In Bruges

Day 86
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday was our first and only full day in the enchanting city of Bruges. We enjoyed a traditional European breakfast buffet of brotchens, meats, cheeses, croissants, soft boiled eggs, fresh fruit, cereal (this must have been for the Americans), and yogurt, before hitting the streets for hours of walking, sightseeing, and beer tasting.

Kate eating a Belgian Waffle

The first place we knew we wanted to check out was the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed) in Bruges houses a venerated relic of Christ: his very blood, collected by Joseph of Arimathea. Legend has it that after the Crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea wiped blood from the body of Christ and preserved the cloth. The relic remained in the Holy Land until the Second Crusade, when the King of Jerusalem Baldwin III gave it to his brother-in-law, Count of Flanders Diederik van de Elzas. The count arrived with it in Bruges on April 7, 1150 and placed it in a chapel he had built on Burg Square.

The colorful Procession of the Holy Blood is held on Ascension Day in the spring. The bishop of Bruges carries the relic through the streets, accompanied by costumed residents acting out biblical scenes.

Entrance

The tradition of the procession is first recorded in 1291. It followed a route around the city walls until 1578, when the religious wars necessitated its relocation to the city center. It is this route that is still followed today.

Later, I hand picked my own box of KC Belgian chocolates, I had to wear a white glove to do so. No other chocolate in the world is as decadent as KC Belgian Chocolate, I'm in love!

Picking out chocolates

Carpe Diem Cafe

Matt and I shared some Belgian Fries as we were walking to the brewery and we saw this cafe called "Carpe Diem." I obviously got excited and just had to take a picture in front of it.

Our tour guide

Next we toured the Brewery De Halve Maan; ‘Brugse Zot’ is the pride of the traditional brewery ‘De Halve Maan’, whose earliest reference dates back to 1546. It is a tasty beer of high fermentation made of malt, hops and yeast. If you wish to learn more about the production process and the history of the brewery, you can join a guided tour and try the beer...I recommended doing so!

Brugse Zot Blond

We arrived in Bruges excited about the architecture, chocolates, beer, and tourism. From what we had researched, we knew Bruges would be an interesting city but we soon found there was so much more to this place. We found the most friendly and welcoming people in all of Europe. We were very shocked when a man came up to us and asked if we were visiting from America. He then showed us a great place to take some pictures and told us to enjoy our visit. The people in the bars, restaurants, and at the brewery were delightful folks who seemed to love their jobs and really like the tourists. This is definitely not the same attitude we are used to from the German people. We felt right at home from the time we checked in to our hotel. I want to live here!






When we lose one we love, our bitterest tears are called forth by the memory of hours when we loved not enough.  ~Maurice Maeterlinck, Wisdom and Destiny, 1901

On the Road to Bruges

Day 85
Saturday, March 26, 2011
We met Gio and Kate downstairs at 0600 and hit the road for Bruges, Belgium. The trip wasn't too bad, the weather was perfect, the traffic was light, and other than the GPS acting up and going a little out of our way to find an "Esso" station, we had a blast along the way.

We arrived at Hotel Gulden Vlies around 1430 and once we checked into our rooms, we relaxed for a while before cleaning up and changing clothes to go exploring.

Our room on the second floor

We walked around for a while, taking pictures and just admiring the architecture. There was so much to see and so many people on bicycles. We became very thirsty so we stopped by a pub and had a couple of beers.

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It was a justified motive that prompted UNESCO in 2000 to include the entire historical city centre on the World Heritage list. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city's stirring history.

The restaurants in Bruges which offer gastronomic cuisine and the exclusive hotels are a true feast for those who enjoy the good things in life.

Rabbit from Restaurant Erasmus

We enjoyed a three-course meal at the "Beer Restaurant" Erasmus, which was part of our hotel package, "Bruges for Beer loves." Out of pocket this meal would have cost us each 32 euro excluding drinks, our bill ended up being 32 euro for all four of us to dine and was absolutely delicious.

Chocolate Mousse

Our first day in Bruges was amazing, we couldn't wait until the morning to see and do more.




Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
~William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, 1600

Any day that ends in Gelato is a Winner

Day 84
Friday, March 25, 2011
Today I had a doctor's appointment in Sindelfingen with professor Kessler (that's what the Germans call their "specialists." I was given a prescription (Rezept) for two drugs that I've never heard of, maybe because they were in German. I took them to an Apotheke near my house to get filled. This was my first visit to an Apotheke (pharmacy) in Germany and I was excited!

