tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583696855135253282024-03-13T19:39:44.967+01:00Colors of Brusselsvisual delights in a gray city...Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-85592599039682790262012-09-24T11:42:00.000+02:002012-09-24T12:24:50.362+02:00Farewell, Brussels...<div style="text-align: justify;">
After four months in the states, I'm back in Brussels for The Big Move. Handing over the apartment keys and leaving this historic city will be bittersweet. It's been a great 2nd place to call home and as much as I want to be closer to my family in California, it will be sad to leave the many things I've come to love about Brussels. If you've been following my bog, I think you'll agree that I succeeded in my mission <em>to search out the array of colors this great </em><em>city has to offer</em>. This wasn't easy since gray was often the only color I'd see for days on end. The problem is, between <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2012/01/colorful-tales-of-manneken-pis.html">the sights I saw</a>, <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-many-museums.html">the museums I visited</a>, <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2012/05/colorful-cooking.html">the food I devoured</a>, <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2012/02/magic-of-orchids.html">the flowers I admired</a>, <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2011/10/parc-du-cinquantenaire.html">the parks I discovered</a>, <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2012/02/walking-in-winter-wonderland.html">the winter I endured</a>, <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2011/09/quick-heads-up.html">the architecture I studied</a>, <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2012/03/cook-book.html">the bookshelves I perused</a>, <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2012/03/isbs-international-festival.html">the festivals I attended</a>, the people I hosted, the dozen or so other countries I visited, and especially the good friends I made, I'm not ready to say good-bye! So, without further ado, I'll share some of the things that I'll miss most...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower boxes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colorful cafes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 100+ museums</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The delicious cuisine (we love de Valera's Irish Pub)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karma, my favorite store in Brussels <a href="http://www.karmadeco.com/index.cfm">http://www.karmadeco.com/index.cfm</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quirky sculptures</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scarf bombs (this was taken at my son's school)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The castles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pretty flower shops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare sight, the sunrise over Brussels (taken on a recent plane ride)</td></tr>
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Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-58587508439934020652012-05-07T09:52:00.001+02:002012-05-07T09:52:53.460+02:00Colorful Cooking<div style="text-align: justify;">
One thing that many "trailing spouses" have is too much free time, especially those with teenagers (mine prefers that I stay as far away from his school as possible)! I went from being too busy in California to being not busy enough in Brussels. What helped me a tremendous amount was joining a great book club, taking a course about Belgium, traveling, visiting more <a href="http://www.colorsofbrussels.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-many-museums.html">museums</a> than I thought possible, watching every episode of Dexter and The Big Bang Theory, and just recently, enrolling in cooking classes. It turns out cooking classes were fun, educational and... colorful! Where else could I prepare and eat healthy food, socialize, drink during the day, and re-learn the metric system? But with just a few days left in Brussels, I still have so many activities yet to do: catch-up on my summer reading, try yoga, become fluent in French, prepare for the Brussels Marathon, and visit the other 85 museums in town ;-)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today's class was titled 5-Ingredient Meals</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slicing the palmiers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sun-Dried Tomato & Chili Palmiers and Baked Chicken Goujons</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients for our Turkey Larp Kha Gai</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Delicious Cod with Chorizo and Beans</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Japanese Duck and Rice Salad</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Australian Cream Scones</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-80847844279447732432012-04-26T15:41:00.000+02:002012-04-26T15:57:34.147+02:00Royal Greenhouses of Laeken<div style="text-align: justify;">
The impressive Royal Greenhouses are situated on the beautiful Royal Property of Laeken in northern Brussels. The King and Queen of Belgium are kind enough to open their massive (270,000 sq ft) glass and iron greenhouses to the public for three weeks every year... perfect timing for my mom's recent visit! The complex was commissioned by King Leopold II, designed by Alphonse Balat (Victor Horta's teacher), and built between 1874 and 1895. Meandering along the mile-long path of beautifully landscaped gardens and colorful flora is also an excellent opportunity to admire early Art Nouveau architecture. My mom and I give the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken two (green) thumbs up!<br />
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</div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-87251352395169197202012-04-18T14:58:00.002+02:002012-04-26T15:51:23.923+02:00So Many Museums...<div style="text-align: justify;">
So many museums, so little time! There are over 100 museums in Brussels and, almost nine months in, I've barely made a dent. I should pat myself on the back because I've visited more museums (15 & counting) here than I have in the last 15 years anywhere else! So far, I've really enjoyed my neighborhood's Ixelles Museum, with its current La Belle Époque of Jules Chéret exhibit, and the MIM - Musical Instrument Museum (not to be confused with the MEM - Museum of Erotics & Mythology)! I'll pass on the Sewer Museum and even the Underpants Museum but I can't leave Brussels without visiting the Cocoa & Chocolate Museum or the Museum of the City of Brussels, where many of Manneken Pis' costumes are displayed. The more popular museums feature famous Belgian artists, Belgian history and Belgian beer but you can also find museums for medicinal plants, street lamps, trams, braille, and plastic. The longest titled museum would have to be the Big Royal Oath and Saint Georges of the Crossbowmen of Brussels Museum. There's also the Clockarium, the Experimentarium, the Parliamentarium, the Atomium, and the Aquarium. To impress my visitors, I could take them to the Museum of Fantastic Art and if we're walking down Rue de la Constitution and feeling spontaneous, we might pop into the Spontaneous Art Museum. Like I said... so many museums, so little time!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ixelles Museum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) not to be confused with...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">MEM (Museum of Erotics and Mythology)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Temporary exhibit at Saint-Géry Halls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorful wildlife at the Royal Museum for Central Africa</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTfIkP6dWyK9SizpO2GfRJporoqXep8Udp2Ce5-lvIBLmCFh2WksbyhcYCypG7Z8IALaWdqp7KjyXvU4sRbMixa2mmO_8JKMEdUajIImIPw6xrWzw1iclTSgUWSb1DoX_txeXRAuA15mD/s1600/Museums+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTfIkP6dWyK9SizpO2GfRJporoqXep8Udp2Ce5-lvIBLmCFh2WksbyhcYCypG7Z8IALaWdqp7KjyXvU4sRbMixa2mmO_8JKMEdUajIImIPw6xrWzw1iclTSgUWSb1DoX_txeXRAuA15mD/s400/Museums+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My favorite painting at my neighborhood museum</span></td></tr>
