Music on July 21st

Yesterday when I arrived at the festivities there was a band playing “sweet home Chicago” and then another song about America that I forgot the name of. I really need to start carrying a pen and paper to write things like this down my memory is going to pot!

Later the band picturced above was playing the song "hooray for the red, white and blue". I understand Belgium does not have it’s own kind of music like for example; Spanish guitars, Ireland’s jig, Scottish bag pipes, people that yodel and I could go on but my point is that did the bands have to play songs that related to the USA? It is July 21st Belgium's Birthday not the 4th of July. Yesterday I did watch the parade on t.v. and the band playing did a good job with the music selection...I didn't recognized one song! I do have to admit I was flipping between the parade and "Purple Rain" in french. Between with the song Sweet Home Chicago and Purple Rain the universe is getting me ready for my trip back home next month. (destinations of Chicago & Minneapolis)

I also heard the big booms of the fireworks at 11:40ish last night. I was looking out all our windows but I couldn't see them.

This photo below is part of the parade...I took a picture of our t.v. Yes I'm aware that is a little strange but oh well. the photo is of when the King was arriving.

July 21

On this day 2 years ago we left Minneapolis for Brussels, Belgium. Who would have thought it was just 2 years ago, the time has gone by so fast and we have experienced so much in that time. There is another reason why to day is important. It is Belgium’s National day.

Today Belgium celebrates its 178 birthday. There are rumors that this could be the last celebration, the government is very serious this time about splitting off. (the King & Queen's Photo That was in a store's window)

With Joe being in Beijing, I ventured out this afternoon and took some photos for you. I really can't wait till I get my camera back, it has been since May. There is a parade that starts at 4:00 however it is to wet and cold for me. I will have to see it next time that is if there is one.

Looking down the street towards the Palace Justice (court of Belgium)

Fun Friday

The Forrest in Brussels

Bastile Day

Yes I know I'm a little late with this, it was Monday the 14th, but last year we went to Paris for the celebrations. We did think about going this year but decide that we would go to see the end of the Tour de France instead.

My plan next year is to attend one of the parties at the fire stations. This is a photos of last year - the station was getting ready for the big event. You have to admit this sound like fun!

Viva la France!

Here we go again...

Belgian government collapses over regional divisions - Any one want to be the new Prime Minister??

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- Belgium's government collapsed Tuesday, unable to resolve an enduring divide over more self-rule for the country's Dutch and French-speakers. The gap was so wide the premier suggested the end of Belgium as a country was looming.
Belgium's Prime Minister Yves Leterme,

King Albert II immediately began political discussions with lawmakers to try to resolve the situation, talks expected to take several days. He did not formally accept the resignation of government offered by Premier Yves Leterme late Monday, so Leterme's government stays on in a caretaker capacity for now.

In an unusual declaration, the premier said Belgium's constitutional crisis stems from the fact that "consensus politics" across Belgium's widening linguistic divide no longer works. "The federal consensus-model has reached its limits," Leterme said.

"In Bruges"

Is an good movie if you have ever been to or lived in Belgium…however it is very violent, politically incorrect, the “F” word is every other word out of Ray’s mouth and they should have left out one very bad joke. (that is my disclaimer)

Short explanation of the movie…2 hit men told to hide out in Bruges for 2 weeks and site see. You can see the trailers on You Tube that explain more about the movie.

Joe and I saw this movie Saturday afternoon and were laughing along with the other people in the theater. If I had never lived here or been to Bruges this movie wouldn’t make any sense to me… I think it was released in the states last spring and not sure how it did in the box office.

Quotes from the movie:

Ken: You from the States?
Jimmy: Yeah. But don't hold it against me.
Ken: I won't. Just try not to say anything too loud or crass

Ray: I didn't even know where Bruges was.
[long pause]
Ray: It's in Belgium.

Saturday Night,

we attended the last concert of the opening ceremonies week of Flagey. The Brussels Philharmonic played Antonin Dvorak-symphony of New World. Some of the people were pretending they were the conductors in the audience-it was funny to watch.

At the end everyone gave a standing ovation. The conductor came out bowed went back stage then came out again. We all thought he was going to give an encore but he bowed again and left. Everyone including the musicians were stunned, just like that it was done. The program stated that it would be a 1 ½ but it was barely an hour. With an ego or shall I say stunt like that I don’t think I would pay money to go see them.

On our way home we saw the nice lady that hosted the concert in her house. Joe was totally confused who this lady was that was talking to me in French. I clued him in half way into the conversation. Then we walked home to thaw out…it was a chilly evening and didn’t put a sweater on Foxy who was shaking and sleeping though the whole concert. Click here for the animoto.

Fun Friday

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!

boxes, trailers and Vans oh my!

In keeping with the neighborhood theme this week on the blog, I thought I would mention 2 of my English speaking neighbors are leaving. The nice Italian family from Roma with the airdale that Foxy likes and Stephan & Alexandra they are a cute couple that has two little boys. Also She is from Paris and helped me with what I should see & where we should eat the first time I went to Paris. Stephan is from Germany I’m not sure where though.

Yesterday and today there has been a flurry of activity with vans, truck and men at both houses which make me a little sad. I know our time maybe up next summer or anytime after that and it will be our turn to say “merci au revoir”!