In July, Robert and I were privileged enough for my mom to visit us in Europe. Not only were we excited to see her, but also what she brought along in her suitcases, which is ironic since her suitcases were stuck in Atlanta upon arrival in Brussels! Although I told her she really needed to sleep on the way over, I think she was too excited and stayed awake the entire duration of the flight. Needless to say, jet lag was a little rough for the first couple of days. Even with the jet lag, she was a trooper and got to see a lot during the 10 days she was here. She arrived into Brussels on a Saturday, so it was a necessity for us to show her around Stockel market. So since she didn't have anything to unpack, we immediately headed to the market. Honestly, I think the market is what I will miss the most (besides the travel) when we go home. The fresh fruit and veggies; Nico's chicken, potatoes, and ribs; and of course, the waffels were musts to see and purchase! Let's face it, I can't go a week without a Jean Gaston waffle so I couldn't wait for my mom to share in this experience. The rest of the weekend was pretty casual. Mama got to see our place, went grocery shopping with us, hung out with Queenie and Chuck and enjoyed hearing about our experiences in Europe.
I had to work the first part of the next week, so Robert and Mama have actually seen more in Brussels than I have. The major benefit of being a trailing spouse is the ability to not have to work... meaning you have more time to enjoy, see, and do in the many countries we visit. They visited the Atomium and even had lunch at the top. Honestly, I didn't even know you could do this, but it is still something on my to-do list. We were recently out by the Atomium at night and I think it would be great for dinner! They also went to Mini Europe, which is also on my list as it is going to permanently shut down in approximately one year from now.
Later that week was a holiday and I was able to take off so we decided to venture off to a couple of other great places. First on the list was Gent, which is a really nice town. Robert and I had been before and really liked it, so couldn't wait to go again. Although, there was a local festival for Independence Day when we got there and things were a little crazy. There are no guns in Belgium, but that doesn't mean you can't be harmed. Immediately upon arrival, a guy was beaten severely in the head with an umbrella. I really never thought that an umbrella doubled as a deadly weapon, but I was wrong! Soon there after, we headed to a Mexican restaurant that was pretty good.. especially considering Robert and I hadn't had Mexican in quite a while. Mama's experience may have been difference since she has the ability to eat excellent Mexican any day of the week.
The next stop on our trip was Bruges, which is an amazingly beautiful city. It was a girl's trip and I have to say we had a lot of fun shopping, specifically for chocolate, speculoos, and gifts for Lucy Claire (my soon to be niece and my parent's first grandchild). We also did some sight seeing, but missed the Holy Blood. I still can't believe we missed it, but we will have to check it out next time!
Robert and I also wanted to make sure my mom got to see the City of Lights - Paris! We took a day trip and went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Robert and I had been to Paris before, but this was our first time to the top. Glad we got to do it with my Mom! Other great sites included Notre Dame, the Louvre (got to see Mona Lisa for the first time), and the amazing canals.
I think that sums up my Mom's European Adventure. I am extremely proud to say I have the best mom in the world and we are very glad she was able to visit! Can't wait for your next trip!
Be sure to check out her trip pics!
Jamie