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</div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-24293578153911571912012-04-01T21:23:00.000+02:002012-04-01T21:23:26.084+02:00Colorful Scarves<div style="text-align: justify;">Winter, spring, summer, fall, rain, shine, male, female, young, old... everyone here wears scarves! I admit they add protection when it's cold outside but it appears scarves are so fashionably European that they're worn 365 days a year. I'm still getting the hang of this accessory. I've tried to casually drape one over my shoulder (it usually falls off) or around my neck (it looks like I can't breathe) plus it's either too time-consuming or I simply forget. Since scarves seem to be here for good and they're <em>so photogenic</em>, I've decided to dedicate a post to them... and even model a couple, thanks to the helpful video (below)! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYG9JNhr26IyLaOXzW4oR6aNKf-8Qi9vK0Z2uORS5QfSpCTFRO4Fk8AeTMrK3ZoEfsRcr0D8hIcUG0UxTv3_ZmJaV_rreocc7JauPthuvqfcdgow4a_oo5cM5BcH82RJu932FVTVpkKVc/s1600/Scarves+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYG9JNhr26IyLaOXzW4oR6aNKf-8Qi9vK0Z2uORS5QfSpCTFRO4Fk8AeTMrK3ZoEfsRcr0D8hIcUG0UxTv3_ZmJaV_rreocc7JauPthuvqfcdgow4a_oo5cM5BcH82RJu932FVTVpkKVc/s400/Scarves+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2DMLfokb0qFq5NFojxhXP7DYHViNhWbBn6J2MODKQAX4gP0aUe2maE99UiqJ9mPKv2iVtxoc-z86htG3yLyWOgxI6_UjkIF-6R9gA7YctRMacpY_ukc5OcxDdTIvj4Ersrt3IW3EHyJ5/s1600/Scarves+1+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2DMLfokb0qFq5NFojxhXP7DYHViNhWbBn6J2MODKQAX4gP0aUe2maE99UiqJ9mPKv2iVtxoc-z86htG3yLyWOgxI6_UjkIF-6R9gA7YctRMacpY_ukc5OcxDdTIvj4Ersrt3IW3EHyJ5/s400/Scarves+1+(2).jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hermes scarf & bangles</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek2X5abDUiX0ZrUhwfKCPz-JB7-CNHq3jXP6VJkNzxpm-uxYzXBhhayNwWZVvDT_53d0_FP887AquXCQCOAwMTuplDOHmWYXqTXFL_U7eUmOfCWdE5lysiEVxzQ_2jD0RjvbvmqRdT6lA/s1600/Scarves+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek2X5abDUiX0ZrUhwfKCPz-JB7-CNHq3jXP6VJkNzxpm-uxYzXBhhayNwWZVvDT_53d0_FP887AquXCQCOAwMTuplDOHmWYXqTXFL_U7eUmOfCWdE5lysiEVxzQ_2jD0RjvbvmqRdT6lA/s400/Scarves+7.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first-day-of-spring purchase</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPevbM9Dfth2jKpjZHFk1Pi-O44T4DPKiz8rOSwFNJbs0QfOBPQICZlNucQvwMuJIrcOuxsPWvE_PwhREnIWEKkb8ez5tPdjOqBjGcPG2DpiRk0KVitynGERUcB4hSrvwgNcRLXM4eyXQq/s1600/Scarves+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPevbM9Dfth2jKpjZHFk1Pi-O44T4DPKiz8rOSwFNJbs0QfOBPQICZlNucQvwMuJIrcOuxsPWvE_PwhREnIWEKkb8ez5tPdjOqBjGcPG2DpiRk0KVitynGERUcB4hSrvwgNcRLXM4eyXQq/s400/Scarves+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks, Yves, for modeling your colorful scarf for us!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3EfKnvw-QtMrY0pHkzs6f7ZS4UYnYXbySohRbMDyD4kKfXxSUxz9dbJnNOvnkLOgNUAsbZ1CYshkknlnzXony3AcfxsOUID3W9lmW9Jw9UCMU68j47pLALm-RMgkIKOmt64OoFALghZJ/s1600/Scarves+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3EfKnvw-QtMrY0pHkzs6f7ZS4UYnYXbySohRbMDyD4kKfXxSUxz9dbJnNOvnkLOgNUAsbZ1CYshkknlnzXony3AcfxsOUID3W9lmW9Jw9UCMU68j47pLALm-RMgkIKOmt64OoFALghZJ/s400/Scarves+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Close-up of "The Toss"</span> </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mES3gNUt6A9gfur2mJLbrlLFksc4wncGV4B8suLeSqVlrcklL50-Tl0-UoMMOVa-6elgVMM_BMCGWDQYH3kVhSXXCDnQOOWFad02YmhWZIX6mdRybrqKpHp7iuac_pg656a2y6jU3ttC/s1600/Scarves+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mES3gNUt6A9gfur2mJLbrlLFksc4wncGV4B8suLeSqVlrcklL50-Tl0-UoMMOVa-6elgVMM_BMCGWDQYH3kVhSXXCDnQOOWFad02YmhWZIX6mdRybrqKpHp7iuac_pg656a2y6jU3ttC/s400/Scarves+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7ZozgJULusG5I9tPJKTPtVzXLilI51jnxq3jm2xuiaik3x80u6daU0gcfVzOXpLNdLK5Pb-xarJcPwDEGISiOBSU0luv4kwaM9n7Y_Mq-ys1tQiRXTQLEbg7HQBpAjlxL82NdWeVnb8t/s1600/Scarves+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7ZozgJULusG5I9tPJKTPtVzXLilI51jnxq3jm2xuiaik3x80u6daU0gcfVzOXpLNdLK5Pb-xarJcPwDEGISiOBSU0luv4kwaM9n7Y_Mq-ys1tQiRXTQLEbg7HQBpAjlxL82NdWeVnb8t/s400/Scarves+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a hurry? Pre-packaged scarves to go!</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5LYAEz777AU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-32050752545877139272012-03-25T12:50:00.002+02:002012-03-26T00:01:45.668+02:00ISB's International Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">The International School of Brussels celebrated its 36th Annual International Festival yesterday. ISB's diverse community, which my family is proud to be a part of, goes all out on this special day! Fifty-seven countries were represented and approximately 30 booths provided mouth-watering food, delicious drinks, unique products, and entertainment (USA hosted line dancing!). The sunny day was kicked off with Scottish pipers and The Brussels Caledonian Corneymusers leading the Parade of Nations. Festival-goers were also treated to music, face painting, craft projects, a used book sale, raffles, and Frederico the Clown. I enjoyed working the USA booth, sampling food from around the world (including Swedish rökt renhjärta washed down with lingonberry vodka) and, of course, all the beautiful colors of this fantastic event!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSIdkfMqaBiCiZ5jFaAH4vxQqoLs8F7oMM3qU5alOCV81XuHTcr75xnUiSiy35O2MsvgN8KHK9UYFaoE4-JfsNMEkT6mzJ5aPyAHdvo3Oa0-NQcaBX8m6Hjublr-GaKfeqOAADWFyKBHe/s1600/ISB+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSIdkfMqaBiCiZ5jFaAH4vxQqoLs8F7oMM3qU5alOCV81XuHTcr75xnUiSiy35O2MsvgN8KHK9UYFaoE4-JfsNMEkT6mzJ5aPyAHdvo3Oa0-NQcaBX8m6Hjublr-GaKfeqOAADWFyKBHe/s400/ISB+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the three festival areas</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKhY-d7W6oDcLgoeCao5wo9eC2agEoJJ_szvD3DXg1qAES9PvwlRlvxh9ykGhwvqLScCWBxSSa5_uiPpb6KB1Vr4PEmUncQIIKtXEcYsAGd1W3gCkha12kYJHBCbzJCW1G1DrajV8Varm/s1600/ISB+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKhY-d7W6oDcLgoeCao5wo9eC2agEoJJ_szvD3DXg1qAES9PvwlRlvxh9ykGhwvqLScCWBxSSa5_uiPpb6KB1Vr4PEmUncQIIKtXEcYsAGd1W3gCkha12kYJHBCbzJCW1G1DrajV8Varm/s400/ISB+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kilted bagpipe players</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKb64WmxP0On6qsu5QYrZURn56vwvY6GGyxvyEvNZAj6NgipQU9hncs4jCHj8DHltukTE4pRJw8Tbdmtz0dYkeO5KuHnjRxrSTh3Vj1Ft5BukyvTkawZ8TKBKF8PB7KLWzH0PQ7YFj7Je/s1600/ISB+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKb64WmxP0On6qsu5QYrZURn56vwvY6GGyxvyEvNZAj6NgipQU9hncs4jCHj8DHltukTE4pRJw8Tbdmtz0dYkeO5KuHnjRxrSTh3Vj1Ft5BukyvTkawZ8TKBKF8PB7KLWzH0PQ7YFj7Je/s400/ISB+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hand-painted wooden eggs from Poland</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKtApC7vr4Uzzjuglhzhh6PV9X06rxgx-LwG5tOHx0x1NLMgrrB7bMpGR6qFtvT8rxfvEBLOJjUepi-8acEWhZNUUMveFg4k9bySTM77gY-GyMYwCaSpVe27dVXGs5Fo-b9VA-tCC75tD/s1600/ISB+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKtApC7vr4Uzzjuglhzhh6PV9X06rxgx-LwG5tOHx0x1NLMgrrB7bMpGR6qFtvT8rxfvEBLOJjUepi-8acEWhZNUUMveFg4k9bySTM77gY-GyMYwCaSpVe27dVXGs5Fo-b9VA-tCC75tD/s400/ISB+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spanish paella is my favorite food to photograph (& eat)!