Germany week 32 Military Ball and Brussels, Belgium

Germany week 32 Military Ball and Brussels, Belgium

Dear all,

This week it was hard to get the students to do their work since they had just finished Terra Nova and the nine weeks is ending they were not too concentrated. I think they had started Spring Break already. I know I had but we had our Easter meal Friday since next week the students only go four days and I have planning on Friday then it is my spring break. Wednesday I went with Gregg to his golf course after work and we walked 9 holes. It is a hilly golf course but good exercise. See picture below.

Friday night we went to the military ball and it was really nice. Most ladies were dressed to the hilt in full formals. Fortunately I had brought enough stuff to dress nice. I enclosed a picture specifically for my dad to show him that the military does dress in the uniforms beside the camo he always sees them in. Everyone looked so dressed up.

Saturday morning we got up at 6am to make our way to Brussels. We got a Ryan Air flight for 47 Euros round trip for the both of us and I just could not resist that price since I also got a flash deal at a 5 star hotel for 77euros so anyway we made our way driving to Memmigen. You see Ryan air is able to charge so low since they fly in and out of out of the way airports I guess they don’t have to pay big airport taxes or something. I don’t care how they do I am just enjoying it. The Garmin once again had a funny sense of humor and decided not to send us the autobahn but to put us through every Podunk town between our house and Memmigen. LOL But in the end we got there and with at least 15 minutes to spare.

The hotel in Brussels was fabulous and most enjoyable we were right in the middle of town and we got on the hop on hop off bus to take us to all of the sites. Of course we came to our flash deal the 5 star hotel with our little Ryan Air one bag allowed. We really looked like country come to town. the bell man couldn't figure us out. LOL

The best thing about the hop on hop off is that you have a set of ear phones that gives you the history of the city and country. Brussels is a metropolitan and way too big to see in one day. Actually I went there with my Mom in the 80’s and visited my Uncle GS and Aunt Wini. I remembered at lot of the sites that I had seen and it was interesting going back. I have to admit I liked the fashion in Belgium. It had a real international flair much like that-- that I saw in Italy. We saw all kinds of nationalities more so in Brussels than anywhere. It was really crowded and even had a gypsy contingent which I had not seen before. The taxi driver said it was an influence of the communist nations when they become non- communist. I don’t know. We ate at a Brussels Grill which in all of Europe eating is an all day occurrence these people really take their time which can get pricey as they have no refills. I have learned to ration my drinking of my cokes etc to last the whole meal and then to find a grocery store to supplement my desire for hydration.

We found a casino and went in to go. Most places make you show your passport but this one asked us to sign something. So I asked, “What am I signing?” They feigned that they could not speak English and that it was no problem. Funny how they were able to explain in English what was in the casino in terms of table games or slots. Needless to say we passed on that casino. I felt like I got a letter from the guy in Nairobi who wants to give me millions of dollars. LOL

The hop on hop off was great and after that we happened to be staying at one of the largest shopping centers in Brussels the City Mall 2 so we went and shopped and found our chocolates and laces form Belgium-- you know we have to get the souvenirs. Of course I got the peeing boy thimble and a few other thimbles.

We got waffles from a street vendor and they were delicious and had waffles this morning for breakfast. I write this while waiting for the Ryan Air flight I am doing good with the multi tasking.

One last thing we went out last night to get some coffee and we searched and searched and finally found a Mc Donald’s so we went in to ask for coffee. To which they said, “We don’t have coffee.” No coffee in McDonald’s?? Only in Europe. LOL

With that, I will close for this week. I hope all have a great week. I am looking forward to Spring Break.

Hugs from Germany.

Susan