Another one bites the dust!

As another summer comes to a close, I sit back doctoring a luscious cocktail and reminisce a holiday full of laughter, sorrow, and adventure! We started our trip around the world with a jaunt to Australia which I already wrote about in a blog titled, "Amazing Australia!"


When we got to America, we hit the ground running with countless parties and family get-togethers. From family BBQs to tea parties, 40th wedding anniversaries to 90th birthday parties--we spent a great deal of quality time with our immediate family. We made our first (and quite possibly our last) trip to Mesa, Arizona for my Uncle Len's memorial service. We hung out with our favorite wee one, Katya; bought a half-dozen hens and collected eggs daily; We enjoyed hours of gab as well as delectable street food with Tricia; caught up with my favorite NDers: Meri, Dian, and Teresa;  And enjoyed a week of quality time (and roller coaster-ing) at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in honor of my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. After 4 weeks, we were exhausted. No wonder we crumpled into our flat-cocoon seats on our flight to Belgium and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

In Belgium, things settled down a bit. Our visit here included a trip to the Olympics in London which shocked us immensely. From the moment we stepped off of the airplane, London-2012 was everywhere. And despite the number of Londoners who evacuated the commotion, people came out in droves to attend all the events we wanted to see--the Olympic torch on the barge arriving at tower bridge, the opening ceremonies at Hyde Park, and the England v. U.A.E. game at Wembly stadium.

We also had a great time on some short local trips. In Antwerp we enjoyed a great day out to the Saturday Immigrants market where we could stock up on great fruits, veggies, breads, and olives! We always end our Antwerp shopping day with lunch at our favorite Lebanese restaurant.

A fun first for our family was a trip to the gorgeous city of Durbuy. It is known as the smallest town on Earth but I think it should be more famous as the most beautiful town. It is the quintessential little European town and it was perfect! The only challenge for me was all the French being spoken. I DO NOT SPEAK FRENCH!!! Next year, we'll return for a weekend away where we will also include a kayaking trip down the Ourthe River in the Ardennes

Rob and I escaped Belgium for a mini-break to Holland. The peaceful train journey did not prepare us for the amazing chaos that greeted us in Amsterdam. What a crazy city and not at all what I expected. The weather was rainy and grey, the tourists were everywhere, the canals were filthy, the lines to get in to see any artwork were exhaustively long, but the architecture (and stories about the homes) was enthralling. Rob was secretly happy that he beat my dad's record of 60 minutes in the Van Gogh Museum where we learned about the hidden works of art that lie beneath some of the most brilliant paintings. Magical.

Our summer ended with a surprise visit to see the flower carpet on the Grand-Place in Brussels (something I've wanted to see for years!) They only create the carpet once every 2 years and it usually is only available for 2 days, but this year's African-inspired carpet will be on display for a record 5 days (despite the remarkable heat). It was something I've been eager to do for a long, long time and my schatje surprised me. I am happy now, especially after my Rodenbach and mussels met frites.

And as I put the finishing touches on our allotment of only 4 suitcases (at 20 kg. each), I think back on our wonderful holiday. The kids have taken care of chickens, picked plums, carrots, lettuce, and potatoes, played with a million Legos, and have ridden their bikes in every location. Rob has enjoyed his tour of home through his documentation of the beers he's drunk, and I've had a great time reconnecting with our loved ones...especially those who just announced that they are having babies! It has been fun, but it's really nice to get back to our own reality: our new house, our own things, and our little puppy!

When all is said and done, we have racked up an astonishing 53,087 mi. (88,594 km.).  And to think, the actual circumfrance of the Earth is 24,902 mi. (40,076 km.). Here is the geeky recap: Surabaya, Indonesia -- Bali, Indonesia -- Melbourne, Australia -- Sydney, Australia -- Los Angeles, California, USA -- San Francisco, California, USA -- Mesa, Arizona, USA -- Oakland, CA, USA  -- New York, New York, USA, -- Brussels, Belgium -- London, England -- Brussels, Belgium -- Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Antwerp, Belgium -- Frankfurt, Germany -- Singapore, Singapore -- Surabaya, Indonesia.

I wonder what next summer will bring... 

Now. A quick jaunt in Rob's MG before we go!

Summer 2012

Summer 2012, a set on Flickr.

From Indonesia to Australia to America to Belgium to England to Holland and back again. It's been a whirlwind summer!