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9z03QP_sRpvzHTGhVzPQCJTs-gN6vv5bCJDXjRAJwvvDqTb9bga3uMdAHsma4KaHfD95FpP-6N71lSDP8eWjYSbZr41yTF0eOpD38o-3uujGs35ETtaSqCr2Lq8Rhf4kHMcESyv2yqlq7/s1600/ISB+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9z03QP_sRpvzHTGhVzPQCJTs-gN6vv5bCJDXjRAJwvvDqTb9bga3uMdAHsma4KaHfD95FpP-6N71lSDP8eWjYSbZr41yTF0eOpD38o-3uujGs35ETtaSqCr2Lq8Rhf4kHMcESyv2yqlq7/s400/ISB+5.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Team USA!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05lP49YiE7IEqru7ZJxfY1Y9r_F9dQ9_0XAphLSSIusAruoFdtlsWMGAHlQGwH4kfXRYvGvd6ylGUBxJukQkSsoEmRkyK9DBtCUJEcQcVWZVqgdeADJym7JBb__3uJIoisv6m0w8u5qDA/s1600/ISB+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05lP49YiE7IEqru7ZJxfY1Y9r_F9dQ9_0XAphLSSIusAruoFdtlsWMGAHlQGwH4kfXRYvGvd6ylGUBxJukQkSsoEmRkyK9DBtCUJEcQcVWZVqgdeADJym7JBb__3uJIoisv6m0w8u5qDA/s400/ISB+6.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Olympic cupcakes at the UK booth</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR4IjXzRjGr5MmPjzGKb1aaVQz8zffm6t4gWVDjNAdsgGBO7h3Hqj9WomiEYS0kdgdDRhgpyVCW1dHE3NELMPE7dyo86ItaViPimJM9r4bwfudb7s29NsYiDmHn3ZW4XQKIFCbeivD4rB/s1600/ISB+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR4IjXzRjGr5MmPjzGKb1aaVQz8zffm6t4gWVDjNAdsgGBO7h3Hqj9WomiEYS0kdgdDRhgpyVCW1dHE3NELMPE7dyo86ItaViPimJM9r4bwfudb7s29NsYiDmHn3ZW4XQKIFCbeivD4rB/s400/ISB+7.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Turkish trivets</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu2z4i78vObLYbo3m5x-OTj2QnPClSm78tYx2xpWMlQ-1Bu1iCIkyKJZog8PqKt8gP7xnGb3LcpPEWDTaFvXwt_NhPajb7nBsndAAAbigRGeOvmnwlWXurALDIW7kC7eVlVcYnbNfEfW1/s1600/ISB+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu2z4i78vObLYbo3m5x-OTj2QnPClSm78tYx2xpWMlQ-1Bu1iCIkyKJZog8PqKt8gP7xnGb3LcpPEWDTaFvXwt_NhPajb7nBsndAAAbigRGeOvmnwlWXurALDIW7kC7eVlVcYnbNfEfW1/s400/ISB+8.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traditional Korean dresses</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FAh2RmEnJLjmvEq6qFnN1wMrCSJ8_62DWRtcWFcLJMbekvFr0v78bIk4AS6JpiNBXpbJaiRusKgb1QL5goGllKTV3IqpT6vn3oQSRhU9q7LE8-ppi8RPAVdtfEopp-KL_WLyVaAS4ByX/s1600/ISB+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FAh2RmEnJLjmvEq6qFnN1wMrCSJ8_62DWRtcWFcLJMbekvFr0v78bIk4AS6JpiNBXpbJaiRusKgb1QL5goGllKTV3IqpT6vn3oQSRhU9q7LE8-ppi8RPAVdtfEopp-KL_WLyVaAS4ByX/s400/ISB+9.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Delicious drinks from Brazil</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zqu5NCQcXB_vqy2ptmujc1rYR3DWEPF-zChAin-gm5wo-eRBMG_sTtgwjFKoNUVGNc-by9yqPWNg70EfRhUpAjg5KX5Nz8esB7cbW1ml0rqw2sC2QVhAl-oeDj6j22B0wsIrHJOkNwl8/s1600/ISB+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zqu5NCQcXB_vqy2ptmujc1rYR3DWEPF-zChAin-gm5wo-eRBMG_sTtgwjFKoNUVGNc-by9yqPWNg70EfRhUpAjg5KX5Nz8esB7cbW1ml0rqw2sC2QVhAl-oeDj6j22B0wsIrHJOkNwl8/s400/ISB+10.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I left the Ouzo to the more daring festival-goers!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUnerDW5WiVBpuoVn7wt_CmWNLuXY9wuafR09Iea22cLhXeo9XHa8ON9UxXptgeXVBNUt_RLO5iOKVqBXLVywQI-cWpl9tQDEAb5ikA0wrhTbVUKdwxMx5BbO9kszn7ZbzU4-iUBlhtBI/s1600/ISB+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUnerDW5WiVBpuoVn7wt_CmWNLuXY9wuafR09Iea22cLhXeo9XHa8ON9UxXptgeXVBNUt_RLO5iOKVqBXLVywQI-cWpl9tQDEAb5ikA0wrhTbVUKdwxMx5BbO9kszn7ZbzU4-iUBlhtBI/s400/ISB+11.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorful French macaroons</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6LnXZ5iCyVZ_BXR-uRGIq217nP2s1BW0rJrSymU8KOzTukYdRKZzi6UwziJVK_HtCJaJlyQxp7EPKC2cObjXHU-ieXS7RSE-m9JLPSZGjJ0fVNB0WHhtCJjY6UHv60elIgna7hZSE7Ge/s1600/ISB+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6LnXZ5iCyVZ_BXR-uRGIq217nP2s1BW0rJrSymU8KOzTukYdRKZzi6UwziJVK_HtCJaJlyQxp7EPKC2cObjXHU-ieXS7RSE-m9JLPSZGjJ0fVNB0WHhtCJjY6UHv60elIgna7hZSE7Ge/s400/ISB+12.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Norwegian treats and my friend, Bente, in her national costume</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq57KIagetgqePlx2bZr-ZJv1IKA_nF1wnY7H5-tR71BVDkddZcb2tSAbrFBKZdj_v0lODKL-mbGr-QX-RFytNw5pFF8QixSOLewZi4Gy8Ju7v2jXSJJqjuaQ2ulMI8_tVUOsYL1KWfm-/s1600/ISB+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq57KIagetgqePlx2bZr-ZJv1IKA_nF1wnY7H5-tR71BVDkddZcb2tSAbrFBKZdj_v0lODKL-mbGr-QX-RFytNw5pFF8QixSOLewZi4Gy8Ju7v2jXSJJqjuaQ2ulMI8_tVUOsYL1KWfm-/s400/ISB+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful Japanese kimonos</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-38415074902463272312012-03-16T21:03:00.004+01:002012-03-21T12:31:19.696+01:00Maison Particulière<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://maisonparticuliere.be/">Maison Particulière</a> art center is a unique nonprofit organization housed in a beautiful private residence in one my favorite neighborhoods, Châtelain. The goal when founders/art collectors Amaury and Myriam de Solages opened their doors one year ago was for "the house to be warm and convivial to welcome our guests and members in a calm and serene environment". Our group was welcomed into the 3-story townhouse by the center's director and offered coffee before we were met by Amaury and Myriam. They explained that the center's dedicated to the art of living, with works of art to view and share. Nothing is for sale but discovery, appreciation and emotion are all free for the asking. We then followed our own path exploring artwork of four art collectors, one artist, and one literary guest who were invited to present an exhibit based on a given theme of reflection. The theme through March 24th is "Lightness?" but themes and exhibits change three times a year. Speaking of, the natural light that enters through the enormous windows makes Maison Particulière a perfect showcase for contemporary art, antiquities, ceramics, archaeological pieces and primitive art. I'd say the de Solages' mission for guests "to experience the emotion of art with passion, sensitivity, and beauty" is being achieved!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQMLRIXtVe59_4zPrYWkuPbDGnBjIyEYX0XrDNWuxSDDfL3Cb_wXdy3r0L_givveOq3rf9I_kfwaldGus8RsnOaAheOy5DCi_G5UR10Pp6SX9m89PAJ29MMLQ-40BgL_VXl1Ejo2upEFG/s1600/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQMLRIXtVe59_4zPrYWkuPbDGnBjIyEYX0XrDNWuxSDDfL3Cb_wXdy3r0L_givveOq3rf9I_kfwaldGus8RsnOaAheOy5DCi_G5UR10Pp6SX9m89PAJ29MMLQ-40BgL_VXl1Ejo2upEFG/s400/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome room where we met Amaury and Myriam de Solages</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuZPH5060goskbpPCmBVNmmSSNjMkYRVKfji8hO46UGwjumxu9koc_VNecSkERNzpm-MSCvXTzBSDqvSWfGVgXFNwqttAfLfoP1pIY0AFklJsUcSvwZXdVQZ3gPMnTyA8d91t-oDWbMsu/s1600/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuZPH5060goskbpPCmBVNmmSSNjMkYRVKfji8hO46UGwjumxu9koc_VNecSkERNzpm-MSCvXTzBSDqvSWfGVgXFNwqttAfLfoP1pIY0AFklJsUcSvwZXdVQZ3gPMnTyA8d91t-oDWbMsu/s400/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Untitled</em> by Anselm Reyle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxz_P0MiUY0tL2RU4X9XRGzmHLFx9MDrbslcf8Uzgv18vdDTfJlgrf_gRPDkATIimjlsfrnFV00izJs0_MCbfAoodHsQteMSEUUiixbPBWCaCFCEdVc_yQjGt32-XE-hLQLPyXcjp2P09/s1600/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxz_P0MiUY0tL2RU4X9XRGzmHLFx9MDrbslcf8Uzgv18vdDTfJlgrf_gRPDkATIimjlsfrnFV00izJs0_MCbfAoodHsQteMSEUUiixbPBWCaCFCEdVc_yQjGt32-XE-hLQLPyXcjp2P09/s400/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of many sitting areas with Gert & Uwe Tobias' <em>Ohne Titel</em> on the wall</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHSlvhz9HM1xDXx6UmDKqR0k0aVt2EGA8CHScVZQOlA_5B-kJNRIbpsdyYy2qxUiBHsgbZH4Mh2szT5MQZg99KwQ5Dnw4LT6B4OreG5up1W9Ab7YlCKPlMfQZdF1jjv2Md3ebo3DBE-gL/s1600/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHSlvhz9HM1xDXx6UmDKqR0k0aVt2EGA8CHScVZQOlA_5B-kJNRIbpsdyYy2qxUiBHsgbZH4Mh2szT5MQZg99KwQ5Dnw4LT6B4OreG5up1W9Ab7YlCKPlMfQZdF1jjv2Md3ebo3DBE-gL/s400/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorful flower arrangement</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn4-6Jq31tSfrmqkIrF1B0fC6yQ-5wyhsES4Dv6qCnNWqeDp3gV2CgsSOVibOeOkX62e1abCPtG9LjVIa8acij5Q-X0lVza0iZEtS4kakyc1QGEtVfiwTh2t5FFDHhO63b3htKzOM8vEn/s1600/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn4-6Jq31tSfrmqkIrF1B0fC6yQ-5wyhsES4Dv6qCnNWqeDp3gV2CgsSOVibOeOkX62e1abCPtG9LjVIa8acij5Q-X0lVza0iZEtS4kakyc1QGEtVfiwTh2t5FFDHhO63b3htKzOM8vEn/s400/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+5.