Haarlem and Halloween

Last Saturday we drove up to Haarlem in the Netherlands. Haarlem is right outside of Amsterdam and is very similiar with canals and architecture. The weather was not very nice and it was raining or misty the entire day. We walked around and visited the Grote Markt and church. We also went to visit the Corrie tenBoom house where several Jews were hidden during the Second World War. We joined the tour but were quickely kicked out because Chloe was screaming. They still let us walk around on our own to see the house. We saw a lot of interesting things including a working windmill and Craig's next car.

Halloween is not a big day here in Belgium. There is no trick or treating and not many decorations. It is also difficult to find Halloween costumes in the stores, so we brought Colin and Chloe's from home.

Last weekend, we went to the Antwerp Parent and Child (an English speaking group)Halloween party. It was packed with kids and there were lots of treats and crafts. Colin won best costume and was given a Lightning McQueen clock. He was very happy. He had way too much candy and had a good time. I even think Chloe was sneaking candy because she woke up the next day with red under her eyes - a clear indication she ate something she shouldn't have.

Tomorrow we are heading out on a 2 week road trip through Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria. I am sure we will have lots of good stories when we get back.

View Larger Map

Bruge and Amsterdam - George and Monica Visit

A week and a half ago, our friends George and Monica came to visit. It was so great to see them and show them where we live. Fortunatley, we were able to get a sitter for a couple of nights so were were able to go out for dinner and some jenever without the kids and spend some time with them.

Over the weekend, we all took the 2 hour train ride up to Amsterdam. Colin was convinced that we were going to Hamsterdam and that it was going to be crawling with hamsters. Our hotel was right next to the train and directly in front of the infamous 3 story bike parking garage. We spent a couple hours trying to navigate around the city and getting a bite to eat. We don't normally take pictures of our meals, but I wish I had gotten one of our lunch. We all had different varieties of a tradional Dutch meal - Stampot or a Dutch stew. It was so good.

We rented bikes to get around the city. The streets all follow canals that wrap around the city and it is easy to get lost. We spent most of the day dodging the rain before we packed it in for the night. George and Monica were able to see some of the nightlife. The next day, we cruised around, saw a few sites, took a canal cruise and stopped at a bar for some apple pie. The apple pie was recommended to us by Paul, one half of our Dutch Bike Repair Team. The apple pie did not disappoint and George made a friend on the way out.

While Colin was in school on Monday, we went to Bruge. We made plans to take a guided bike tour and ended up having the tour guide all to ourselves. The weather was crazy, it poured then the sun came out a bit before more ominous clouds rolled in. We saw a lot but did not have much time after the tour to see much before we picked up Colin. We did make sure we stopped at our favorite chocolate shop to pick up some chocolate covered rice krispies.

By the end of George and Monica's trip, both of the kids loved them. Colin called both of their names, non stop. Chloe was letting both of them hold her! I don't know how they put up with traveling with us and the kids.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Rhine Valley

Last week, we decided to make the most out of Colin's 3 day weekend, so we got in the car Friday after school and drove 6+ hours to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. Craig had been there 20 years ago and had been wanting to go back.

Rothenburg was everything Craig said it would be. The town is surrounded by a wall that was built in the 13th century. Today, only residents and overnight guests are allowed to drive in. It is picture perfect and every building is immaculate. The entire town is walkable and was well worth the drive to see. Rothenburg is the headquarters for Kathe Wolfahrt (nutcrackers and smokers) so every shop is brimming with Christmas decorations.
Saturday night, we went on the Night Watchman's tour. Our guidebook describes him as a medieval Jerry Seinfeld, it was really funny. We decided that he must be the second wealtiest person in town(behind Kathe Wolfahrt)because the tour was mobbed. Sunday we drove to Bacharach in the Rhine Valley. The Rhine Valley was very much like the Mosel Valley. Craig found a youth hostel that was in a castle in Bacharch. We don't typically stay in hostels, but were intriqued by the castle. We had our own room and it was like a dorm. There were about 10 beds in the room and I think Colin was in all of them at least 3 times. The castle was awesome and kids loved it.
Colin was on his best behavior because he didn't want the king to put him in the castle jail.


Monday we drove up to St. Goar to see the ruins of the Rheinfels Castle. It never gets old seeing castles. There are so many castles along the Rhine.
We got back to Antwerp by late afternoon. We moved apartments on Tuesday. We only moved a few blocks down the street. The new apartment is bigger - 3 bedrooms and 2 baths!! We are all happy in the new place. Chloe has her own bedroom and doesn't have to sleep next to the front door anymore and Craig doesn't have to move tables out of the street to get to the parking spot.
Our new address:
Riemstraat 16 Bus 10/21
2000 Antwerp Belgium