THE ATOMIUM, BRUSSELS,

Atomium is the monument to the atoms for peace 

The Atomium was created in 1958 for the Expo-58. The futuristic construction symbolizes the atomic age, the huge capabilities of the atomic energy and its peaceful use for scientific purposes. 

André Waterkeyn, the Belgian construction engineer was the author of the project. The building began in 1957 under the leadership of André and Jean Polak. Initially, the surface of the construction was made of aluminum. However, during the renovation in 2006, it was covered with a steel coat. You can read more here

 

 

  In the inside of the tubes which connect the balls are either steps or escalators. 

An elevator takes you in seconds to the highest ball, which has a restaurant inside. For the first time we will eat there for my birthday, you have a wonderful view over whole Brussels and the restaurant turns, so you can really see everything. When I have been there I will write  more about

THE NORTH OF THE GARDA LAKE

 

 

This is the Lake of Garda it is 52 km long (32 miles) and 17 km large (10 Mi)

 

 

15 km from there my husband Rick was born. It is a beautiful place for tourists which of course he never realized  ! He lived there, had to go to school and played on the canon you see below, on the left on the picture. The orange church had a cloister annexed, which had been transformed into modern apartments. Rick's best friend lived in the yellow house which shared the walls with the church.

In summer when the beautiful Dutch, Swedish and German girls arrived as tourists, he and his friends went "Tourist" hunting. But it was not there that he caught me, it was in Brussels. 

From the first time on, when I went with him to know his family I fell in love with the lake ! It was so beautiful when you arrived. And then of course we spent nearly each year at the Garda Lake where friends put our huge tent up for us, as at that time it was nearly impossible to stay with a toddler in a hotel. It was a real luxurious  camping !  in the evenings we were always invited by the family and my SIL did our laundry.  I had to drink and eat a lot !! And never say that you have enough, then your plate will be filled again.

My American aunt when she came once with us stated at the end of our holidays "here people are killed with love !" As she had to taste the self made wine from all uncles, she had a hangover every day (a little one ...) She never forgot these holidays and my poor uncle had to squeeze himself in these very little cars the Fiat 500 ! When he got out he was white like a blanket.

Linking to

TRAVEL TUESDAY

THROUGH MY LENS 

THE GAASBEEK CASTLE OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The Gaasbeek castle was built in the 13th century to protect Brussels. Over the centuries, the castle was repeatedly devastated and rebuilt. After that the castle was occupied by a succession of noble families. The Count of Egmond, was one of the chateau’s best-known owners. In the late 18th century, the castle became the property of the Italian aristocratic Arconati Visconti family and the Castle became a meeting place for students  and artists and is open to the public.

This of course is a photo of the castle I "stole" from Internet.

 Unfortunately the castle was closed when I visited it, but the park and the castle itself is beautiful.

 

 Linking to

TRAVEL TUESDAY

THROUGH MY LENS