Antwerp

This weekend we took a small trip to Antwerp. When we first arrived it was raining, and did for the first half of the day so we escaped into the many, many stores that line the streets near the central station. If any visitors want to shop, I know where we'll be going for sure. Above is the restaurant that we found as we got lost in the small side streets. I finally had a Croque Madam, which is on every menu, and turns out its a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with a sunny-side egg on top...it was delicious. From there...

we found our way to Vlaeyskensgang which is a small alleyway hidden off of the Grote Markt and has been preserved to original architectural details of 1591 when it was first built.

The Cathedral of our Lady is that giant structure you see in the background. We didn't pay to go in this time since it was a cloudy day and we had other (read: free) things to go discover.

        

Violinists and punks.

We went to Rockoxhuis and got to explore a house purchased by Rockox back in 1603. I'd live there.

Wandering slowly back to the station we stepped out of the rain again into a small mall. At the end of this mall we found Diamondland. I thought it was some small timey place until we walked inside and realized where we were. We'd found the heart of Antwerp's diamond district by chance. And walking through I found my favorite piece, to the left. Dreaming.

After a super long day of walking, we were tired. Some more than others. Maybe we'll get a chance to go back another day when the rain holds off better. I hear we might have to wait until July. Good news is, I might have saved up, or convinced Chris, that we can get that ring up there...haha ahh jokes. I think I'll bring you a little Leuven tomorrow!

Summer Vacation

When I was a kid, summer vacation was the most anticipated event (aside from Christmas) of the year. We still take a trip every summer, with Chris' family now and so it's still a time that I look forward to a lot. It's strange but prior to moving here, vacation was a word that signified a break from work, usually to someplace out of the state and a not more than a week or two at that. Now vacation is what I'm experiencing on a daily basis with extra bonus jaunts on the weekends. But this summer we went on our annual Cape Cod trip and spent a week with the Maloneys on the beach:

So much sun this year, it was perfect! Only one crazy out-of-nowhere storm that nearly took all our beach accessories and the roof with it's winds.

Kaelyn was so close to walking (and now she is!) back in July that we spent a good deal of time just letting her venture from one pair of hands to another. Brady wanted in on the fun too, but learning to walk is tiring. Almost everyday there was an early unplanned bed time for this guy.

Brady and Kaelyn really make both of these pictures.

On the last morning, we woke up seriously early to leave for a wedding that same day back in Rochester. I took advantage of our early rising to catch the sun. It was by far the best location we've stayed in yet and we're looking forward to 2014 when we get to vacation there again!

Tomorrow, I'll take you around Antwerp with me!

Painting and weekend travels

Ever since I met him, my friend Ryan has been inspiring me. He is probably one of the only people in my class from Roberts that is still actively pursuing his dreams in every area of his artistic interests. His charcoal drawings are especially lovely and this summer he was chosen to hang some of his works in Boulder Coffee off of Alexander (ahh I miss Rochester)

Best thing about this display is that you can purchase these and I got the one in the very upper left, the little rowboat from Turkey. It's gorgeous and I can't wait to have it in person soon! All this to say he's keeping me inspired to keep producing my own work and I wanted you all to get to see something of his!

Tomorrow morning we are heading out to Antwerp. I didn't know this until a few weeks ago but Belgium is not only famous for Waffles or Chocolate or Fries (which are not supposed to be "French" apparently Americans got confused at some point). There's another reason that it is famous, diamonds. Maybe I'll get some in Antwerp...? Not holding my breath but who says I can't window shop :)

See you on Monday!

Recap and R.I.C.E.

Atomimum! We saw it from a distance the first time we went to Brussels but I didn't think I'd have the courage to walk around in those tiny stairways inside this giant atom. But you have to be brave in front of new friends. So I was. And we went. And it was pretty cool. Too bad the rain has found us finally and the view wasn't as great as it might have been. I've enjoyed the sun while it lasted though!



Somehow, and honestly, I surprised myself that we did it, we met up with Chris in the middle of Brussels with one phone, two metros, a bus ride and a walk between us. From there we headed to Delirium, an underground bar with 2004 beers on tap. It was in the Guinness Book of World Records. Crazy. I got a Coke.

The city is still beautiful at night. Maybe even more so. Once it stopped raining it really turned into a spectacular evening.

After meeting up with Chris, he told me we were headed to a fancy night out at a great restaurant. And I know, I know, I'm supposed to be exploring the new foods, loving the new tastes...but really all I've had every time we've gone out is Spaghetti Bolognaise. It's not my fault, its the only thing I can understand on the menu. So you can see why, as we were wandering towards our restaurant, and passed a Pizza Hut, I just stopped moving. Luckily Chris is a very understanding guy, and in we went. And um, yum. :)

Now I'm sitting with my leg propped up and my achilles resting on a block of ice because these cobblestones have maimed me. It'll be rest, ice, compression and elevation for me instead of running 60-90 minutes the next few days. So I'll definitely be back tomorrow, see you then!

Spontaneous

Last night we met up with a friend of Chris' and others for dinner (which was fantastic). While we were eating the inevitable question of what the crap will I be doing for a year and a half came up and I'm tired of giving my blog-run-paint-travel spiel so I just smiled, shrugged and said, "I don't know." And surprisingly that lack of explanation is getting me on a bus to Brussels this afternoon!

I'll be going with a new friend who is only here for a week but also has no plans to speak of while he's here. Super excited to go explore again and then meet up with Chris and co after their conference there is over. Brussels, here I come!

Papa

Almost a year ago my Papa passed away. His 95th (correct me if it was 94th, Mom) birthday was going to be this summer in July. When my Mom and Sean were cleaning out his house, the house she grew up in, they took some branches from a flowering tree in his backyard to transplant in our own backyard. On his birthday the first bloom opened. These are pictures from that day:

I miss him a lot, I miss all my grandparents that are no longer with us a lot, but I'll never forget how happy my Mom was to see this bloom. And I'll always remember the day he was fitted for his tux for my wedding. So handsome and never without the Yankees hat. Miss you, Papa.

Errands

Leuven is a town full of students 9 months of the year. We got this map designed by them, for them, since Chris is a "student" here as well. It is really well designed from an artist's point of view and also from a tourist-not-wanting-to-be-a-tourist's point of view. I love all the little suggestions, we're going to have to start working our way through them soon.

Today might be the first day I take the bike out to run errands. There's so much paperwork to fill out here. But we had to bring it in the apartment for reasons I can't explain until probably December or January... (mysterious, eh?) ...so I don't know how I'll get it out of here first...so maybe no bike today.

Last time I went out to run errands I came back with frames to put pictures of all of you guys in them. We're still working on more, Leuven is expennnnnsive, but for now, family and friends are starting to join us here on paper. However, in two-ish weeks, family is actually starting to join us out here:

Each month Chris and I have budgeted for one really great trip. And October, we're ready for you. I checked the mail this morning and wahoo! The tickets are in! Drumroll please...we're off to...LONDON!

Suuuper excited to finally get to travel! And on a super fast train as well. And this trip has a bonus: Chris' parents will be there! We get to have a little reunion for the weekend while Chris' Dad is working in London for two weeks. Mom's coming too so we all get to experience it together. Fun fun fun!

Errands are calling. I woke up way too late today to get started so this is it for now. More tomorrow!