Spring Break - Part Cinq

Ok, so we hated leaving Paris behind but we were so excited to be heading to two new countries for all of us - Belgium and the Netherlands.  

We learned right away that we do not travel light enough
for the Euro trains, especially for the ones
that are mostly for commuters - this is
something we definitely need to work on for next time!

I really wish we had high speed rails in the US.
My kids have seen more countries than states and this might be why!

We decided we wanted to stay a couple nights in Brugges, Belgium, because we had heard so many great things about that town but wanted to see a little of Brussels too. We checked our bags at the Brussels train station and headed out into the city.

Brussels is know for their cartoons, especially TinTin, pictured
above with the girls. You can find these random murals
all over the city.

There is the most beautiful square in Brussels, La Grand Place.
It's definitely a great place to people watch and to eat!

Brussels has many things they are known for . . .
Beer.

Pomme Frites.

Mussels.

And chocolate!
We managed to indulge in each specialty
at least twice that day! 

A well-known chocolate shop and in case you
were wondering, it was yummy!

Sorry, I forgot they are also known for their waffles.
Now this is something that does not appeal to me
(believe it or not, but I can confirm that the chocolate on top
was wonderful!). 

Yes, this stop in Brussels was just pretty much eating, a little walking to
another eating and drinking stop!!
Pick up some chocolate or waffles on the way.
That is how we roll and after a day here, you could just
roll us back to the train.

Some blogs may share with you all the historical sites they saw,
the spiritual journey they took or the thrill-seeking they did,
not this one! Sorry!!
We are a "look a little at the culture on the way to eat and drink!

We did take in a little Belgian culture,
the Manneken Pis statue!!
Somedays he is dressed for a special reason but
today we got him in all his glory!
Isn't that lovely? 

It's not a great shot but I think you can figure it out.
And yes, that is a chocolate stream of you know what!

Another cozy pub.

Time to pull ourselves away from all the culture food
and get back on the train to Brugges.

Hubby hanging in the back guarding our luggage
because it was too big for the overhead compartment!

Our hotel in Brugges, the Crown Plaza 

(we stayed here for $25 a night plus points!).

Yeah us!

That about sums up our first day in Belgium. Can't wait to share Brugges with you but that is for another post!

Spring Break - Part Quatre

Ok, so I totally had to look up how to count to four in French. Italian, I could do it but French, not so much!

Well this morning, all we had to do was walk across the bridge by our hotel and low-and-behold, there is the Louvre, right there!

Another cool Metro sign.

Even though this is our second trip here, you still had to
make a visit to the Mona Lisa. 

The Venus de Milo - still missing her arms but look what we found . . .

Her given us the finger with one of her hands!

My youngest was studying Egypt in her Gifted class
and here she is pointing to the name of her group in class.

Her with more Egyptian artifacts . . . 

Even though those are real stones, they still look like
plastic gems from Michaels Crafts!

Not a shabby ceiling, a lot better than the popcorn I have!

After touring the Louvre, we stopped for a bite to eat,
do you get a trend here?

Then we headed back to our hotel room,
changed into fancier clothes for our last night in this great city!

This made the perfect Christmas card this past year.
I loved it with the color td down.

The girls each wanted a photo shoot and boy,
did they look beautiful!

I love the sun shining through on this photo.
Plus, actual proof that I was on this trip!

As a special treat, we went back to the Ritz Paris for high tea.
It was absolutely delicious and felt truly special!

Pinkies must be out.

Loved the edible gold writing on the dessert.

We couldn't resist one more stop at those gorgeous flowers!

Hubby with the Hemingway statue outside his new
favorite bar - Hemingway's.
We decided to have one more drink here to cap off
a great day.

Another great trip to Paris. We had to head back to our hotel and pack for moving on to our next country, oh but wait  . . . 

After we finished packing, we headed out for one more stroll
around our hotel.

Hold the phone, we can't leave without one more round of crepes!

And a wave good-bye from our favorite crepe maker!

Now it's off to bed and before we know it, we will be heading to Belgium, but that is for another post!

P.S. Sorry for all the photos but I am using these blog posts as a scrapbook for my family too!