Life's Helmet

Sunday, December 28, 2014

A Christmas In Europe - Day 3

Stop 9 - The next morning we headed back to Grote Markt square to get a quick breakfast of waffles. After breakfast we came across the horse-drawn carriages and decided a carriage ride would be a fun way to entertain the kids while seeing the city.

Stop 10 - Kerstduik (Christmas Dip): During the carriage ride the driver told us about an event going on that morning that consisted of members of the local swim club jumping into the freezing cold canal water. We knew we couldn't pass up a chance to see it for ourselves and headed over to the Rozenhoedkaai to witness the event. We couldn't believe how many of the swimmers were just hanging out in the cold in their swimsuits before and after the dive. We agreed that they obviously have a greater tolerance for the cold than us Arizonans.

Stop 11 - Antwerpen Centraal Station: After leaving Bruges we headed to the city of Antwerp. After getting checked into our hotel and unloading our gear, we headed to the Antwerpen Centraal railway station. The architecture of the station was stunning with trains going right through the main building on multiple levels. The kids loved watching the trains as we ate a quick lunch in the main terminal.

Stop 12 - Disney Dreams Ice Festival: After the train station we headed to one of the most anticipated events of our trip, the Disney Dreams Ice Festival. The kids were super excited about the festival as it featured Disney themed ice sculptures. The pieces were amazing but unfortunately, we didn't anticipate the 20 degree temperature that was required to maintain the sculptures. Due to the intense cold, the kids were eager to leave the festival and warm up. It was amazing how the 50 degree weather outside almost felt warm compared to the freezing cold temperatures in the festival.

Stop 13 - Antwerp, Belgium: After the ice festival we headed over to the Antwerp Christmas market. When we saw the dreamy ice rink at the market we knew it was time to put on some skates and hit the ice. Maeli did really well on the ice with the help of a large penguin that helps kids maintain their balance. She loved going around the rink holding onto the penguin with me pushing her. I'm pretty sure she would've skated all night long had the boys not be freezing cold on the sidelines. Milo was happy going around the rink a few times in my arms. Between the kids' smiling faces, the vintage wood fence, and the lights sparkling on the trees scattered through the rink, it truly was an experience to remember.

A Chrismtas In Europe - Day 2

Stop 6 - Brussels, Belgium: The next morning we woke up and headed to a disappointing antique market in Place du Grand Sablon. After strolling through the market we headed to the Waffle Factory for a quick breakfast of waffles. It was here that we ate and compared liege and brussels waffles. Ryan and I agreed that while both were good, the liege waffles are definitely our favorite.

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Stop 7 - Ghent, Belgium: After breakfast we hit the road and headed to the city of Ghent. We headed straight to the Christmas market and explored the city from there. While at the market we feasted on churros and spiraled potato chips and the kids rode the merry go-round. We walked through the city city and enjoyed the unique architecture of the city. Ryan and I both agreed that Ghent reminded us a bit of Amsterdam.

Stop 7 - Dumon Chocolatier: After leaving Ghent we headed to the beautiful city of Bruges. As we entered the city, we made our first stop and the well reviewed chocolate shop, Dumon Chocolatier. We obviously loved the chocolate and especially loved the kick of energy that it gave the kids to help them make it through the rest of our evening.

Stop 8 - Grote Markt: Next we strolled around the corner to the beautiful Grote Markt square. The buildings were stunning and were lined with lights which made them even more dreamy. The kids ran around the square chasing each other for a while before we ate dinner at a little Italian restaurant in the square. After dinner we strolled through the city for a while exploring its many alleyways and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Christmas market.

A Christmas In Europe - Day 1

Stop 1 - Mini-Europe: On our way into the city center of Brussels, we made a stop at the miniature park, Mini-Europe. The park consists of 350 replicas of some of the best monuments and sites of Europe. The kids loved running from building to building examining the small people and pressing any buttons at each display. Milo was especially interested in the miniature trains they had running through the park.

Stop 2 - Brussels, Belgium: After leaving the miniature park, we headed into the center of Brussels. After parking our car we strolled through the city enjoying the many stalls and lights of the Christmas market. After walking past several waffle shops we stopped at a small walk-up shop and tried our first liege waffles. From the first bite, we were totally hooked.

Stop 3 - Fritland: After strolling through the Christmas markets more we stopped and tried the fries at Fritland, a fry shop which many people online had reviewed as the best fries in Belgium. Although I do love a good french fry, I don't know if I would say the fries at Fritland were notably better than many of the fries I've had other places.

Stop 4 - Manneken Pis: After gorging on our "healthy" snacks, we walked through the city to visit the famous Manneken Pis statue. The statue was much smaller than expected but the kids got a kick out of seeing the naked boy peeing in the fountain. After scolding him for his inappropriate behavior, we continued on our way.

Stop 5 - Grand Palace Square: As we wandered through the city,we stumbled upon a musical light show in Grand Palace Square. We all just stood in awe as the buildings changed colors to the music. Even Cooley didn't move or make a sound as he stared at the colorful buildings. Although it only lasted 10 minutes or so, the light show was easily one of the most memorable and magical experiences we had on our trip.