Brussels

Last Saturday the girls and I set off for a day trip to Brighton, me to meet up with Sharon and Chaz and them to have a bit of a wander around - to see a place that they had both been to when younger but not for a long time. It was a truly lovely day and I was so full of the happiness of it all, that I almost didn't mind the excruciating delays on the train home. 

Sunday was all about getting digging in the garden, I was determined to make a start on the area near the door to dig out as much as possible and redistribute the earth to the back of the garden and around. Some of the plants A and I bought have been dug up and some plants rather beaten up, we assume by the foxes. I did more on Monday and was pleased it hadn't rained so I could very on - as it would just be a mud hole. I also said bye to A that morning as she headed off to Kent for some filming for someone's school project. I was super excited for her but also a bit nervous about her heading off without me. She had fun despite the early mornings. 

BigA and I stuck to a promise we'd made to each other about making the most of our return to the UK - namely taking advantage of the proximity to Europe. And as a break/work trip we took the Eurostar to Brussels for a few days. So easy to get there. It was about checking out the European parliament area mainly and so it was with a mixture of interest, history and politics that we spent the days walking, looking and learning. It was a little sad to know that we're not part of this anymore, we unable to vote in the upcoming elections and I wanted to wear a badge to express that I'm someone who doesn't think Brexit was a good idea. My broken French and non-existent Flemish being of no use with the fluency of English spoken by everyone around us. I did try a bit and know it was appreciated.

Our first night we decided to venture out for dinner, we turned left out of the hotel, not sure where we were heading and found ourselves in a less than attractive part of the city. We wondered if we kept going and headed to the river that that might change and we would find ourselves in the more touristy section, but no, the corner we turned had the large window fronts you expect in red light areas and before we knew it we were indeed being presented with many a lady with voluptuous mounds and curves to showcase. We agreed it was a little awkward and turned off as soon as possible. 

We were more sensible with our other wanderings and saw some more elegant areas. I wouldn't describe Brussels as beautiful in the section we stayed in but it's relatively clean and well maintained. It feels like a city that works in business.  Commercial really. For our final day we headed to a more beautiful section of the city, seeing elaborate buildings there seem to be slotted into place, some art deco elements and more shops. We've enjoyed nice food in most places and it's been very easy to get vegetarian options. Of course we have attempted to drink good beer and ended up in a lovely African/Belgium fusion restaurant where we had plantain, guacamole and what I think was lemongrass sauce. It made me think of the type of meal I might put together if I was trying to empty the fridge if leftovers and other random foods. All very tasty and enjoyable eating experience. 

It's been a while since the two of us have headed off as just us two and we enjoyed the time together, talking about all sorts, our Malawi memories, BigA's possible job opportunities and changes and more. On our last evening we were treated to the sounds of a live saxophonists as we drank a complimentary glass at the hotel bar. 

Despite all the walking - over 42,000 steps in we reckon, the indulgence of lots of good and drink has meant that I think I was net even on fitness by the end of the trip. And BigA is off to play frisbee today! 

We got back late as there was a delay on the Eurostar and do I haven't yet seen A's pink hair. And I have a couple more days to enjoy before the start of term 3. The girls are doing their mock exams and I'm not at all sure what my timetable will end up being. All part of the fun of life.