My cousin Maria and her two sons Liam (14) and Sean (12) came to visit us over their spring break from school. Every day was jammed packed and we had a blast!
Day 1: They arrived on Good Friday. We picked them up very early at the airport and after a shower, food, and a quick nap, we took them on a train to see the stately Beersell Castle.
Built around 1300 out of red brick, vs stone like most castles of this time, it is one of Flanders greatest medieval castles. Today it is just a shell, but so much fun to run around in.
We were the only people there which made it even more special. D ran ahead and discovered the torture chamber. The rest of us were startled when we walked into the room and found him on the torture rack.
I've got my cousin right where I want her…I shall operate on her brain!!
I shall stretch you until you give me the secret information!
We saw the funniest sign outside of the castle – Beware! Frog Crossing. Unfortunately, we did not see any frogs crossing.
Day 2: It was all about eating. We took them to our local market where Sean and Liam started the day off with waffles.
Next we visited The Grande Place, the Manneken Pis, the Jeanneke Pis, etc… and ate doner kebabs for lunch.
Cousins, but people think we are sisters.
The boys in the chocolate shop.
As always, there were crazy things going on.
We ran into two "Hen-dos" (bachelorette parties in the US) where the bride's friends dress her up and make her beg for money. Sean's was a dentist and although she looked like the more risque one……Liam's had very naughty giveaways in her basket!
We had to introduce them to the Famous Brussels Pommes Frites (French Fries). Did you know that the French fry was invented in Belgium not France?
After a long day of eating and walking – everyone was hungry! So we stopped for more waffles and ice cream!
Maria did not order anything – but she sure kept stealing bites from Sean!
Believe it or not – we all ate a big roasted chicken for dinner that night.
Just as we were getting ready to leave for the Easter service, Sean pulled out his dress pants and he had packed the wrong pair – they were 6 inches too long! You can guess that Maria was NOT happy! We had to do a quick tape job….Which had us all laughing!
That evening we went to the Cathedral of St Michael in Brussels (built 1047), for an Easter service – a Gregorian Chant. When we arrived the church was dark.
The priests walked in with very large candles and each of us had a candle which was lit from the large ones. The first 15 minutes was in candlelight. It was very special. I had to snap a photo (I know I know – not during the service!). Blurry since I couldn't use a flash, but still interesting.
Day 3: Easter Sunday. Maria, Sean and Liam went to another Cathedral for noon service. We then ate a big lunch of Cassoulet and speculoos and chocolate bread pudding for dessert. We then took a long walk in a neighborhood we knew was lively for a holiday.
and some are lively no matter where they are!
We ate on the coffee table in the family room while we watched top chef, a British cooking competition show.
Day 4: Maria, Liam, Sean and I hopped on the train to Ghent.
We visited the Gravensteen Castle built in 1180 and walked to the top of the Belfry (built 1313).
We had lunch at a nice Dutch restaurant. It was Easter Monday, a holiday in Belgium, so most everything else was closed.
Liam had what he declared the best waffle of the trip and after him eating 10 I trust his opinion! Maria, Sean and I opted for Speculoos Mc Flurry's – Sean favorite sweet of the trip!
That evening the boys played several hands of cards.
Day 5: Brugge – a perfect day to visit one of the most beautiful towns in Europe.
Everywhere you look is a photographic opportunity. This lake is referred to as the Lake of Love.
An artist taking advantage of the beautiful street scene. Think D will be in his painting?
Liam had borrowed Donald's sweater and scarf as it was a little chilly. He decided he wanted to buy a scarf to take home. We found this one and Donald gave him the sweater. He is now looking very European!
I love this photo Maria took of me and D.
A break for a beer…. some of us enjoyed ice cream instead.
and one last group photo!
We hope to see Maria, Liam, and Sean next year during spring break!
The XtraSuitcase 
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