Belgium: Ghent towers and churches

I can’t believe it's been 2 months and heading back to the states today.  It has been an excellent couple of months and I can’t say I’m exhausted or road weary yet.  OK, looking forward to my bed and a hot bath though.  Plus, I really want my nespresso capuccinos in the morning, but otherwise, I enjoyed being on the road in different cities to experience something new and different.  Plus it challenges me to sharpen my skills, especially my navigation skills.  Yesterday I went to Ghent and had a very nice time visiting the cathedral, churches and Belfort Tower.  Yes, I climbed yet one more tower and this one was very tight quarters (see photos).  Lovely city. 

Creative shot of streaming light through church windows.

Brussels: Chocolate, frittes and art

10/28/19  repost.  Accidentally deleted the original post.  

Brussels city tour with Randy after indulging in the best hot chocolate ever!  And frittes.  I’m going to get so fat, but still walking most of it off thankfully.  Was nice digging deeper into this great city.  Loved the art experience of Peter Bruegel’s art.  It was amazing seeing his art come to life 360, with animation.  Very cool idea. 

Randy trying to hide the waffle he just bought.

Brussels: Holy Horses, Dogs, Turtles and Falcons

Holy Horses, Dogs, Turtles and Falcons (even dead animals)!  Today I had the privilege of going to an animal blessing by the local priest here in Tervuren with Prem and Randy.  An annual tradition, a blessing of animals takes place in honor of Saint Hubert (patron saint of the hunt).  What a sight to see!  First a Bishop leads a procession on horseback from the church to the Sint-Hubertus Chapel nestled in the woods, then animals of all types and sizes parade past the priest with their owners and are sprayed with holy water with what looks like a toilet brush (sorry – it really did).  Prem and Randy brought their cute dogs to be blessed.  A band played with traditional horns during the blessing and bread (protector of rabies) was given out by the boy scouts.  What a hoot – oh sorry, didn’t see any owls being blessed.

Brussels: Castles and Croissants

Arrived in Brussels Friday night and was so happy to once again join my good friends Prem and Randy.  As I walked to the plane on the tarmac in Tivat, Montenegro, I faced the sun and felt the warm breeze, thinking, soak this up now, because soon you will be in Belgium and it will probably be cold and rainy.  To my surprise I woke up to beautiful weather Saturday and enjoyed a long walk in the beautiful forest near P&R’s house with their two very well behaved dogs.  Then to Chateau de Bouillon which is an amazing medieval castle on the Semois River.  Gorgeous fall day to spend time with P&R and enjoy the maze of tunnels, towers and dungeons, and gorgeous panoramic views.  This morning fresh croissants from the local bakery and chai tea, made from scratch by Prem.   So spoiled. Thursday I head back home.

Kotor Old Town

A few shots from the old city of Kotor (city founded the 5^th century BC and built between the 12^th and 14^th century) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Great churches, gates, towers, etc.  Didn’t know Santa Barbara is Kotor’s US twin town. 

Kotor region: Tours and Rakia

Yesterday I went on a fantastic tour recommended by other tourists in Ohrid.  A full day with about 17 of us and a guide that was hilarious, informative and beautiful.  She was a journalist turned tour guide named Helen.   Been loving the tours I’ve taken along the way, usually arranged on-line or once I arrive in a city.  It’s fun meeting people from around the world and sharing unique experiences.  Two shots of rakia (local strong fruit brandy) also helped us all get to know each other better. Our first shot was in a dark smoke house in the village of Njegusi where local prosciutto was smoked for four months. After sampling the prosciutto for breakfast we made our way to the National Park Lovcen and Njegos’s mausoleum.  400 steps (nothing compared to the day before) and breathtaking panoramic views of three surrounding countries.  Taking full advantage of yet another perfect weather day, we had a relaxing and fun (second shot of rakia) slowly meandering down the Crnojević River surrounded by water lilies, herons and cormorants.  I got a little carried away taking photos of the many reflective perspectives.  After lunch to the old royal capital Centinje, and lastly to a view of Saint Stefan island and sunset.  This is where the very wealthy hang out, rooms start at $5,000 a night.  I learned so much about Montenegro this day:  tourism is their business; much of the country is mountainous and uninhabitable; less than 700,000 inhabitants; close partners with Serbia (used to be part of Serbia); they love meat and rakia; people are exceptional.   A perfect day!