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thierry Mouillé's <em>Tablo solo</em> (glass); Pablo Reinoso's <em>AP 2005 TH 11 05 Chaise</em> (chairs); Eric Wesley's <em>The Great Outdoors</em> (wall art)</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADft5OmWpDj9MUSu-CLsYzLMBBbLqFX2luG85Mul3lsz98v24_9cEF8GHDDXxXL6XYfnR12qfInJUbuLofCEIPz81sRpUcm9InmmwW5YFgwrsv0HBtAHHA-xfvRSIRo4QvmdOcXK78_Aw/s1600/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADft5OmWpDj9MUSu-CLsYzLMBBbLqFX2luG85Mul3lsz98v24_9cEF8GHDDXxXL6XYfnR12qfInJUbuLofCEIPz81sRpUcm9InmmwW5YFgwrsv0HBtAHHA-xfvRSIRo4QvmdOcXK78_Aw/s400/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+6.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Raphaël de Villers' <em>Actéon</em></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-JnbMjCE1Yo2PltBOwSQVuD5fLkQMX837ZdK6G3IGYkIV6yHyR7xaR3zPjRvtWsE2gFyPgF4RRhYEXJEbe10WC26lLdAydcY4t5js5QU2sg73IUd9jFf3OzqlA80vvokWXPU4vVXpHN6/s1600/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-JnbMjCE1Yo2PltBOwSQVuD5fLkQMX837ZdK6G3IGYkIV6yHyR7xaR3zPjRvtWsE2gFyPgF4RRhYEXJEbe10WC26lLdAydcY4t5js5QU2sg73IUd9jFf3OzqlA80vvokWXPU4vVXpHN6/s400/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+7.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jacob Hashimoto's <em>The vocabulary of attraction</em></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xzJ1pBBCT2Q7CP0dFC1j2DwkvAqL6rzkzl_skZFTMD332tHcnCkjamobTnYaPNMHo0ym_Kt39BXturmP7azSRfEpxilhKRAipipgdGa2PzuAzdPNQmHhvTfzO3jacWwZnFHYIBgcdnA-/s1600/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xzJ1pBBCT2Q7CP0dFC1j2DwkvAqL6rzkzl_skZFTMD332tHcnCkjamobTnYaPNMHo0ym_Kt39BXturmP7azSRfEpxilhKRAipipgdGa2PzuAzdPNQmHhvTfzO3jacWwZnFHYIBgcdnA-/s400/Maison+Particuli%C3%A8re+8.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elegant piano in Maison Particulière's petit salon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-84554698736561864682012-03-08T17:46:00.002+01:002012-03-09T18:22:29.209+01:00Tracking Down Color<div style="text-align: justify;">Searching for color (other than gray) this time of year is beginning to feel like an impossible mission. I'm tempted to hibernate these last 12 days of winter but back in August I promised to "search out the array of colors this great city has to offer" and I'd much rather eat chocolate than my words! It was a stretch (case in point, the kitten postcard I found on the ground) but the spring flowers should be here soon and all will be well in my world...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvR_BftaQiy2_jLOmY44Kvq55VGd6UupfZ4mBXAZR-CDs-NzZJR1pKmSFm3GXP64qUZSs7TgRcU_dtXvWFjd71-pMXGXMHQ4CGwHhmTjEfM7sPTzvAVgQsViaMGlPDmqJ3CmD8XKC6UOk/s1600/Colors+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvR_BftaQiy2_jLOmY44Kvq55VGd6UupfZ4mBXAZR-CDs-NzZJR1pKmSFm3GXP64qUZSs7TgRcU_dtXvWFjd71-pMXGXMHQ4CGwHhmTjEfM7sPTzvAVgQsViaMGlPDmqJ3CmD8XKC6UOk/s400/Colors+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYvx5xk9ljmUct7Do2ZtLp9nXZ76SwkHjxWpqLC3WPYAJKp5n9dgVKN8mwy1CuYg26Y7q1FwOAi0rfZ3M0kigCrjCLjFRMZVqJKgneZwuEP1poBSv7Jz_TZ5aI0dezoPj4Ukhg-dBDm6s/s1600/Colors+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYvx5xk9ljmUct7Do2ZtLp9nXZ76SwkHjxWpqLC3WPYAJKp5n9dgVKN8mwy1CuYg26Y7q1FwOAi0rfZ3M0kigCrjCLjFRMZVqJKgneZwuEP1poBSv7Jz_TZ5aI0dezoPj4Ukhg-dBDm6s/s400/Colors+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj78-ZrKrTKvoHHQS4HlyXpGalz_Ek-uaU48h6mtuxDGKzecgAm76jmbpMpwftTS2rkL5StGoBZlW0DeoZKxopK1hyphenhyphenvXFdDo4ZMyx02BnC-vBQdod_dMfNYkNe_QvNSkWgCQFP3lwbBtk/s1600/Colors+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj78-ZrKrTKvoHHQS4HlyXpGalz_Ek-uaU48h6mtuxDGKzecgAm76jmbpMpwftTS2rkL5StGoBZlW0DeoZKxopK1hyphenhyphenvXFdDo4ZMyx02BnC-vBQdod_dMfNYkNe_QvNSkWgCQFP3lwbBtk/s400/Colors+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-72224096985689661112012-03-03T11:51:00.003+01:002012-03-14T13:55:42.675+01:00Cook & Book<div style="text-align: justify;">I think it's obvious why Cook & Book in Brussels was recently named one of <a href="http://flavorwire.com/254434/the-20-most-beautiful-bookstores-in-the-world?all=1">The 20 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World</a>. It's beyond a bookstore, beyond a great place to eat and beyond colorful! Cook & Book is comprised of two bookstores or blocs: Bloc A houses Comics, Youth, Travel, Fine Arts and Music while Bloc B features Lifestyle, Literature, Kitchen and English. The concept is cleverly designed libraries with their own unique dining experience. That's nine choices: from travel books around an American Airstream trailer cafe to a great meal at La Cucina with a vintage Fiat 500 parked alongside cookbooks, to the Greenhouse Cafe surrounded by garden and lifestyle books to hundreds of books hanging from the ceiling in the sleek literature section. All this and so much more. Interior architects Delacroix & Friant spared nothing when it came to creating an innovative and fanciful place to eat, read and mingle! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEoim4oMQPKCUtiBZ_ZD8HGETCkm3ecQAtKtaacyYZFBsgmrekQwojc-lRN-FEkS0_OIUxCJElJOddkbdz9dc9UWB0q4PORu4ark1wV-AW1jKT-NLWzkc_RVaLvxo90SAd1mPXHo6f4-V/s1600/Cook+&+Book+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEoim4oMQPKCUtiBZ_ZD8HGETCkm3ecQAtKtaacyYZFBsgmrekQwojc-lRN-FEkS0_OIUxCJElJOddkbdz9dc9UWB0q4PORu4ark1wV-AW1jKT-NLWzkc_RVaLvxo90SAd1mPXHo6f4-V/s400/Cook+&+Book+7.jpg" width="298" /></a></div></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-62912260526374779502012-02-27T15:43:00.012+01:002012-03-01T19:18:12.680+01:00Comic Strip Center<div style="text-align: justify;">Belgium has over 700 comic strip authors and more comic strip artists per square kilometer than any other country in the world. Although I'm not a huge comic book fan (I stuck to "Betty & Veronica" as a child), I couldn't live in Brussels without visiting the Belgian Comic Strip Center. Maybe it would help me understand why so many adults, including my husband, take such an interest in two dimensional heroes like Tintin, Gaston Lagaffe, Lucky Luke and Spirou. If not, I'd still get to enjoy the colorful exhibitions and brasserie in one of Victor Horta's beautiful Art Nouveau buildings!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_133061196526347"><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_133061196526352"><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_133061196526385"><span style="font-size: small;">Gaston Lagaffe and Cat</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_133061196526390"><span style="font-size: small;">The Citroën 2CV - a popular car in several comic strips</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRjB1nMCps2FpZeoJ9LXgN6XM2CV_vIRMkZbqaAgTE5qWc8izRuseTagIBODCUiwojAIJQGXDW93bJm37sp2t5HPDxlPXFqFdZsBcjZhu6e56lbOVY_DaL0IQJGbxE-2IwKlou4MhxGK7/s1600/Comics+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRjB1nMCps2FpZeoJ9LXgN6XM2CV_vIRMkZbqaAgTE5qWc8izRuseTagIBODCUiwojAIJQGXDW93bJm37sp2t5HPDxlPXFqFdZsBcjZhu6e56lbOVY_DaL0IQJGbxE-2IwKlou4MhxGK7/s400/Comics+3.