Author: susannekee

Oh, lovely romantic Brugge. Andy and I took a day trip here while in Belgium. Brugge is a charming town with winding streets, quaint cafes and shops, and picturesque sights.

The romantic Lake of Love in Minnewater Park. Legand has it, Minna was in love with Stromberg, a warrior from a nearby tribe. Minna’s Father forbid their love and arranged for her to marry another. Minna ran away into the forest, and when her love, Stromberg, finally found her, she died in his arms. The lake was named after her, and the bridge considered to be the bridge of love. They say if you walk across the bridge with your partner, you will have eternal love.

 

Founded in 1245, the ‘Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde’ aka Princely Beguinage of the Vineyard was a community of pious single or widowed women, who lived quietly and simply. In 1927 it became a convent for Benedictine nuns.

Lots of the legendary swans on and by the canals.

 

Brugge had all things chocolate too. I mean all things..

 

Brugge is full of canals, the Reien. Some call it the “Venice of the North.”

 

The Church of Our Lady. It took two centuries to build, 13th-15th.

 

The money shot, their most photographed place. The Quay of the Rosary. (Not a perfect angle but there are, obviously, a lot of tourists wanting to take the exact same picture.) This is where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet. It used to be a salt port in the Middle Ages, when salt was as valuable as gold. 

 

Burg Square. 

The Gothic Stadhuis (Town Hall) was built in 1376 and has been the site of their government for over 600 years. 

The Basilica of the Holy Blood.

 

The Market Square. It has been used as a market place since 958. 

Market Square in anchored by the Belfry Tower. The Belfry is 83 meters tall and has been around since the 13th century.

 

xoxo-sk

The world famous bronze statue, Menneken Pis aka the Little Boy Peeing, stands a diminutive 61cm tall. It’s a small thing, taking up just a corner on a pedestrian walkway. If there wasn’t a small crowd of people taking pictures of it you may miss it. The original sculpture, made by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder and originally displayed in 1618, currently resides in the Museum of the City of Brussels. The currant version was made in 1965.  There are many legends associated with it, but it has come to be known as a symbol for Brussels, similar to an apple for New York. Depending on when you visit, you will see Menneken Pis wearing one of his many costumes. It was cute, but somewhat unimpressive.

Jeanneke Pis the the female version of Mannekin Pis. It is in a small alley across from Delirium Cafe. It was erected in 1987, and like her boy counterpart, is small and safely behind bars. 

The Dog version, Het Zinneke, was put on display in 1988. 

 

Once we arrived, two things you see consistently everywhere- reproductions of the Manneken Pis aka “Little Peeing Man”

and Belgian waffles.

In the end, we went with the simple authentic plain waffle with powdered sugar. Perfection.

Along with the waffles, Brussels had tons of delicious chocolate everywhere you looked. Pierre Marcolini, a Belgian chocolatier.

 

Onto the Belgian beer. It was great. We tried some familiar beers and some new beers. Everything I tasted, even Andy’s more potent adventurous picks, was good.

Delirium Cafe is one of the most famous Brussels Beer Bars. It is in the middle of everything and is huge. It has an overwhelmingly large beer menu, of which you can get in a couple different sizes.

The downstair part of Delirium. Spotted- Sweetwater 420 sticker on the cash register.

So much beer. We also got to watch Belgium play in the World Cup while we were there, which was fun.

Strong Blonde Beer, perfect for me.

xoxo-sk

ps. Belgium (Brussels) is also known for it’s lace. Not as fun as the other stuff though.

Belgium borders the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France. With a flag similar to Germany and their shared love of beer, I (wrongly) assumed Belgium would be similar to Germany. It actually wasn’t at all. The Belgians spoke French and the food and architecture definitely leaned more to the French side, at least in Brussels. In the northern part of Belgium, by the border of the Netherlands, people speak Dutch/Flemish. Lucky for us, at least where we went, Belgians have a great working knowledge of English.

Belgium, along with it’s neighbors, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, have a constitutional monarchy. The Palais Royal, the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium. They don’t actually live there, as it is used for work functions. Sadly, when we went it was closed to visitors. It is only open from late July to September.

