Belgium...

Ok, so here is something that you need to understand about Belgium--things are done a bit differenly here. Take internet access for example. Belgacom, the country's leading internet provider, rations downloads. This means that come the 20th of the month or so things slow down. Way down. Especially if you have two teenagers with their own school issued laptops (how dumb is that?) that like to hide out in their rooms and watch back episodes of American TV shows. Consequently, for about the last ten days of the month, we cruise through websites at the speed of dial-up in the mid-90's. So although I promised to try and post every Monday, Belgium is a special case. Prague will have to wait till June 1st.

Prague Spring

I have a new destination to add to my list of favorites: Prague. I had heard that it was beautiful, but I was amazed by more than just its beauty.

Ten Things to Love about Prague

1. Everything is in English! Essential to my French-fried Brain

2. 14th Century Buildings Seldom Look this Good.

3. Shopping on the 700 year old Charles Bridge

History meets architecture meets commerce meets bliss...

4. Classical Music in Baroque Churches

5. The Jewish Cemetery

6. Prague Castle by Moonlight

7. Prague Castle by Daylight
8. Live Jazz in a 600 year old cafe + great Pizza

Sorry, No Picture...Just Imagine

9. The Astronomical Clock

10. Checz Sense of Humor

Don't you love the way the old statue is eyeing the new guy!

I went with a friend from church for a long weekend. We hired a private guide to keep us from getting lost, wasting time trying to figure out where to go next, and translate for us (we didn't expect to be able to fend for ourselves on that front). Irena was great--friendly, knowledgable, and willing to share some of her experiences living under Communist rule. She had some pretty amazing stories. Friends, we have it so good! I could have spent a whole week wandering the streets and eating gelato. Another place on my list of return visits!

American Idol in Belgium!

We are new to this psuedo-military life and are discovering its benefits little by little. One of the perks of being allowed on Military Bases is access to the USO tours. Elliot Yamin, of American Idol Season 5, came through a while ago and we headed down to Chievres Air Base for the show. Since Season 5 was the one season we really followed, it was fun to see Elliot up close--really close! The concert was held in a small gym and all the little kids danced right in front of the stage. After the concert, Elliot came out and signed a ton of autographs. He is a genuinely nice guy, and even the big kids enjoyed posing with the star!

Our friends, Grace and Kristina Larson joined us for the evening--Julia and Kristina made cards for Elliot. Now Elliot has Julia's autograph too!

People really do look taller on TV!

Brussels in the Spring

Spring is officially taking over Belgium. The weather is beautiful, and these Europeans take their flowers very seriously. We experienced our first tulip immersion at the Kukenhoff Gardens near Amsterdam. Each year over a million bulb are planted at Kukenhoff, which means "kitchen garden" and the variety and displays are amazing. If I had a team of over 100 gardeners, my yard could look like this too!

In Brussels, one of the spring tradtions is visiting the Royal Greenhouses at the Palace in Laeken. The Royal Palace sits right on a main road, so it is suprising to find what lies hidden behind the gates and trees. In 1873, architect Alphonse Balat designed for King Leopold II a complex of greenhouses which complement the castle of Laeken, built in the classical style. By royal decree, the gardens are open to the public each year for a few week during their colorful peak.

I can't help wondering what it would be like growing up in a place like this. It gives new meaning to the phrase "Mom, I'm going outside to play..."

Another of the many great spring treats is the Bluebell forest in Halle. Southern Brussels is bordered by a huge beech forest. There are miles of trails throughout, and the kids love to build forts and swordfight under the canopy. In late April, the bluebells overtake the forest floor, and you feel like you are walking through a purple mist. It is the kind of place where you would not be at all suprised to meet fairies or elves. We brought our own sprites along on this trip.

Julia with the four Scherbel girls from our Ward.