthday Boy!

Grand Place in the background, surrounded by Belgium flags.

We found the Manneken Pis or Whiz Kid. Josh is mimicking him. We learned that if you find him during one of his costume changes, he pees beer.

Delicious waffles!

Celebrating our first night in Belgium.

In front of a canal in Ghent.

Ghent castle.

Charming cobbled footpaths. On this trip, we learned that Nationalism is not characteristic of Belgium. The people don't reference themselves as Belgians, but rather are defined by the language they speak: French or Dutch. Really the only thing that unites the people is a sports team.

Even though we weren't in Ghent during the "Light the Night" festival, it was fun to experience the setup. We first thought this was a massive lamp sale.

The Lake of Love.

In the 18th century, the houses in the background belong to a convent of women who lived there while their men were off at war. As you can see the are more relaxed on who they let in.

We felt like this statue pretty much summed up the way handsome cabs went through the city.

I always thought chocolate was chocolate. I was wrong!

Church of Our Lady

In the Church of Our Lady, there is a piece of cloth believed to contain Christ's Blood. People are lined up to touch the encased tube and to say a prayer.

Michelangelo's Madonna and Child.

View from the Belfry. The Belfry is featured in the movie In Bruge, we all know what happened here. For some reason the picture of the actual Belfry wouldn't download.


We went to Salvador Dali's art gallery. Dali is known for his famous dripping clock.

Antwerp's train station

The beginning of the shopping area. So magnificent!

We also visited Rubens House. Peter Paul Rubens famous for works such as this one: The Decent from the Cross.

The largest Cathedral in Belgium

Thank you Trish, Hallie, and Krista for the excellent advice. You made our trip all the sweeter!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Dax and Callie's much anticipated arrival!

Leaving Dax and Callie in a Pet Camp in San Francisco was extremely difficult for Josh and I. Dax and Callie seemed to enjoy their time at Pet Camp, who wouldn't when your day includes three hours of playing, chasing bubbles, and swimming every day? Three months and two days on a plane later, Dax and Callie finally arrived at their new Irish home. They have transitioned to the Island quickly and enjoy their daily runs, romps in an actual yard, and snuggling with us! They are even learning to understand the Irish bark.

That's right! Callie has a blinged out collar!

Dax looking so serious.

This is one of the areas we had to block off, as you can tell, Dax is trying to get around it.

After 15 minutes of playing in this yard, these two are beat!

Callie

Dax

Dax is playing hide and seek with Callie.

They enjoy darting in and out of the hedges!

Interested in the pond.

Taking in the view

Snuggling with one of their favorite people.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Home for Christmas

We absolutely cherished our time back in Colorado and California. Every minute was filled with family and friends. Christmas jubilee started on Christmas Eve with the Wesling Clan. We went to Christmas Eve service, ate a delicious dinner, opened presents, and barely survived a diaper blowout. It was a truly wonderful night. The festivities continued Christmas day were time was spent with the Thompson Clan. We had a coffee cake morning and enjoyed ripping into presents. Later, we journeyed out to the Springs to visit Bubby, Aunt Sue, and the rest of the Hamilton crew. Next, we saw Uncle Tom and Aunt Lesca and finished with dessert at Josh's dads house. It was a great time spent with everyone. Over the next week, we were able to spend quality time with everyone. We went shopping with Chris and Caity, celebrated Caity's 1st anniversary of her 21st birthday, went to the Children's Museum with Brooklynn and Chandler, and saw Tron with my parents. Josh and I also were able to spend time with Tim, Hannah, Jason, Julie, Laurie, and Samantha! Josh and I didn't realize how home sick we were until we were surrounded by our loved ones. The next week Josh trekked to California for work, and I joined him later. But I of coarse couldn't leave the Sunshine State without seeing Moriah, James, Andrea, Brett, Jen, Eric, Dallas, and Linz (my favorite Californians!). We appreciate everyone accommodating us and we love you all a ton!