Hello Luxembourg

   We left Brugge and stopped off at Brussels to see the city and spend a little more time with our friends. At first glance it seemed a little ordinary. We walked further into the city and I thought it reminded me of San Francisco. Then we entered what is called the grand square. All of these old European cities have a town square of some sort but I have to say this was the most impressive. The buildings were outstanding to say the least. We ventured into one of the many narrow cobblestone streets and found ouseves at delerium cafe where they serve over 2000 beers. Yes please. The atmosphere was fantastic, old and musty smelling. The walls were decorated with vintage signs advertising beer and the low ceiling was covered with old bar serving trays. I tried a beer called forestine Nordica. The other fun thing about drinking beer in Belgium is you always drink from the glass which represents the beer. So not only was this sinfully delicious beer with a hint of annice superb it was served in the cutest gass with a little forest fairy type character on the glass.

  We said our goodbyes to our friends and headed toward Luxembourg. We have been traveling about a week now. Typical Americans would travel maybe one more week at best. We have had such a great time so far I wonder, will the novelty wear off ? Will I feel I have a seen enough historical sights they all start to look the same? Will my taste buds grow so complient I will no longer appreciate with such intensity the simple culinary pleasures? Will I tire of traveling with my family? These thoughts crossed my mind. My mind then went to a magical thing that was happening. As we strolled through brussells Tristan had his arm around cole. He teased him and tickled him and when Brock accidentally bumped into him and hurt him and cole shrieked his ear piercing scream Tristan didn't scold him in the usual way saying " VOLUME" ( he may be the the loudest child on earth) instead he comforted him " are you okay buddy?"  This is almost miraculous. These two usually don't get along like this at home. Also it has been a few days since I have heard Tristan talk about wanting to go home and get away from us. In fact he has been embracing the experience more and more. Our life at home is so active and busy and full of other people which we all love, but sometimes we forget how to just be with each other. So this experience is so therapeutic for all of us.

   As we drove to Luxembourg we passed miles and miles of green pastures with the hugest happiest cows I have ever seen. Every shade of green imaginable under cloudy grey skies. Daisy grew on the side of the road so thick they could almost be considered weeds. Luxembourg is another place I have never heard anyone speak of wanting to visit. We'll I hope I can persuade you all to come. The wonderful thing about Europe is that each country is so unique. They share in common all this vast history but each place holds a different charm. We are staying in a town called larochette. As we left the roads with open farm land we drove through quaint villages ,then the roads changed to enchanted looking forests then canyons and sandstone rock formations. Oh no I'm not getting bored. It's so uniquely beautiful.  We settled into our trailer and headed to town to grab a bite to eat. 

  The town is spectacular. It is a small town with a magnificent castle staring down over the village.  The town is set in a deep valley with sandstone walls surrounding it. We went to a pizzeria and when we walked in we forgot our manners when JIm asked in English if they were open. In holland and Belgium almost everyone spoke English so we got into this rude habit of assuming everyone does. The man stared back at us blankly. It makes a huge difference when you attempt to speak the language of the country you are in, even if you completely suck at it people appreciate it. The trouble is people hear speak Italian Dutch and French. We don't stand much of a chance of not feeling like a moron. At dinner Tristan and Brock told stories from school and about their friends, the conversation flowed so smoothly like  wine and I just drank it all up. This is again why is I am here. Cole took a vow of silence and refused to speak. He got tired of everyone telling him he is to loud and said " that's it I'm not talking anymore" none of us took him seriously but when he maintained his silence and refused to do anything but nod, I thought this kid is serious. We all told him how much we missed his voice but he wouldn't give in. 

   Jimmie has this uncanny ability to make new friends wherever we go. So by the end of our dinner we were friends with this darling Italian man and his wife who owned the pizzeria.They had the most beautiful daughter with chocolate brown eyes, long curly eyelashes and long golden brown hair. She had the sweetest smile. We stood there playing charades to try to communicate. I have to say Italians are probably my favorite. They are loud first of all , so we fit in. They are warm and hospitable. That beautiful little girl spoke six languages . Unfortunately none of them English. They wanted to know why the boys were not in school. I tried to explain by dancing around saying school go bye bye. They didn't get it. It wasn't until cole broke his silence and sang " schools out for summer" ( it's actually a song with a tune they recognized) they got it and broke out in laughter. Actually it was just to hard to explain schools not out , we just took them out. These people were so adorable.we had so much fun trying our best to convey our thoughts helplessly like the dumb one language speaking Americans we are. 

   When we left the restruant the castle was completely lit up. It was incredibly beautiful. It glowed brilliantly beneath the sultry dark sky. Oh yes Luxembourg is a place to visit. 

   P.s. I think cole fell in love with the little Italian girl. He has good taste.