Belgian Beer Weekend and Uncle Bob and Aunt Moe Arrive!

Back to early September!  When it's Belgian Beer Weekend, the guys don't seem to have any trouble getting home from work on a Friday night.  Last year, they ran out of tokens early, so some of our group didn't really get to enjoy the festival at all. This year, the group volunteered Chris to go down early and buy our tokens, so we would have plenty of time for the beers once we got there.  Maybe sending Chris wasn't such a good idea as he was having a very good time when we arrived. :)

Not a bad view during the festival.

The ladies…That's Lisa on the right.  She and her husband Kevin (next to Chris below) are new to Brussels.  We are thrilled to have them here!

And Gentlemen!

Very happy guys!  Fifty plus Belgian beers at your fingertips in the Grand Place.  Who wouldn't be?

I was the BOB.  That's what they call the DD here.  Someone had to take care of this motley crew. Hahaha! Shortly after this shot, it was decided that food was necessary.  So we popped into Hard Rock.  As luck would have it, there was a Queen tribute band playing, and they were awesome! Such a fun night!

Sunday morning, Uncle Bob and Aunt Moe arrived in Brussels!  They were heading out on a river cruise but stopped in Brussels for four days before their journey started in Paris.

What's the first thing our kids want to show guests?  Their school.  They are so proud of it!

Next up was a little downtown tour.

A selfie with Manneken Pis of course!

With the Belgian Beer Fest weekend still in full swing, Chris was thrilled to share it with Uncle Bob.

This group was thrilled with their Starbucks.

After some sightseeing, it was time for the Bears game!

All Chris could talk about was watching the Bears with his Uncle Bob.  He could not wait!

Too bad they sucked!

Monday morning, Chris was off to work, and the kids were off to school.  I was happy to be the tour guide. We ventured back into Brussels. Our first stop was Cinquantennaire Park.

We had to get frites at Place Jourdan and then stop for chocolate at Neuhaus.  The girl in Neuhaus recognized me.  I explained that her shop was part of my Brussels food tour. ;)

We visited the Cathedral of St. Michael and window shopped in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

And, then we grabbed a few shots in the Grand Place.

There were waffles too (part of the food tour.) :)

The following day were were on a train and off to Brugge.  While looking for a seat on the train, we ran into my friend Kristin who was also headed to Brugge with guests.  It was too funny.

A great lunch with Zot the local Belgian beer.

Nice lunch view.

Aren't they just adorable!

The Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.

The trip had a perfect ending with my first PSL of the season!

Next on the agenda was a trip to Ghent!  We started the day with a great lunch along the canal.

Then, we visited Gravensteen Castle.

Off with your head!  Hahaha!

He looks kind of bored…. 

We stopped in St. Bavo Cathedral to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (The Ghent Altarpiece by van Eyck in the early 15th century.)  This is a replica but gives you great perspective on how large it really is.  You are not allowed to take pictures of the real one…of course.

And, this fine piece of art was found on the streets of Ghent.  The Hoff!

The kids were excited about the chocolate filled pumpkins we found for them in Brugge.  It was Pumpkin Festival week, so this made them a little happier.  Pumpkin Festival is the one of the things they miss most about home.

On their final night with us, we stopped back in the Grand Place to see it at night.  That's my favorite time to be down there.

Thank you Uncle Bob and Aunt Moe for your visit.  Our time with you was priceless, and we were so happy to share our little place in the world with you.  Love you both!

Until next time,
Wendy