German Pharmacy

Later I went tanning, and then Matt and I drove to the Gelato shop down the street and enjoyed two scoops on a cone as we walked around the area. The weather was chilly but the sun was still out so we didn't mind.

Gelato

We went home to pack for our vacation to Belgium, we were getting picked up early in the morning by Gio and Kate, and we wanted to be ready.





It's a mere moment in a man's life between an All-Star Game and an Old-timers' Game.  ~Vin Scully

Coffee makes me Happy

Day 83
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Today I woke up at 0900, opened all the windows and made a pot of coffee. I was in my "happy place" as I worked on my school work until 1330. Then I got in the shower to drive over to Patch Barracks to pick up my authorization from the medical clinic so I could go see Dr. Kessler on Friday for my pain management therapy session.

I stopped by the commissary before leaving Patch and picked up some snacks for our road trip on Saturday with Kate and Gio to Bruges, Belgium.

For dinner I made a large salad with chicken breast and Matt ate left overs from the night before. I just didn't feel like cooking and Matt really wanted some more enchiladas so we both won.

We went to bed around 2130 and watched an episode of Family Guy, and The Middle on his lap top.






Is there life before death?  ~Author Unknown

Great food after a Great Workout

Day 82
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
After feeling tired the past couple of days, I really thought a nice long gym session, burning 750 calories would wake me up, so I headed to the Panzer Fitness Center and did just that. It felt amazing! Afterwards I took a shower and headed to the Commissary to pick up some things for dinner. I made Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas with black beans and refried beans. They were hands down the best I had ever had, I was so happy with myself and Matt loved them too.

After dinner, Matt and I just hung out on the couch holding each other for a while and talking about the future. I later got online and helped my friend Shari search for plane tickets to the states.

Those who make the worst use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness.  ~Jean de La Bruyère

Career changes in Mind

Day 81
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I was up and out of bed by 0615 this morning but I was still exhausted when we left for work at 0715. Matt dropped me off at my building and then headed to work himself...his building is not far from mine so we drove in together.

My kind of alarm clock!

Work went well and I was off by 1500. I submitted my application and resume for a part-time job administering tests with the University of Maryland University College, before Matt came to pick me up. I  first drove him back to work before heading home to relax.

While I was enjoying laying on the couch and watching TV, the cable went out thanks to the construction workers digging up the ground all around our building. I was not in the mood for much of anything by the time Matt came home, so we ate a quick dinner and watched Taking Lives before heading to bed.

Our repugnance to death increases in proportion to our consciousness of having lived in vain.  ~William Hazlitt, On the Love of Life, 1815

Road Trip with Shari-Take II

Day 80
Monday, March 21, 2011
At 0515 this morning I met Shari at the front gate so we could drive to Frankfurt for her Visa appointment to study in the united States. I am not a very good morning person but I wanted to be there for my friend as she began the next step in her life. The last thing that she needed before buying a one-way ticket to the states, was approval of her Visa. She was so nervous and I was so excited for her, I wanted her to get approved for her Visa as much as she wanted it.

After the two-hour road trip with very little traffic, we arrived at the U.S. Consulate building an hour early for her appointment. Shari parked the car, left me in it, and took all her paperwork with her. I fell asleep for about an hour while she was doing whatever she was doing inside. When she came out, I was barely awake but I could tell she wasn't in a bad mood...she had been approved for her Visa! I screamed, I was so excited for her.

Heidelberg

We left Frankfurt around 1000 and headed to Heidelberg to check out the enormous castle which was kind of on the way home. The castle has only been partially rebuilt since its demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Heidelberg Castle

It is located 80 metres (260 ft) up the northern part of the Königstuhl hillside, and thereby dominates the view of the old downtown. It is served by an intermediate station on the Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway that runs from Heidelberg's Kornmarkt to the summit of the Königstuhl.

The earliest castle structure was built before AD 1214 and later expanded into 2 castles circa 1294; however, in 1537, a lightning-bolt destroyed the upper castle. The present structures had been expanded by 1650, before damage by later wars and fires. In 1764, another lightning-bolt destroyed some rebuilt sections.

Courtyard

I was back home by 1430 and I really wanted to take a nap but because I had to work the next morning I decided to stay awake, paint my nails, and head to bed early.





