Life in Belgium

We have now left Paris after a wonderful week. Each day brought incredible sites and so many things to see and do. We had mastered the Metro and impressed with the efficiency of the trains. Arrive at the platform, miss a train and another will arrive in 2 minutes, a little different to the old Balaclava train! The apartment in the Marais district was perfect, so well positioned and very well set up. We were expecting small as told by many friends, but it was quite big, especially the lounge area that looked out onto the main street. We met many French bulldogs in the street which was lovely for us as we miss our baby! We did however do a little French couture shopping for Bonnie and bought her a beautiful new collar.



We had a great tour out to Versailles, in the pouring rain but still didn't dampen the beauty of the place. Nick our Irish guide was a great story teller and we heard about the Kings and all their strange habits, great calf muscles being the important look of the day. Tights were invented during this time, tights with limited stretch so it was hard for the men to move around. The gardens were particularly beautiful, even in the pouring rain, the Chalet amazing but the crowds were overwhelming!



We have eaten some very delicious meals, I have enjoyed lots of yummy salads and Ross has mistakenly had to face some very rare meats! The croissants are delicious and we have enjoyed our American coffee each morning with a yummy croissant! Ice cream shop near our apartment was truly memorable, flavour and even the way the girls filled the ice cream cone.



We have done lots of window shopping and I think there will be many craft days coming up. An amazing handbag shop across the road from the apartment kept me creatively inspired all week. Way out of our price range, but all handcrafted so that should be something I could do!



We left Paris on Tuesday and arrived in Ypres, Belgium in the afternoon. Wandered the streets and even had a little tasting of Belgium chocolate! The Menin Gate towers over one end of the town, Ross was able to see his Grandfather's name on panel 23. He was very excited to be there, being the first of his immediate family to see his name. The Last Post is played each night at 8.00 pm and it was such a moving ceremony. Each night it is different as different groups lay wreaths. Last night we were lucky to watch a Canadian school choir sing and lay a wreath. Their voices were beautiful, it made the ceremony even more poignant.
Today we are off on a tour around the town and region to learn more about the Commonwealth involvement in the first world war.



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