 

The Palace of Justice houses Brussel’s Supreme Court. It was finished in the 1880s, and at the time was thought to be the biggest building constructed in that century (it’s bigger then St. Peter’s Basilica.) It is a mammoth cavernous structure, currently undergoing renovation. 

Right beside the Palace of Justice is the Infantry Memorial. It honors the foot soldiers of World War I and II.

 

We were checking online for a good lunch place one day, and Andy comes across this sandwich shop, Tonton Garby. It is run by one amazingly kind man, who does everything- bakes the bread, makes the sandwiches, handles the payment, buses the tables. He spends ten to fifteen minutes with each person helping them select the perfect sandwich for them. You have to taste it before you pay (its only six Euros per sandwich.) Since it is such a personalized experience, there is a line. We waited about an hour. Seriously.

The sandwiches are cheese baguettes. Each sandwich gets a very generous (think a whole cheese round) amount of cheese in it. Andy got one with blue Shropshire, magor (mascarpone and gorgonzola), honey, and chorizo. I had one with papaya covered brie, a date/nut mixture, pear, and honey.

It was the best sandwich experience of my life. Andy and I have tried (obviously not as successfully) to duplicate cheese baguettes at home. The secret is the honey.

 

Jardin du Petit Sablon is a jewel. A small formal garden, lined with statues, with a fountain at the top. It was built in 1890. Atop the fountain are the Count of Egmont and the Count of Hornes. The statues around the inside perimeter hedges are celebrated Belgian humanists and scholars. 48 little bronze statues ring the outside perimeter.

 

The St. Nicolas Church and The Lady of Sablon Church.

 

How we watched the World Cup one night. A little outdoor viewing.

The Belgium version of apple pie. It was actually really good, Andy even liked it.

 

Before we left we managed to eat at this yummy place, Bia Mara. We actually tried to eat here a different day, but it was closed. It has short lunch hours. Fish and chips. Worth the revisit.

 

With all the different languages over here, I’m always entertained (and I’m easily entertained) by store’s signage.

xoxo-sk

ps. If you ever decide to visit Brussels- most of the shops are closed on Sundays. I was not expecting that. (I just thought this vase was cool.)

With the twins back in the States, Andy and I went on an adults only trip to beautiful Belgium. I loved Belgium. With the exception of taking public transport to get from the airport to Central Station, we were able to walk everywhere. That’s our favorite, and actually one of the things we look for when picking a place to visit. We always walk when we can, the better to explore, and Brussels was very walkable. The weather was perfect too. We had a great time- drank a lot of beer, ate a lot of good food. The beer lived up to the hype. Definitely.

A really cool about Belgium was the mix of very old buildings with the more modern structures.

Right around the corner from our hotel was St. Michael and St. Gudula’s Cathedral, the primary place of worship in Brussels. The original chapel was built in the 9th century, and it was replaced by a church in the 11th century. The choir was built and two towers were ordered to be built in the 13th century. The church was finished only 300 years later in 1519. It has since been restored. It holds beautiful sculptures and stained glass windows. Michael and Gudula are the patron saints of Brussels.

 

Galeries Royales St. Hubert aka the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert opened in 1847. It is a beautiful glass domed shopping arcade, filled with high end clothing stores (didn’t go in), cafes (skipped), and fancy chocolate shops (yes, please.)

The chocolate was perfection. It was just as amazing as everyone always says Belgian chocolate is- smooth, rich, not too sweet.

I have seen public fountains like this a lot of places in Europe. Such a good idea.

 

The Grand Place, Brussel’s main square, houses many magnificent opulent buildings. The Gothic Town Hall. (The seating was for World Cup viewing.) It was built in 1421. The main attraction of this building is the 96 meter belfry (bell tower), decorated with a spire.

The Museum of the City of Brussels.

The super ornate Guildhouses. Originally built in late 1600s and rebuilt in early 1900s by each individual guild, each one trying to out do the other in lavishness. They represented trades like bakers, carpenters, boatman, archers, brewers, merchants, butchers, millers, and masons.

Around the corner from the square is the Stock Exchange, finished in 1873.

 

There was tons of quirky (some kinda hidden) street art all throughout Brussel. I loved it. I’ve really come to appreciate street art (that is well done.)

