1. My friend Claudie arrived from the French Riviera where she was melting in 40°C (104 F), in Belgium, where it was the last warmest day of the week which means 25° (77 F). She was happy to be able to cool down, because there is no or very poor air condition in Southern France too. Of course we had a lot to chat !
2. Unfortunately she had no luck, because it started to rain, but not a friendly rain, it rained cats and dogs ! We finally went out for lunch and had mussels with chips, the traditional Belgian plate. It was very good. Apparently the mussels from the North Sea taste different than the once from the Mediterranian Sea.
Then we went to Nivelles the next town to the big shopping mall. There it was dry lots of people who had the same idea and we could window shop without becoming wet. The shops are exactly the same we have here in Waterloo on the main street. We are both not "boutique" girls but it was interesting for her to compare the prices and what is on the market here.
We then had a coffee with little Italian cakes and we admired the wooden saucer, we had never seen such. It looked really very special
4. Claudie although she had been quite often in Brussels had never seen the Royal Palace inside and we were lucky it was just open for the public and for free ! It had been ages that I had seen the palace from inside and didn't remember very much.
I hadn't realized how beautiful it was ! There were so many very special things that I will write an extra post about this palace. Claudie was startled. So much gold and crystal lustres !
After the palace visit we badly needed a drink and we went to the Grand'Place. To my surprise there was the Meiboom celebration going on ! Every August 9th, a young beech tree is planted near the Grand'Place. Unfortunately we just saw the end of the procession but it was a very cheerful atmosphere.
5. I had my Scrabble afternoon and of course Claudie came with me. As me she likes not to be a tourist in another country but take part of the daily life of her host. Her only fear was that she hadn't played scrabble for over 20 years.
Apparently she had no problems at all because she finished second ! After our game we had coffee and cookies and a lot to talk about the different lifestyle of north and south. And while Claudie's husband at home complained about the heat, we were happily sitting with cardigans and complained about the rain and cold weather. But we had fun and that was the most important thing.
more participants at
Susanne at Living to tell the Story.