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_133061196526362"><span style="font-size: small;">Depending on what country he's in, "Waldo" goes by many names: Charlie, Willy, Efi, Holger, Vallu...</span></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg663JyPuhyphenhyphenglDONXFqSGOMVBgQ0i3N5ty1NzywYGminKiSKaS-qZ3CU9AlAsUPZ1nLlwG732eRBPiHvDcOAwvZ8rf_X_ydthRDlTUuex4QhWgf1exEpftjC5fWUzPkQ1MY-Hm-UEQb88eV/s1600/Comics+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg663JyPuhyphenhyphenglDONXFqSGOMVBgQ0i3N5ty1NzywYGminKiSKaS-qZ3CU9AlAsUPZ1nLlwG732eRBPiHvDcOAwvZ8rf_X_ydthRDlTUuex4QhWgf1exEpftjC5fWUzPkQ1MY-Hm-UEQb88eV/s400/Comics+5.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_133061196526369"><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_133061196526393"><span style="font-size: small;">Bottles of Nero beer at the center's brasserie</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-86631924221691618902012-02-11T09:19:00.013+01:002012-09-16T19:40:47.748+02:00The Magic of Orchids<div style="text-align: justify;"><div id="yui_3_2_0_25_132853455679256">Visiting the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in <span class="mark" id="misspell-0">Koekelberg</span> has been on my To Do list since my first trip to Brussels in May 2010. Its striking green copper dome can be seen from miles away, which is no surprise since it's one of the largest churches in the world. Construction began in 1935 to commemorate the 75<span class="mark" id="misspell-1">th</span> anniversary of Belgian independence (completed in 1970) so it's newer and stands out among the <span id="misspell-2"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_132853455679219532">Gothic</span></span> cathedrals around. What finally drew me to this huge Art Deco monument? My weakness: Flowers! The basilica is so large that it holds exhibitions throughout the year. My friend Alison from <a href="http://cheeseweb.eu/">CheeseWeb.eu</a> and I enjoyed "The Magic of Orchids" which is on display until mid-March. We viewed deep purple <span class="mark" id="misspell-3">Vandas</span>, <span class="mark" id="misspell-4">mutlicolored</span> <span class="mark" id="misspell-5">Cattleyas</span>, speckled <span class="mark" id="misspell-6">Phalaenopsis</span>, yellow <span class="mark" id="misspell-7">Paphiopedilum</span>, coral-colored <span class="mark" id="misspell-8">Phragmipedium</span>, <span class="mark" id="misspell-9">beautiful Selenipedium</span> and <span class="mark" id="misspell-10">Cypripedium</span>, chocolate <span class="mark" id="misspell-11">Cymbidiums</span>, and the variety I'm most familiar with, <span class="mark" id="misspell-12">Dendrobiums</span>. These orchids are featured in a number of "magical" ways (suspended in the air, in creative tablescapes, around a make-shift kasbah, and on a sailboat) and are worthy of a visit, especially when combined with the panoramic view of Brussels from the cupola platform.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxmGyWa2K8UXCl8SkCn7Li3j6jPib1mU-0yjHYis9HxmD52-VpxRpyQbidL1wPSzfL9XD-4YDeaUDVomSYK-ITWjNymhoiXgQid84AvJbjUcHeNKMPvS7yT3g2SwEfer4wX8H0e6PbaWe/s1600/Orchids+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxmGyWa2K8UXCl8SkCn7Li3j6jPib1mU-0yjHYis9HxmD52-VpxRpyQbidL1wPSzfL9XD-4YDeaUDVomSYK-ITWjNymhoiXgQid84AvJbjUcHeNKMPvS7yT3g2SwEfer4wX8H0e6PbaWe/s400/Orchids+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-26974238057831605922012-02-06T14:16:00.007+01:002012-03-02T15:59:43.131+01:00Walking in a Winter Wonderland<div style="text-align: justify;">This won't be my most colorful post but it is one I'm very excited about! Having been <strong>deprived</strong> of snow for much of my life, I'm thrilled to finally live in a place where it makes an appearance every now and then. This was only the second time it snowed since I arrived but, unlike last time, this snowfall stuck to the ground. Unfortunately, those 4cm wreaked havoc on Belgium's motorways, resulting in a record breaking 1,275km of traffic jams. Lucky for me and especially those motorists, I was walking (not driving) in this winter wonderland!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6duZUgEguw4JfXDm-MvvU_epbhI0nCpJdki7r4PC5fkhj-lwkRuWqrzIiMK5iQkEi8c2RUJAdFtUZ5zVJg0ILNPcXYkqBPryXgXlJptnlSe2rf9p7Cewt7r8ek7Ppl5y-0rf-R-Yqgm8I/s1600/Unexpected+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6duZUgEguw4JfXDm-MvvU_epbhI0nCpJdki7r4PC5fkhj-lwkRuWqrzIiMK5iQkEi8c2RUJAdFtUZ5zVJg0ILNPcXYkqBPryXgXlJptnlSe2rf9p7Cewt7r8ek7Ppl5y-0rf-R-Yqgm8I/s400/Unexpected+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-18715491122526869812012-01-31T17:11:00.021+01:002012-05-07T09:27:38.241+02:00My ABCs of Travel<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm taking a quick break from the Colors of Brussels because I was tagged ("tag you're it") by my friend Alison at <a href="http://cheeseweb.eu/2012/01/abcs-travel/">CheeseWeb.eu</a> to come up with my own ABCs of Travel. Alison was tagged by Andrea at <a href="http://www.destinationeurope.net/another-a-to-z-of-travel/">Destination Europe</a> and both are great reads! Like them, I was reluctant to participate in the blog memes that are circulating but it ended up being a wonderful walk down memory lane as I recalled some of the places, both near and far, that I've been fortunate enough to visit. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Strasbourg Cathedral from last summer's road trip to France</span></td></tr>
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<strong>A: Age of first international trip:</strong> Six weeks young! I was born in Haugesund, Norway and shortly thereafter, I started my life in Berkeley, California.<br />
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<strong>B: Best (foreign) beer:</strong> I thought I'd develop a taste for beer after moving to Belgium. It still hasn't happened though I'm now able to sample my husband's Leffe without making a funny face.<br />
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<strong>C: Cuisine (favorite):</strong> That's easy, it would have to be any dish my mother-in-law prepares! I love Moroccan cuisine so whenever we're visiting my husband's family in Fes (Morocco), I savor every mouthful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My mother-in-law's famous couscous!</span></td></tr>
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<strong>D: Destination (favorite and least favorite):</strong> Since it's fresh in my memory, my favorite would be my recent trip to the Sinai peninsula in Egypt. My husband, our three kids and I went for a week of great snorkeling, delicious food, beautiful sunsets, and much-needed relaxation. Least favorite might be our trip, one week later, to London. The contrasting weather, 2-day time crunch, and crowds left us missing the Red Sea.<br />
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<strong>E: Event experienced abroad that made you say “wow":</strong> Snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean. <br />
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<strong>F: Favourite mode of transportation:</strong> My own two feet, says the person who's afraid to drive in Europe and North Africa!<br />
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<strong>G: Greatest feeling while travelling:</strong> Sounds cliché but learning about the way people used to live (the Maya civilization to the Romans) to everyday life across Europe and the US.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ancient Maya ruins in Tulum, Mexico</span></td></tr>