Andy thinking on our favorite mural. A little TMI, but we decided it looked like an evil fetus crowning during delivery. Yeah…

 

Past the massive Grand Palace is a quant square, anchored by the simple white St. Catherine’s Church.

In this square, we found a great seafood store/restaurant. It was one of my favorite places I’ve eaten at in our travels. Noordzee. It has all the fish laid out, market style, and you pick what you want, they prepare it and call your name when it’s ready. You eat it standing, at your table in the square. It is casual, informal and amazing. We had crab croquettes, fried razor clams and mussels. The only time here I had wine.

 

 

xoxo-sk

 

Two fabulous days with my amazing cousin Lauren and her husband Collins. They live in LA and stopped in for a quick visit during their European travels.

Day One. Drinks and hygge at Ølsnedkeren, a nice cozy little bar with a great selection of beers and some snazzy cocktails. This was the first bar Andy took me to when we visited Copenhagen. It had been recommended to him by a colleague. It has become one of our favorites.

Dinner at another favorite, Ramen to Bíiru.

Finishing the night up at Blågårds Apotek.

 

 

Day 2. After spending the morning walking all through the city, we stopped for lunch at the new street food stalls by Nyhavn.

A quick tour of Christiania. 

And then onto our favorite sports bar, The Globe Irish Bar, to watch the Danes play in the World Cup. The Globe has pitchers!! Major rarity here. Denmark lost, but it was wonderful being able to spend some quality time with Lauren and Collins. Until next time.

xoxo-sk

ps. I love this bathroom door. So much.

My little unaccompanied minors getting ready for their first solo trip to Atlanta. They are so excited to see everyone back in Georgia and to fly by themselves. 

Their flight was delayed, so we got to spend most of the day at the Copenhagen airport. So lots of waiting and multiple meals eaten.

FaceTime with the kids in middle of the night (for me) after the first leg of their flight. They are great flyers and loved it all. 

Billy and Neen were there to welcome some sleepy kids. Late flight + 6 hour time change = very tired kids.

Once the kids got home, they got to visit with their (very much missed) cousins, Norah, Lily, and Molly. One of the hardest things about living in another country is being so far away from family. 

Everybody having a fabulous time at Medieval Times. Their Knight won the jousting tournament, and Lily was crowned Princess. Katherine even got a rose. Dream come true.

My smart Mother, recruited my cousin Sara and her boyfriend Mike, to take the twins to Six Flags. They loved it, but were not too fond of the rickity Scream Machine.  I actually can’t believe that ride is still there. 

Katherine living her best life at Neen and Billy’s.

 

The twins also got to spend a week with Mimi in Callaway. They went to Camp Callaway for the fourth year. They love it. It’s a day-camp run with students from the Florida State University Flying High Circus program. So, in addition to fun regular camp activities, they get to do all kinds of cool circus stuff too.

xoxo-sk

Didi and Kiki are here for the first time, so we got to play tourist and show them all around Copenhagen. We had a great visit with them and can’t wait for them to come see us again.

We walked/scooted to Gefionspringvandet fountain by our house. It’s one of my favorites.Kiki and the kids by the infamous Little Mermaid statue. From this picture, you can see how small it actually is, and all the tourists usually surrounding it.

We walked around the Kings Gardens. The Rose Garden looked especially beautiful. Later, they went back to tour Rosenborg Castle. The Crown Jewels are on display there.

Andy and David found Andy’s Bar.

Katherine got ice cream, and Andy took a rest.

Katherine taught Didi how to order at our favorite Danish bakery.

We visited Christianshavn.

David at a hardware store in Christiania The twins love the graffiti art.

Incredible lunch at WarPigs. So good in fact, I didn’t even get a picture before we dove in. 

 

Exciting times at Tivoli Gardens.

K wanted to take the pic.

The kids got to go to one of the favorite restaurants, Vapiano.

On a beautiful day, before Didi and Kiki left, we rented a boat to go exploring. Andy captained us through the canals and waters surrounding the city. It was really fun, one of my favorite things we’ve done here.