Time is painted with a lock before, and bald behind, signifying thereby that we must take time by the forelock; for, when it is once past, there is no recalling it.  ~Jonathan Swift

Shopping and School Work Sunday

Day 79
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Matt and I decided to hit up the Panzer Fitness Center this morning to start the day off right. I worked out on the Elliptical machine burning over 700 calories while Matt "owned" the weight room. I love going to the gym with my husband, even though we never work out together. It's just nice to know we both enjoy something as good for our health as staying fit and active.

After the gym, I met up with my friend Michelle K and we headed over to the Stuttgart Community Spouses Club annual Spring Bazaar to do a little shopping. I bought some gifts for my family and friends back in the states and then just as we were about to leave, I spent $85 on specialty Liquor...not what I needed or had intended to buy today. The vendor was Mischler & Raudonat and they are well known for their award winning products. I even picked up a really cool birthday gift for Matt, I can't wait to give it to him.

Michelle and I had a blast at the Bazaar and we hit up the Commissary and Sonnen Studio (tanning salon) before heading back home where I worked on school work and laundry until bed time.





Time wears all his locks before;
Take thy hold upon his forehead;
When he flies, he turns no more,
And behind his scalp is naked.
~Robert Southwell

Sweet Cars & Sweet Desserts

Day 78
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Matt went to pick up the car parts he had ordered from the Volkswagen dealership and I gave myself a Mary Kay Facial while I worked on some school work for a few hours. A few hours turned into about six and I finally decided to get dressed and get out of the house. 

We had some friends in town from the Ramstein Air Base area who we hadn't seen in a long time so we went to meet them at their awesome hotel called "V8 Hotel" where we were in awe of hundreds of old-timey vehicles that were parked in the lobby which was also sort of a museum of European cars. 

Most of the cars were either for sale or for rent for the day or a weekend. Several of the vehicles were owned by people who paid to have them stored there, most of them were newer and very expensive cars such as Audi, Lamborghini, and Ferrari.

Can I take this one home?

We ended the evening by having dinner at our local brewery, the Schönbuch Brauhaus. For dinner I ordered Pork shanks in brown beer sauce with potato salad, green salad and a bread dumpling. For some reason the Germans put potato salad in their green salads...at least they do in our region of Swabia.

Pork in Braunbiersoße w/bread dumpling

After dinner we ordered dessert and coffee. I had a cappuccino and Matt had an espresso. Matt wasn't going to share his Quark Strudel so I ordered my own dessert and ate about half of it.

Apfelstrudel mit vanilla eis

It was so nice to hang out with our friends Naysha and Bryan who recently got married. We were happy that we were able to spend some time together while they were in town to celebrate Bryan's birthday.

Remember you must die whether you sit about moping all day long or whether on feast days you stretch out in a green field, happy with a bottle of Falernian from your innermost cellar. ~Horace

Dead Battery + Cold Day= Should Have Stayed in Bed

Day 77
Friday, March 18, 2011
I got out of bed just before 0730 to drive Matt to work because his car broke down on us on Tuesday. He went to turn my car on and it wouldn't start. We turned the key a few more times, the lights and radio came on but that was it. We were both at our wits end with car issues by this time. Matt ended up walking to work as I walked upstairs to go back to sleep for a few hours. I was barely awake anyway, and I was supposed to volunteer at the Bazaar at 1130. I felt so awful and now I didn't have a car; I knew I wouldn't want to walk to the bus stop and take the shuttle over to Patch, so I emailed the lady who was in charge of the volunteers and told her I wasn't going to make it. My throat hurt so much and I barely had a voice when I woke back up at 1000. Now I was glad I had cancelled my volunteering for the day even though I felt bad for doing so.

Our friend Gio called me and asked if I wanted him to try to jump start my car. His fiancé Kate and I had been messaging back and forth on Facebook about going to the Bazaar and I wrote her to tell her I wouldn't be able to meet her because of my car issues so she had contacted Gio to try to help. He came over and we tried to jump the car but it wouldn't work, I was so frustrated, I just wanted to cry. He suggested I take the battery into have it tested and if it turned out to be dead, said I could just buy a new one. I was hoping this would fix it, but I still wasn't feeling well enough to actually think about it so I told Gio I would call Matt and ask him what he wanted me to do.

As Gio drove away my neighbors, James and Tonya drove up and they offered to drive me to the car care center on base to have my battery checked. We made a plan to meet back up at 1300 so they could eat breakfast and I could take a shower. I went back up stairs and called Matt who just told me to "figure it out." I was not happy with his answer and even though I really wanted to just go back to bed, I started looking for video's on You Tube and Google about how to remove a car battery and other self-help ideas about why my car wasn't starting.