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<strong>H: Hottest place travelled to:</strong> Believe it or not, Norway in June '02 reached degrees hotter than Spain for a few days. It was a stifling 95°F, which wasn't the hottest place I've been but was almost unbearable in a country that's not accustomed to heat waves.<br />
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<strong>I: Incredible service experienced and where:</strong> Hands down, downstairs at Chez Panisse in Berkeley.<br />
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<strong>J: Journey that took the longest:</strong> My first trip to Morocco in 1988. My husband and I were moving there and, after a tearful good-bye to my family and friends, we flew from San Francisco to Gibraltar, via London. We spent the night on "the rock" then woke-up early the next morning to get ourselves and five bulging suitcases on a ferry to Tangier. After a bumpy ride through the Straight of Gibraltar, we were greeted by my new in-laws. Although I couldn't understand a word that was being spoken, we spent four hours together on the long drive to Fes, stopping at several roadside produce stands along the way. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by approximately 25 rather loud relatives, friends and neighbors (I was so tired that I went to our room and had a mini-meltdown).<br />
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<strong>K: Keepsake from travels:</strong> Christmas tree ornaments and fridge magnets!<br />
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<strong>L: Let-down sight, why and where:</strong> Dare I say the Mona Lisa at the Louvre? <br />
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<strong>M: Moment where you fell in love with travel:</strong> It must have been at a young age because I don't remember a specific time. This is why I've tried to instill a love of travel in my own children. Plus, I've been able to enjoy Japan, Australia, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Greece vicariously through their visits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxxS_5yU_2Cz81X8x7XBlyA0UH3ZymWXCs6x8oRh8T4T5ADajyBe_Uffy-XBsuwEb7apJE_aJVHg2wGFGw2bSuU887evLRAcEZSDWrMwfSQ0zZI6YCaCkbuXrbEBNUqKn6kYFzRgh5_vY/s1600/ABCs+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxxS_5yU_2Cz81X8x7XBlyA0UH3ZymWXCs6x8oRh8T4T5ADajyBe_Uffy-XBsuwEb7apJE_aJVHg2wGFGw2bSuU887evLRAcEZSDWrMwfSQ0zZI6YCaCkbuXrbEBNUqKn6kYFzRgh5_vY/s400/ABCs+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My son's photo from a class trip to Greece</span></td></tr>
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<strong>N: Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in:</strong> The nicest was probably the Bellagio or Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas but I can't forget the time we were given a penthouse suite in Maui, Hawaii because the occupants of our original room forgot to check out. They must have been on "island time"!<br />
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<strong>O: Obsession – what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while travelling:</strong> Anything colorful! Murals, flowers, ceramics, people and, yes, these Moroccan slippers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqYmWeMeNTqxp5OppM1tjeyV5qgBxPDIWkx9AKtX3w6yaugK8qL1bj7g_aZLeo8lRWaO8BsmXsA-WkgD8ErpxWu-8AZnqlXN1bs8hKAOO3eZl6ZIbCDpziHR9vVz_XqRsH9xNJnEhFDou/s1600/ABCs+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqYmWeMeNTqxp5OppM1tjeyV5qgBxPDIWkx9AKtX3w6yaugK8qL1bj7g_aZLeo8lRWaO8BsmXsA-WkgD8ErpxWu-8AZnqlXN1bs8hKAOO3eZl6ZIbCDpziHR9vVz_XqRsH9xNJnEhFDou/s400/ABCs+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorful Moroccan slippers in the medina</span></td></tr>
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<strong>P: Passport stamps, how many and from where:</strong> I currently have 29 stamps, most of them are from trips between Belgium, Morocco and the US. The others are from the Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, Mexico and Egypt. <br />
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<strong>Q: Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where:</strong> The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. According to popular belief, Sarah Winchester thought the mansion was haunted by the ghosts of people who died from Winchester rifles. The only way to appease these spirits was for continuous construction to be made on the house (around the clock for 38 years).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFwXl15DXhCw4Nf5sW1-Lc5rgcN7ynKWzqmYCwJ2ZCs4AtVA3XrVSLphekOxfWWkdzbOOVcYKbxC9Ymcs07iE3CRNmA6Zkh5AUgHL4Ax-cwXn6Qv0yctyipIogwIhx_bpwdG8W2DDQsf7/s1600/ABCs+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFwXl15DXhCw4Nf5sW1-Lc5rgcN7ynKWzqmYCwJ2ZCs4AtVA3XrVSLphekOxfWWkdzbOOVcYKbxC9Ymcs07iE3CRNmA6Zkh5AUgHL4Ax-cwXn6Qv0yctyipIogwIhx_bpwdG8W2DDQsf7/s400/ABCs+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California</span></td></tr>
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<strong>R: Recommended sight, event or experience:</strong> Arches National Park in Utah. Absolutely beautiful!<br />
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<strong>S: Splurge; something you have no problem forking over money for while travelling:</strong> By the time we've paid for a family of five to fly anywhere, there's not much money left over! <br />
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<strong>T: Touristy thing done:</strong> Double decker hop-on hop-off buses (they're really the best way to get an overview of a city).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unobstructed view from the hop-on hop-off bus in London</span></td></tr>
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<strong>U: Unforgettable travel memory:</strong> The three months I spent backpacking through Europe in 1986.<br />
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<strong>V: Visas, how many and for where:</strong> Three (Belgium, Egypt and Dominican Republic). My Belgian long-stay visa required a flight to Los Angeles where I spent about 10 minutes handing in my paperwork at the Consulate's office.<br />
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<strong>W: Wine, best glass of wine while travelling and where:</strong> Aside from any glass with my husband, I'd have to say last fall in Rome after learning how to make a delicious lemon and asparagus risotto with my friends Mary Beth, Bob and William.<br />
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<strong>X: eXcellent view and from where:</strong> The sunrise from the summit of Mt. Haleakalā in Maui. It was below freezing and very crowded but well worth it. I captured the sunrise in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico last summer (alone) and it took my breath away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB19JP7TuFCdwMWM1xnw_G_EUwoMzYSAP5oAC6FFh0fFJKFQLkJux3wqohzYgLyGEWTf2qn1HRxETEMzbyhXbRja1_hitCn1hCwhM-Q9kZc1h_mitoVoMwWJKcjxilxUGm6tT8Xp-aI3jU/s1600/ABCs+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB19JP7TuFCdwMWM1xnw_G_EUwoMzYSAP5oAC6FFh0fFJKFQLkJux3wqohzYgLyGEWTf2qn1HRxETEMzbyhXbRja1_hitCn1hCwhM-Q9kZc1h_mitoVoMwWJKcjxilxUGm6tT8Xp-aI3jU/s400/ABCs+8.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunrise in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico</span></td></tr>
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<strong>Y: Years spent travelling:</strong> Since 1965... you do the math.<br />
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<strong>Z: Zealous sports fans and where:</strong> Back home in 2010 when the San Francisco Giants won the World Series! <br />