At the docks, picking up the boat. The kids are excited and ready to go. You can rent the boats by the hour and bring your own food and drinks. Below, top left picture, over my shoulder is a part of the Royal Danish Library, know as the Black Diamond. It is made of Absolute Black granite. By Andrew, in the lower left picture, is the Royal Danish Opera House.

xoxo-sk

ps.- My treats David and Karen brought me. The goodies I can’t get in Cph. They don’t have good OTC meds here or any super strong cleaning products, super processed food or grits.

pps.- The cough drops are for K, she LOVES the Ricola ones and has since she was little. My Dad buys them in bulk and would give them to her. I find wrappers of ones she sneaks under her bed sometimes.

Were has this year gone?! Our first school year in Copenhagen has flown by. The kids loved their new school immediately, and we were blessed with some fantastic teachers and new friends.  The kids really enjoyed the inquiry based IB format at CIS. It allows for a lot of flexibility and really played to the kid’s strengths.  

The kids have grown up so much this past year. There have been challenges, but the highs have definitely outweighed the lows. There have been big changes, and everyone has most definitely rose to the occasion. The twins have grown physically and as little humans so much. I’m proud of them. Depending on the day, Andrew wants to be an artist, work with animals in the WWF, be an architect, or code cool programs on the computer. It’s always changing. Katherine is undecided.

 

Sports day at CIS. They randomly assign the students to different countries, and you participate with your fellow countrymen. Katherine was Team USA and Andrew was on the Russian squad…

 

Kids enjoyed learning the recorder this year. With each song they mastered, they got a different color string to tie on the bottom of the recorder. Lucky for me and Andy, most of the practicing was done at school.

 

The kids did a lot of after-school activities this year. Andrew played basketball and did Kid City (where you design and make a city.) They both participated in Roots and Shoots (environmental club.) K did gymnastics and baking classes. Katherine also really enjoyed doing hip-hop classes this year. She loves music and loves to dance and sing, so it was a great fit. 

 

Last day of grade 2. It was a great year. 

 

xoxo-sk

June is upon us. Time for some good weather and good fun. Some of our adventures this month included a walkabout in the picturesque Fredriksberg Garden. The Garden is one of the largest green spaces in Copenhagen. It has beautiful winding paths, ponds, bridges, and foliage. It is also home to  Frederiksberg Palace. (Not to be confused with the massive Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, or Fredensborg Palace, The Queen’s residence during Spring and Fall. Super confusing, I know.) Frederiksberg Palace was the royal family’s summer residence until the mid-19th century. Presently, it is home to the Royal Danish Military Academy.

 

Girl’s Night Out with some of my favorite Copenhagen ladies. Making new friends is hard in another country, but I have been so lucky to find some fabulous new ones here.

We went to The Jane, a cute bar, with lots of amazing cocktails. (This massive mural they have painted on the wall of  Christopher Walked cracked me up.) And, there may have been some dancing. As you get older, there are fewer and fewer opportunities to dance, and I love to dance. So I will probably drag Andy back here at some point.

 

Dinner at Cocks & Cows. Hamburgers for A and vanilla milkshakes for K. Everybody’s happy.

 

Matching hot pink lipstick for the girls, and a night out for Andy and me.

xoxo-sk

ps. They grow beautiful Danish hydrangeas here.

Denmark is experiencing the hottest May in 100 years, and we are enjoying it.

Svanmøllen Strandpark is a small beach, with a pier, just North of us. It is about a twenty minute bike ride along the coast. They were excited to get in the water.

They ventured in…

Yes, it is cold. Katherine regrets her decision.

But, they are good now.

Feeling good, they decide to take the Danish dip and jump in off the pier.

Proud of them! That water is super cold. Andy and myself remained fully clothed the entire time by the way. 

And of course, what’s a beach trip without getting sand everywhere?

 

Tivoli. Again. We have season passes.

Andrew likes the ducks. I love the flowers and greenery.

Andrew is finally tall enough (and brave enough) to ride the big roller coaster.

 

My crazy people.

 

Walking by the Harbor.

Just the toe in.

 

We visited a really cool playground between the kid’s school and our house in Nordhavn. It’s on top of a grocery store/recycling center/parking deck.

Dipping our feet to cool off after the playground. They wanted to get in, but we weren’t gonna go home in wet clothes. Sooo…

A few days later we (the kids, not me, water still way too cold) brought our suits and went in our Harbor pool.

Our urban beach.

xoxo-sk