I returned from my trip around Ireland on Sunday evening and then I started the week with :
1. Trying to think about all I had seen and in which order because in my head it was a big mess. As there was nothing to do in the household, besides baking a bread which the machine did, and I only had to push on the button, I tried to sort out my photos and gave some phone calls to tell that I am back.
After lunch I had enough and went to Nicole to tell her about my trip and to get updated of the happenings during my absence.
Of course I told her about my international group which was so nice and the fun we had. We were coming from all corners of the world, Australia, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand and even 6 Europeans including me. Below left in the striped T-Shirt is my room mate from New Zealand.
2. The weather had been quiet nice in Ireland, but back home it rained. I wasn't disorientated at all ! Apparently Ireland is worse than Belgium because at least here it can get into the 30° while there a heat wave starts at 25° ! I worked on my photos and created folders. In the afternoon I went to Ilona and we could sit outside the sun had come out.
3.
When I saw my photos of Belfast I thought how sad it is that even more than 40 years after the "war" between Catholics and Protestants you can still feel the tension. There was a wall full of graffiti which separated the Catholic part from the Protestants. We had gotten a pen to write something on the wall. I thought the Muslim extremist could join them, maybe that would give a balance !
4. Physically I was home and did what I had to do, but mentally I was always busy with my tour !
Ilona was occupied with paperwork, notaries and all what comes up when somebody passed away. In her case her mother and as it often happens when there are more than one heir, disagreements come up although everybody had thought that would never happen. To cheer her up we went for lunch together and had mussels with "French" fries, the Belgian National plate. It was very good.
I told her that on my to do list is written that I want to ride on a horse. I was always afraid of horses and now I am not anymore !
5. Since the 1st of July Belgian started its summer sleep. School holidays for 2 months. And so is the government and most of the companies and it's better not to be ill in this period. Lots of shops are closed and of course I have no aqua gym and no painting course neither !
The only thing which remains is our scrabble ! We put it on Thursdays instead of Mondays during the holiday period.
The sun was shining and we scrabbled our heads were smoking ! We had a coffee break with delicious cakes and then continued ! We had a real nice afternoon. Next week it will be my turn to receive the girls.
It seems like you are still busy even after your enjoyable trip away.
ReplyDeleteDiana
I'm sure you won't let it get too quiet during the holiday period. You always seem busy.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to be part of a Scrabble group. I want to be part of one.
ReplyDeleteHurray for getting your photos in order already. It is so nice to have the photographic memories.
How fun to cross off an item on your to-do list. What next?
Have a great week even if it is raining.
Some holidays just stay with you. And Ireland seems to do that to you!
ReplyDeleteHere in Norway the holidays started almost three weeks ago and it has been bliss: no school children on the bus. Love it!
The history is indeed so very sad! But it looks like you had a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip... We were in Ireland a couple of years.. oh, how I'd go back.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great trip and some great times with friends.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your photos especially the last one, how beautiful. You'll be thinking about your trip fir ages!
ReplyDeleteThe history of Ireland is very sad indeed, but a beautiful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteThe scrabble group looks like fun. What does Mr G do while you are having all this fun with your travel group and girlfriends?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are still busy with tour mentally :-)
ReplyDeleteHow great you are not afraid of horses any more. I love horses, they are beautiful!
Wonderful photos. I never realized you had another blog besides the kitty one until I read about it today in your post.
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