Changes

Saturday brought blue skies and sunshine, but not warm temperatures. Russ decided it was the perfect weather for a run on the canal. I didn't agree, but it was the perfect day for a bike ride. So off we went. I love watching all of the changes that each season brings to our canal, but there were other changes today that weren't so enjoyable. This is what it normally looks like out there. Two lovely rows of trees along the bank, their varied sizes and colors make a beautiful frame for the quiet waters. Apparently someone had other ideas. The peaceful morning was disturbed by the grinding of chainsaws at work. This is what it looks like now. Thinned out and straggly looking. And sad. I wasn't the only one concerned about the activity. I happened to run into my new friend and occasional jogging buddy, and she was not amused. We chatted a little bit about what was going on, but she really had no better idea than I did on who was in charge. She took off to make a couple of phone calls to straighten it all out, and I started on my way again. I quickly caught up with Russ, and we made our way back home. Hopefully, our next visit to the canal won't bring any more surprises. I have a feeling my friend has some connections, so we should be safe. She's very persistant.

One Friendly Canal

After a very rainy week, the clouds parted and the sun came out...resulting in a gorgeous afternoon. Russ and I decided to make the most of it, and took off on a bike ride along the canal. We weren't the only ones out enjoying the weather, so we made a few new friends. Is it just me, or do you find it a little ironic that one of the smallest countries has some of the largest animals I've ever seen? Actually, with all the coffee, waffles, and chocolate, I'm a tad larger now than I was when I arrived. Best get back to peddling that bike! Hope your weekend is full of blue skies as well.

Gorgeous Ghent

Ghent is one of those mysterious cities that you don't hear too much about. Sure, everyone knows about Brussels or Brugge, but Ghent? Not so much. She lures you in with the idea of exploring some of her historic buildings, and then she stuns you speechless with her amazing beauty. She isn't easy, though. She makes you work hard to admire her. A friend and I took the train to check her out. (Over two hours one way, but she was worth it.) At one point in the morning, we were starting to think that we were providing comic relief for the city. We got a bit turned around with the buses outside the train station. Let's face it, when you have about half a dozen double length buses to choose from, it can get a bit confusing. When I approached a bus driver to see if his bus was the one we needed to reach our destination, I asked him if he spoke English. He replied (with a smile), "I have to, because you do not speak Dutch." Fair enough. He kindly pointed us in the right direction and we were soon in the heart of the historic centrum of Ghent.

Ghent was founded in the 7th century, and was originally known as Ganda. She lies between the Schelde and Leie rivers. She was destroyed by the Normans in the 9th century, and was rebuilt with a stronghold known as Gravensteen. She's well known for her lace and linen. This is the Stadhuis, or Town Hall. It was built a little after 1302.

Rounding the corner, you get to admire this beauty. (Sorry about the poor pictures this time, but I didn't' realize that my camera was on the wrong setting until just before we headed for home. None of these pictures do Ghent justice.) This is St. Baafskathedraal, and was founded in 942. She was just a little chapel at that time, but in 1550, she grew into the statuesque beauty that she is today. Unfortunately, they don't allow pictures inside, but trust me when I say WOW!

Across from St. Baafskathedraal is Belfort. Belfort was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. She has 44 bells, and is quite famous in these parts.

The statue of Jacob van Arteveld stands in the middle of the Vrijdagmarkt. He was once the burgomaster of the city.

This is the Vrijdagmarkt, or The Friday Market. It's a beautiful place and reminds me of both Antwerp and Brugge.

Lots of beautiful little streets lead off from the Friday Market. This is where Ghent starts to take your breath away. It's not the majestic buildings full of history, but the quiet little canals hidden just around each corner. Absolutely beautiful. If you're curious about the red cannon on the left, it is the Dulle Griet. It's a cast iron cannon that was built somewhere between 1430 and 1481. It weighs 16,000 kg (3,520 pounds). This building on the corner is called The Flute Player, and dates back to 1669. The one to it's left is the Seven Works of Mercy house. I could find out any information about this fellow, but I am guessing that it's Zeus. He was across the street from... Gravensteen. This is the Castle of the Counts, and was built as a stronghold by Count Baldwin I after the original city of Ghent was destroyed in the 9th century.

You can tour the inside of the castle, and it's in pretty good shape.

This is the view from one of the turrets on top of the Castle. And here is the view from the very top. It's said to be the best view of the city, and I believe it! Back inside the castle, we finished up the rest of our tour. This is a copy of a guillotine

that was used here from 1796 to 1861. The guillotine is a reproduction. The blade is original.

This is a chapel inside the castle. Later, it was used as a torture chamber.