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Okay, folks, who's next? I'm ready to tag the next blogger...Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-11910212653155152012-01-21T12:07:00.002+01:002012-03-02T16:15:43.081+01:00A Few of My Favorite Things<div style="text-align: justify;">There's no better way to get through the blues than to focus on all the things I love about living in Brussels. I'm determined to enjoy the hustle & bustle of this capital city before returning to the suburbs back home. Plus, time flies when you're having fun! Food has to top my list of most favorite things because, hey, a girl's gotta eat! The restaurants are outstanding and the Liege waffles are delicious, especially when topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Next to that are the people I've met from around the world. Seventy nationalities are represented at my son's school alone (no one would pose for a photo - okay, I didn't ask). There's never a dull moment with so many museums, art galleries, festivals and parades. Being the animal-lover that I am, I also adore the cute dogs who are welcome in shops, cafes and restaurants. And because I get so thirsty walking around town, admiring artists in the Grand Place and seasonal park flowers, I rely on my favorite local beverages to stay well-hydrated! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmW4-CrMP1ic6gL5QXua-RQUHrjqQ4aRlwHgAy0-n3hxoYi45muu0ihTvc8Q6YyBnLsuVWt2t155GSl7gie-92dvY0Qnl1tnh6qPt97fa7xGEW5mdtuy-GXEzrMo9EP3vcvjEexTjJpTP/s1600/Favorites+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmW4-CrMP1ic6gL5QXua-RQUHrjqQ4aRlwHgAy0-n3hxoYi45muu0ihTvc8Q6YyBnLsuVWt2t155GSl7gie-92dvY0Qnl1tnh6qPt97fa7xGEW5mdtuy-GXEzrMo9EP3vcvjEexTjJpTP/s400/Favorites+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-1805812295082380512012-01-15T17:21:00.005+01:002012-03-08T17:28:16.348+01:00Feeling Blue<div style="text-align: justify;">I've lived in Brussels for five months and although I'm getting more comfortable in my surroundings, living abroad isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Sure, it's convenient to walk around the corner to the boulangerie where I'm still barely able to spit out the words to order a baguette but somehow manage to leave with a rainbow of colorful tarts. Yes, it's great to visit friends and extended family in nearby cities and countries (and even better to play tour guide to my visitors). But I still get the blues and miss my two adult kids (terribly), my cat, the English language, telling time by AM/PM (quick, non-military friends back home, what time is 21:35?), and even Costco. Don't ask me why I miss Costco as I could never fit those super-size products in my minuscule refrigerator and freezer! I'm told expat life gets better after six months which is great except I'll be returning home three months later, probably kicking and screaming. Reining me back to what thankfully keeps me busy and enjoying Brussels, my little blog... I've photographed a few blue things around town (from today's bright blue sky to the famous Belgian Smurfs) that have temporarily taken my mind off of going to Costco with my daughter where I can speak English to buy cat food at 4PM!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5biL_Hucu2JOGpQI3f101AvKTQ4VbCV9-jt8aMm5ExZmiY19xjudu7g6a5utsEx7WyWf7MkZGZJVluTtd_wcPhHkbebO2Fmxde988IuG448aL-Gb2-tIZZl53m-L21YWrnWxaFa2vhFi/s1600/Blue+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5biL_Hucu2JOGpQI3f101AvKTQ4VbCV9-jt8aMm5ExZmiY19xjudu7g6a5utsEx7WyWf7MkZGZJVluTtd_wcPhHkbebO2Fmxde988IuG448aL-Gb2-tIZZl53m-L21YWrnWxaFa2vhFi/s400/Blue+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-32465160948362283682012-01-09T19:05:00.007+01:002012-03-08T18:08:02.114+01:00Colorful Tales of Manneken Pis<div style="text-align: justify;">The folklore surrounding Manneken Pis, the bronze fountain statue of a naked boy urinating, is so much grander than its height of just 24 inches! The most famous legend claims it was fashioned after 2-year-old Duke Godfrey III of Leuven. In 1142, he was placed in a basket on a tree to encourage his soldiers to fight for him. From there, he urinated on the enemy troops of the Berthouts, who eventually lost the battle. Other legends include: a little boy relieved himself on a witch's door who then turned him into a statue, a wealthy merchant's son went missing and was later found urinating in a small garden, a little boy was walking by a hole in the dam that protected the city from floods and saved the day by sticking his private area in it, and a little boy was awoken by a fire and prevented the king's castle from burning down by using the only weapon he had on hand. My favorite fable might be when Brussels was under siege by a foreign power in the 14th century and attackers planned to place explosives at the city walls. Legend has it that a little boy happened to be spying on them so he quickly urinated on the burning fuse and thus saved the city from ruin. I have two boys so this one's slightly believable. Alas, my Discover Belgium teacher told me not to believe any of these tales - Manneken Pis is just a fountain statue with over 800 costumes (many are gifts from foreign dignitaries), is visited by tens of thousands of people annually, has been stolen seven times and, on occasion, is hooked up to a keg of beer so cups can be filled, from the flow, and given out to people passing by. Sounds a little unbelievable to me!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkNdzuaLnt_e6GdjKI2r1G1aLWiF6hsZqfb3DIL7HK1dN4VEfZQmx3dOCZoWvd_Mf8TCth_DplN4gTPmdwl2FuyS3VLI4vuIqdvnxn9qB0aD_rQVC5-RS8Mq2VuuqVw2bQ8Wb6i8y0lHC/s1600/MP+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkNdzuaLnt_e6GdjKI2r1G1aLWiF6hsZqfb3DIL7HK1dN4VEfZQmx3dOCZoWvd_Mf8TCth_DplN4gTPmdwl2FuyS3VLI4vuIqdvnxn9qB0aD_rQVC5-RS8Mq2VuuqVw2bQ8Wb6i8y0lHC/s400/MP+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-69020671951980390432011-12-19T18:48:00.006+01:002012-03-02T10:38:40.926+01:00Let It Snow!<div style="text-align: justify;">All it took was a light dusting of snow for me to get excited about the holidays (that and the arrival of my two older children two days later - my true Christmas gift)! Yes, colorful Mont des Arts with the town hall spire in the background (photo 1) was stunning to see just after Thanksgiving, <em>and</em> watching the Saint Nicolas procession (photo 2) was quite entertaining in early December, <em>and</em> the Electrabel Nights at the Grand Place (photo 3) featuring new technologies and special illuminations was exciting a week later, <em>and</em> the Christmas Market's ferris wheel (photo 4) next to approximately 250 chalets (selling anything and everything christmassy) and an ice rink made for a fun day, <em>and</em> my purchase (photo 5) at said Christmas Market was special since I buy each child one new ornament every year... but it was a little snow on our patio furniture (photo 6) that had this California girl shrieking, "It's snowing, it's snowing!". Mind you it's only the 4th or 5th time I'd seen snow fall from the sky so that may have had something to do with it...