During my search I learned how to remove corrosion from the battery posts, and how to replace the actual car battery. I was feeling pretty confident that I could tackle this on my own but there was still one small problem. I needed tools. Tools that were locked inside of Matt's broken vehicle. The broken vehicle that only he had the key to...at his office. I was hoping my neighbor had tools that I could borrow and if not I was prepared to walk to the exchange and buy a 10 mm wrench to remove the battery, I wasn't going to be defeated today.

After all that research and worry, my neighbor knocked on my door and told me he would remove the battery for me. At this point I was about to cry, my emotions were such a mess and being sick was definitely not helping. After the car care center told me the battery was completely dead, we drove to A.T.U. (it's like an Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone) to buy a new one which cost me about $150 but I didn't care, I just wanted my car to run again.

We stopped by Matt's office and picked him up before heading home. He was still in his cammies as he put the new battery in my car and accidently caught it on fire. I'm not kidding! I don't know what it is with us and fire but one of these days we are going to burn something to the ground. He had touched the socket wrench on both the positive and negative terminals and there were giant sparks which shot out and one must have landed on the paper tag which was on the battery, that is what actually caught on fire. The wrench was extremely hot for several minutes afterwards and Matt's fingers were a little burnt.

Thankfully we didn't need to call the FD

After the car started up I almost didn't want to turn it off, but Matt needed to take a shower and change clothes so we could go pick up his car parts that we had ordered from the Volkswagen Wagon dealership. While we were there he ordered some more parts that would arrive in the morning. As we were pulling out of the parking lot I asked him if he minded if we stopped by the bazaar for a little while. After the day I just had, I really wanted to do something fun.

My car, happy again!

We shopped for about an hour, I had some delicious Dutch hot chocolate, and then we headed over to the Hendlhouse to end the night by enjoying dinner with our neighbors, The Deals and their three children. What a day!

Hendlhouse Chicken & Pommes

What would be the use of immortality to a person who cannot use well a half an hour.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Day 76
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Today was actually a really boring day for me. I have a 20 page paper due on March 31st for my Family Systems class and I only have 14 pages written. I worked on my paper from noon to 2000 and then skipped out on the early Bazaar shopping for volunteers. That was my punishment for not finishing my paper. To top it off, today is St. Patrick's Day and I never even left the house. I decided to wear a green tee-shirt anyway.

When Matt got home from work he had a lot of homework to do so he had a Guinness, and I just drank green tea while we both stayed home and worked on stuff for school. I'm so glad we went to Munich last Sunday for a St. Patrick's Day celebration.

The fear of death follows from the fear of life.  A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.  ~Mark Twain

Soldier Readiness Program

Day 75
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
I drove Matt to work at 0730 and then headed over to the Panzer Base Fitness Center to set up our USO table for the Soldier Readiness Program. It was pretty chilly this morning and the sun was definitely sleeping in today. I found our table and began bringing everything in from my car, one by one. A few guys asked if they could help but I thought it would be good exercise so I thanked them but said I was fine.

Bekki showed up just as I was bringing in the last bunch of stuff and she helped set the table up to look nice and pretty. We were ready to go by 0800 and the Soldiers started pouring in with their folders for each of the stations to sign off on. The deploying soldiers had to visit tables where they checked out with medical, dental, finance, Army Community Services, Exceptional Family Member Program, and so on. Once they arrived at our USO table we were just giving away free goodies, nothing needed to be signed by us. I'm pretty sure we saw over 60 guys (not a single female) today, several of them recognized me from the testing center. We had these adorable deployment kits to give away to soldiers with children. Each kit contained a teddy bear with an aviator outfit, dog tags, a journal, post cards, and a DVD. We gave away all 18 kits before noon and the event was a huge success.

As I made dinner for my husband and I tonight, I said a prayer for those who were about to deploy. It's hard to picture them miles away eating crappy MREs (meals ready to eat) while we enjoy all the luxuries that they are out there fighting for. It makes me so proud to be married to a Marine and to be an American when I think about them.

MRE Contents

Why be saddled with this thing called life expectancy? Of what relevance to an individual is such a statistic? Am I to concern myself with an allotment of days I never had and was never promised? Must I check off each day of my life as if I am subtracting from this imaginary hoard? No, on the contrary, I will add each day of my life to my treasure of days lived. And with each day, my treasure will grow, not diminish.  ~Robert Brault