After all that walking and climbing, we were more than ready for some lunch, so we headed around the corner and came upon the Koorniei. It was the center of the Medieval port. Apparently, it's the place to be on a beautiful afternoon in Ghent. This was the view we had when we ate lunch at De Witte Leeuw (The White Lion). As far as we could tell, they had the best lunch deal in the entire city. For a mere 10 euro, we had asparagus soup, chicken stew in white gravy, salad, fries, and chocolate mousse (yummmm!) for desert. I know. It's a tough life, but someone has to do it. I'd almost feel guilty if it weren't for that whole April Fools incident. I'm just saying. After a delicious lunch, basking in the sun and people watching on the waterfront, we were off on our adventure once again.

Are you starting to understand why Ghent is known as Little Brugge? Crossing another bridge led us back to the area that we had started, so we took the opportunity to check out St. Kiklaaskerk.

Sint Niklaaskerk was built around the middle of the 11th century. During the French Revolution, the church was actually used as a horse stable. It's hard to believe, isn't it? The carved marble was absolutely stunning. I've come to believe that churches in Europe are the most beautiful in the entire world. It was getting late in the day and it was time to say goodbye to gorgeous Ghent. Yes, it was a bit of a challenge getting there, but it was definitely worth the trouble. She's a beautiful city. And the bus drivers have a sassy sense of humor, too.

The Canal Is Lonely

Poor canal. In nicer weather, it's bustling with activity. Lately, not so much. Hmmm...what shall I do today? Run or bike on the canal in the frigid fog, or stay inside where it's warm and enjoy a nice cup of coffee? Senseo it is.

Supporting Team KB, No Matter Where It Takes Us!

There are three runners here at Kleine Brogel (KB) who are training to take part in a big marathon. Today, they were doing their long run...a little over 23 miles. When they asked Russ and I if we would like to go along on our bikes as part of the "support team", we jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, Belgian weather is a little fickle, and she did not decide to bless us with blue skies. So we did the run/ride in the rain. Such is life. In Spain, they have the running of the bulls. In Belgium, we have the running of the geese. Don't laugh. These beasts are every bit as ferocious as the bulls. They refused to give up the bike path to the runners, and insisted on running along in front of the group. They stubby little legs gave out rather quickly, and they decided to rest on the side of the canal. Apparently they don't have any more tolerance for the paparazzi than they do for runners, because right after I took this picture...the white one tried to bite me! (Can anyone say "Christmas goose"? I'm hunting you down for my holiday meal, big fella!)After the goose episode, things quieted down. Thank goodness. We took off along another canal and ended up in another country. (How often can you say that?) We actually rode our bikes into the Netherlands. That's another thing I can cross off of my Bucket List! Then we went down a little street that is apparently favored by artists. This sculpture is called "De Helende Aarde", which translates to "Healing The Earth". I like that.

I also like the quote on the plaque from Ghandi that states, "Be the change you wanna see in the world." Words to live by! Here is a better look at the sculpture. And just a little bit of a closer look.

This house is a few doors down from the earth sculpture. They like to express their creativity in another way. No, I did not pose for this hedge sculpture. (You know you were thinking it.)

This sculpture was in the garden of another house on the street. And before you ask, I didn't pose for this one either. (Although she does have my thighs. I'm just saying.) When it was all said and done, Team KB ran a little over 23 miles. Once Russ and I made it back home, we had biked exactly 28 miles. Whew. I don't know about you, but it's time for a nap.

Listening... On The Canal

The weather is too nice to be in a gym right now, and I've been lazy about going there lately, anyway. The canal is not too far from home, so there is no excuse for not running or walking. Well, there are lots of excuses, but none that are big enough to get me out of exercising, so off to the canal I went. Jess came along for the fun, and we met a friend there. The more the merrier. We all jog at different paces, but it's nice to have company in the vicinity. Unfortunately, I forgot to charge my IPod, so there was no music to distract me today. Instead, I listened to the sounds of the canal. At first, all I could hear was the slapping rhythm of my running shoes hitting the asphalt bike path. I tried not to focus too much on the wheezing of my breathing. (I'm not exactly in prime shape.) After a while, I

started to notice other sounds around me. The wind, blowing the leaves in the trees along both sides of the canal, similar to the sound of water flowing over a waterfall. The little song birds chirping to each other in the trees. The occasional splash of fish striking the surface of the water, trying to catch that tasty bug for breakfast. The distant bark of a dog. The soft cha-ching of a bicycle bell as someone approached from behind, letting me know that they wanted to pass. A friendly nod and "Morga'" (Mornin') from a local as they ride by. A crane whooping Good Morning, as well. I didn't hear the corn, but I am almost positive I heard Bessie, the cow, whispering to me as I went by. "What are you doing?" she said. "You don't see me running. I happen to love my big butt. Come on over to the shade and relax a bit. I won't tell anyone." Next time, Bessie. I just might take you up on that. I jogged on, hypnotized by the quiet swishing sound the fabric of my pants was making as my thighs rubbed together. I'm not completely positive, but I think I heard Bessie giggling.