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUchHa3OL-Md3eZasrajQZxHznCbJpjKXW7vrvAsmuXzsv2tW7i1FH0rseS8cI1qbpLc_hiPzxB-EvBPlTrMPimfUmTXZD5_P3icZxyp3XMhgHOG_g0w2U3UplHv6BS8pmAmAoJ-UB7PV/s1600/Let+it+Snow+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUchHa3OL-Md3eZasrajQZxHznCbJpjKXW7vrvAsmuXzsv2tW7i1FH0rseS8cI1qbpLc_hiPzxB-EvBPlTrMPimfUmTXZD5_P3icZxyp3XMhgHOG_g0w2U3UplHv6BS8pmAmAoJ-UB7PV/s400/Let+it+Snow+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-46177335571653648002011-12-14T19:08:00.010+01:002012-03-02T10:28:39.464+01:00Under the Hammer for a Holiday<div style="text-align: justify;">With winter approaching and temperatures dropping by the day, I admit to spending one too many hours watching antique and auction shows on the BBC. I'm thankful for this British obsession, especially when I miss the English language but need a break from the EU's debt crisis according to Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy and David Cameron. Plus British English sounds so distinguished - I'm always delightfully entertained and well-informed when tuning into: Flog It!, Cash in the Attic, Cash in the Celebrity Attic, Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Bargain Hunt and Homes Under the Hammer. The premise for most of these shows is an antique expert and contestant rummaging through a home, car boot sale (that's British for flea market) or quaint antique shop for items to flog or go under the hammer (auction). If a profit is made, it's often used by the contestant to purchase even more antiques for his/her attic or towards a dream holiday in Spain. The educational aspect is evident when the host visits stately homes, country castles, medieval museums or other places of historical interest. All this got me thinking about a possible undiscovered treasure in my neighborhood antique shop and wondering if I could Flog It! for a dream holiday in Spain!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3mxjDe1qtmtaRedGxj6mO4lpudKH8EUImwVu0OTtM2wok4Xe5WA9HKgPhTAfpXZTC8SmMIhR22xyyhyZqnz2Gbsr6BgI7w7a-15VDExWa6CbkVt_4MGkWTv-H30DSRc6Ff-Z1J4yZrK2/s1600/Antiques+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3mxjDe1qtmtaRedGxj6mO4lpudKH8EUImwVu0OTtM2wok4Xe5WA9HKgPhTAfpXZTC8SmMIhR22xyyhyZqnz2Gbsr6BgI7w7a-15VDExWa6CbkVt_4MGkWTv-H30DSRc6Ff-Z1J4yZrK2/s400/Antiques+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-1738863441046464972011-12-06T08:55:00.005+01:002012-03-02T10:20:52.246+01:00Strike!<div style="text-align: justify;">I experienced my first strike (manifestation) in Brussels last week. It was actually quite civilized... The STIB (Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles) applied for a permit to shut down most metro, bus and tram lines at <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323157595_23">11:00am on Friday</span>, for the day. Everyone was well prepared with many people walking (me), carpooling or telecommuting. Back home, strikes typically go on for days or weeks (until concessions are gained). They don't last as long here though they are more frequent. Before moving to Brussels, I still associated the word strike with bowling to indicate all pins have been knocked down with the first ball of a frame. This brings me to today's post... It was, no surprise, a wet and gloomy evening and we, the non-natives, were getting restless! I was also on the hunt for some much-needed, albeit indoor, color. We headed to The Bowl Factory in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323157595_24">Waterloo</span>, complete with "cosmic bowling" (the tracks & bowling balls glow in florescent colors when the lights go down), an arcade and Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant. Everyone bowled a strike but me - that's okay, I still had a ball ;-) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO0hnUs9LbD_OiwXZNEzQWOJpbqlJvL4kEGGDSyo1H1BwmxTnxFCDyRXEHzUo6SgiRZHP-iGLGyVrLwcbnO6eC2Wv87qm4m4S_YhdbkW_rV2FsAK4mDtCgkKPOEXVAam5mZvqAQYE1d4l/s1600/1000+Words+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO0hnUs9LbD_OiwXZNEzQWOJpbqlJvL4kEGGDSyo1H1BwmxTnxFCDyRXEHzUo6SgiRZHP-iGLGyVrLwcbnO6eC2Wv87qm4m4S_YhdbkW_rV2FsAK4mDtCgkKPOEXVAam5mZvqAQYE1d4l/s400/1000+Words+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-67062458150457160322011-11-19T15:10:00.023+01:002012-03-02T10:02:34.041+01:00The Colorful Marolles<div style="text-align: justify;">Les Marolles, or Marollen in Dutch, is indeed colorful... it's been said that this district has "welcomed many socially fragile inhabitants" beginning with lepers that were exiled there in the Middle Ages. Later it was situated between two city walls where the working class, mostly weavers and craftsmen, resided. The wall and steep drop between the wealthier Sablon district and Les Marolles didn't stop Ladies of the Night from greeting upper echelon "gentlemen" in the alleys between the two districts. Much of the area was gutted when the Palais de Justice was built in the 19th century. Residents were satisfied when the hated architect of the project, Joseph Poelaert, died in a mental institution in 1879, some say as a result of a curse from a Marolles witch. I recently went on a walking tour of this vibrant area and was struck by the expressive wall and door art, bustling flea market, antique/junk shops on every block, art galleries galore, and multicultural restaurants as well as over 30 city-run cafes where the homeless can have a warm place to eat a good meal. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX66E3IjlRPHRS0GiNW-4IW38v0_-ZeRpqChTFLfcNoG4QgP3IDtAi6HtC2gIvkpGawE_BMIzPhoJAsVA588xONBohNmuHDT7b1WKIp8boEFECiuwpf2dnLSz1_Ho-l7ktaO9IR7sqL37s/s1600/Marolles+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX66E3IjlRPHRS0GiNW-4IW38v0_-ZeRpqChTFLfcNoG4QgP3IDtAi6HtC2gIvkpGawE_BMIzPhoJAsVA588xONBohNmuHDT7b1WKIp8boEFECiuwpf2dnLSz1_Ho-l7ktaO9IR7sqL37s/s400/Marolles+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-34257970727555971302011-11-11T11:59:00.066+01:002012-03-08T17:37:20.042+01:00Fall Foliage<div style="text-align: justify;">This week started with the grayest and gloomiest weather I've experienced since moving to Brussels. I've come to expect the sky to be gray but not the space between the ground and the sky! Yesterday the clouds parted and the bright blue sky made an appearance (along with higher temps)! Whatever the weather has in store, I love the beautiful, picturesque colors of fall. Some trees in my neighborhood are still green while many are brown, seemingly to have skipped the color changing process altogether. Here and there, I've found enormous poplars and maples showing off their bright yellow leaves, green bushes with bits of red peeking out, golden leaves covering the ground, trees with several colors on a single branch and my favorite, beautiful red maple trees!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMITG9QSYlil8FSkoTl2bpsfN1SQtFfZFVf0nYiBQIE0p65gw4z1L38Cd0hqhb6pBkDoiEnFhCDLZygGdVYpkqDvqyoBag2Q6RsYpeGu4CMP5Eul6vWoXFYYecs3AhZPstLaE2JRA663T2/s1600/October+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMITG9QSYlil8FSkoTl2bpsfN1SQtFfZFVf0nYiBQIE0p65gw4z1L38Cd0hqhb6pBkDoiEnFhCDLZygGdVYpkqDvqyoBag2Q6RsYpeGu4CMP5Eul6vWoXFYYecs3AhZPstLaE2JRA663T2/s400/October+4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div>Colors of Brusselshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209881167121243314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358369685513525328.post-60046195005716377492011-10-16T10:20:00.012+02:002012-03-02T00:28:46.370+01:00Home Sweet (temporary) Home<div style="text-align: justify;">Home will always be Northern <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1318422994_15">California</span> but it didn't take me long to feel welcome in Brussels. Take, for example, the baker around the corner who doesn't seem to mind that I'm barely able to spit out the words to order a baguette (so much for my high school French). She smiles at me as I walk in saying, "Bonjour, je prendrai... " (pointing to what I want). She then gives me a mini French lesson as I direct her attention to the raisin snails, which I'm pretty sure are <u>not</u> called escargot de raisin sec. She says "couque Suisse", I repeat "couque Suisse", she smiles, I smile, I pay her and I walk out with my raisin snail (I mean couque Suisse). Yesterday I walked in and what did my eyes behold but a beautiful rainbow of colorful tarts. Before I knew it, I blurted out, "Bonjour, je prendrai toutes les tartes colorées"! I'm starting to fit in pretty well here! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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