Time flies when you're having fun! If I was a proper blogger, I'd have a few stories in the wings for launching at scheduled intervals but, alas, I'm way behind and need to get some photos of our trip to Germany and Belgium posted - let alone the Irish Eyes are Smiling Tour and the epic London wine events...
E and I set out on an early Eurostar train for our chicks-only week. We were warmly hosted by our friends the Ulmer-Warzelhan's in Germany and the Livens in Belgium.
We knew we were headed for trouble on this trip from the get go when Norma and Johannes greeted us at the train station in Aachen, Germany and immediately whisked us off to the Lindt factory. Lets say, I haven't started any kind of detox diet yet....
Chocolate......
 |
| Whoa! Now this is a real factory outlet! |
|
| Johannes helping me out with the loot |
I've also got to work on getting E into detox - I hope that was a decaf... I wonder if they escort you off the Eurostar Kate-Moss-Easyjet-style if you get rowdy or over-caffeinated?
Aachen
We were treated to a fabulous 3 days, 3 countries with Norma's family. Since being in the UK, we've had the fortune to get together three times already. Previous to these visits a few years ago, I was last waiting at the Banhof in Freiburg for Norma when a commotion started. Turned out Norma was administering CPR to a guy who just had a heart attack! Now that's a friend to hang out with!
 |
| Touring the town of Aachen and the moving characters fountain |
 |
| Up your nose! |
 |
| Inside the beautifully restored Aachen cathedral with gold mosaics and a stunning rotunda. |
|
| A hike along the moor, a unique geographical area on the border of Germany and Belgium and a lovely day out. |
 |
| Great little hikers - E had a great time with J & H. |
Maastricht
Day 3 had us in Country #3 and Maastricht, Netherlands. Never to renounce E's Dutch heritage, or that she has seal DNA, she gobbled a mackerel sandwich. I think I will feed her these as a teenager when boys come calling...
 |
| Yum, mackeral sandwich in Maastricht! Wanna smell my breath? |
Thankfully E hasn't asked me to make stinky mackerel sandwiches, I'm sure she's waiting for Grampy to fish them. She is however, asking for Norma's rhubarb tart recipe!
We regret not buying Adrian a bottle of smarts too.
 |
| Smarts in a bottle - or at least a clever comeback. |
Leuven
On day 4 we took the train from Aachen to meet Anton in Leuven. It is an interesting town with one of the largest Beguinages in the lowlands. These were communities for unmarried, semi-religious women originating from the 13th century.
 |
| Maybe E would consider a Begunage? Or I'll just feed her mackerel sandwiches... |
Of course its white spargel season and E has discovered they even wrap it in ham!
 |
| Don't mind if I have a seat? |
 |
| Yoo hoo Mom, I'm over here - look this way! |
Antwerp
The following day, Anton took us to Antwerp. You see, it was a very privileged day as Anton is a city guide for Antwerp and we got a full day private walking tour getting the insider's view (and the lowdown on where the good waffles are).
 |
| Gorgeous train station in Antwerp |
 |
| Brabo cutting off Antigoon's hand and throwing it into the river |
 |
| Cool marche brocante |
The best waffles ever! We learned the difference between Liege and Brussels waffles.
 |
| Your not going take all the cherries are you? |
 |
| I promise better behaviour! Please no stockades! |
 |
| I think I've tired her out. |
 |
| Should we kiss the frog? I think I prefer the chocolate to a prince. |
Brussels
 |
| THE famous statue in Brussels - Maneken Pis |
 |
| La Grande Place Brussels |
So what else did we do....
We caught a few flies...
Had a bird in the hand...
Got eaten by a shark...
Pestered for a new pet...
 |
| Can we bring him home? |
Drank some beer...
