Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium: December 29-30, 2007

Day 1
After the Cantillon Brewery tour, we checked into our hotel and went out to get some dinner and see the city of Brussels.


Hotel Eurostars


Grote Markt (Grand Place) by night- the central square was decorated for the holiday season




The lights shown in the picture below were coordinated with opera music...it was fun to stumble upon this little holiday show.


Dinner at La Brouette


Belgian Beer


Dessert at a Haagen Dazs/Godiva shop


Day 2
Grote Markt by day...


Shopping Center


Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula


This statue of a little boy peeing is just that- little! It is considered a Brussels landmark, but it is a really tiny statue which we thought was funny. Apparently, other countries send little outfits for him and there are several legends behind the statue. To read more, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manneken_Pis

Manneken Pis


Our last stop in Brussels was the Basilica of Koekelberg, the 5th largest church in the world. While inside, we also decided to see a Leondardo da Vinci exhibit that included his artwork, notebooks, and various inventions.

Basilica of Koekelberg


Approaching the Basilica


Inside the Basilica


Mona Lisa, da Vinci exhibit

New Arrival!

Kiley and Erich have arrived!

White Christmas

We missed being with everyone this year for Christmas and want to thank you all for the Christmas cards and gifts under our tree. Although we were not with you in person, we felt very close to home.



While it did not snow, the frost provided us with a white Christmas!


We also felt very blessed to be able to spend Christmas Eve with friends...

Matt, Ashley, Melanie, Mandy, Adam, Sam, Greg




On Christmas day, we were in Wiesbaden for dinner and a gift exchange...


Carrie and Kurt


And we almost forgot....Merry "Ninja" Christmas!

A touch of Christmas

Here are some pictures of our house decorated for Christmas!

Christmas Markets

Christmas markets last from one day to more than a month throughout Germany (and surrounding countries). They are a time to eat, drink, shop for homemade crafts, and spend time with family and friends. We tried all sorts of food and drink, including: Paprikawurst (pepper bratwurst), Currywurst (curry bratwurst), Kartoffel puffer mit apfelmus (fried potato pancake with apple sauce), Gluhwein (hot drink made of mulled wine, rum/brandy), Mandeln (candied almonds), and our favorite- Apfelkinder punsch (basically apple cider meant for the kinder or children). To read more about Christmas markets visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_market.

Mainzer Weihnachts Markt (Mainz Christmas Market)
December 7, 2007



Life-size Nativity Scene






Outdoor Ice Skating- Ashley and Alyce




Giant Foot


Neunkirschener Weihnachts Markt (Neunkirschen Christmas Market)
December 8, 2007

Neun (nine)-kirschen (churches) gets it's name from the nine surrounding villages that built the church located here...Modauquelle, Gersprenzquelle, Kaiserturm, Vogellehrpfad, Waldlehrpfad, Winterkasten, Gadernheim, Lutzelbach, and Brandau.





Lebkuchen (love cookies)- traditional German Christmas treat, like soft gingerbread
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebkuchen


Heidelberger Weihnachts Markt (Heidelberg Christmas Market)
December 15, 2007





Donkey