Concrete Bunkers On The Canal

Things have been a bit crazy lately. With Memorial Day coming up, I thought it would be fitting to post these pics that I took last week. These are concrete bunkers along a nearby canal here in Belgium. Beautiful and peaceful now. Terrifying in a time of war. Take a moment to remember all those who fought for their country. Freedom isn't really free. Someone had to fight for it, or maybe even give their life to make sure that you get it. Be sure let them know how much you appreciate their gift.

A Beautiful Day For A Bike Ride

Mother Nature is spoiling us with all of these beautiful days. It makes it extremely hard to stay in the house and take care of those menial tasks like cleaning and laundry. It's absolutely gorgeous. Russ went in to work late today, so when he asked me if I wanted to keep him company on his jog along the canal at noon, I jumped at the chance. No, I didn't jog, too. I'd already done that at the gym this morning, so I took my lovely limo (Belgian bike) along for a ride. Sunshine brings the bikers out in droves in these parts. It's quite the social scene. I don't mean one or two bikes, here and there. I'm talking about groups of 15 or 20 bikers, and just about any age you can think of. They travel together, stopping along the way to greet other friends that they run into. They always seem to end up at a neighborhood pub, sitting outside in the fabulous sunshine, sipping a beer or coffee and watching people passing by. Did I mention that this is a VERY social country? (These people never sit home and do nothing. It's just not in their nature.) Anyway, Russ and I were cruising along the canal near our house, with Russ running at a steady pace in front, and me following along on the cruiser, both of us greeting the locals as we pass. A barge was slowly cruising up the water way toward us. We've been here almost a year now, but I still find barges fascinating, so I was checking it out. It was fully loaded, and riding low in the water. The captain waved as he passed by, and I returned the greeting, and then I noticed something very interesting at the back of the boat. These barges are essentially houses on the water. They have little apartments built into them, and it's common to see bikes or small cars loaded onto the back of them. This guy not only had a car on the back, but he was washing it as they chugged down the canal. How cool is that? I knew I should have brought my camera with me. On the way back, we came upon a group of gray haired gentlemen, sitting on a bench near the canal and shooting the breeze with each other. They seemed to find us very entertaining. They tried to tell Russ to trade places with me, and let me run while he enjoyed a leisurely bike ride. They were talking in Dutch, but with hand gestures, we figured it out pretty quickly. Even with the language barrier, they were pretty funny, and had us laughing on our journey home. Just another perfect day in paradise...Hope yours was just as great.

So Far, So Good

*Disclaimer to Nana...you are probably better off missing this post. At the very least, look no further than the first picture. You won't like it. You just looked, didn't you? Darn it. Don't say I didn't warn you!*

I know I promised lots of lovely adventures for the New Year, but these things take time. We're taking it nice and easy this January. It probably has something to do with the weather. It's cold. And it's been snowing a lot. Maybe that's just my imagination, because I'm told it rarely snows in Belgium, and if it does, it melts almost immediately. Apparently, I have a very vivid imagination. This is what my canal looks like today. (Yes, it's my canal. I called dibs.) There wasn't much going on there today. It was just me and a couple of frozen ducks. They have a very vivid imagination, too. Remember the Ice Age 3 Ice Sculptures exhibit in Brugge that we went to? It seems that they didn't anticipate all of this snow, either. Heavy snow built up on the roof of the massive tent that housed the ice sculptures, and caused it to collapse. The exhibit met an untimely end. Luckily, no one was hurt in the incident, but they came away with interesting stories to share with their friends and families. At least we were fortunate enough to see it before it all came crashing down. It was a very impressive exhibit. In all, we've had a pretty great New Year to date. I'm trying to stick to my resolutions. It's only been 4 days, so it's going well so far. You might want to check back with me next week. Still, I managed to actually enter the gym and.... (drum roll, please).... worked out! I'll give you a minute to recover from the shock. I also came up with another resolution to add to my list. No one in the family is allowed to adopt a snake. This one never occurred to me until the New Years Eve party at a friend's house. We were all having a good time until Brandon came up to me and said, "Hey, Mom...check this out!" (Nothing good ever starts with this phrase, by the way.) Yes, it's real.

Then, to make matters worse, he passed it off to Jessica. They took turns carrying the thing around for hours. In it's defense, it was very tolerant of their attention. It tried to make the occasional run for it (or slither), but for the most part, it just let them do what they wanted. I let them have their space. I am not a fan of snakes. This is one resolution that I feel confident will make it through to the year 2011 intact.

In all, it's been a pretty quiet and relaxing new year. Well, I did get that call from Denise, telling me about the man carrying a kangaroo by the tail through her back yard this morning, but that's another story...