Antwerp and then the beach

On Saturday I left Brugge around noon and headed to Antwerp, Belgium.  I spent only a few hours in Antwerp as I wanted to return "home" for the night.  Since most everything was within walking distance of the train station, I feel that I saw all the main sites I wanted to see.  Antwerp was a busier city than Brugge and definitely had a shopping street that seemed to be a main attraction.  This isn't really my thing, but other people seemed to enjoy it!  I toured Cathedral of Our Lady (Google images to see).  Gorgeous!! I also spent time walking around and admiring the historical center buildings and down by the river.  Since Antwerp didn't seem to have as much character as Brugge, I was glad I spent the majority of my time in Brugge.  I returned home by about 8pm on Saturday eve and Sebastiaan picked me up at the train station.

On Sunday, we started the day with breakfast while watching football (aka soccer) highlights.  This is their Sunday tradition!  Afterwards, we drove to the beach (about 45 minute drive).  There were beautiful homes in this area, woods, dunes, and of course the beach.  It was a little windy so there were several kite surfers enjoying the weather.  Sebastiaan, Isabel, and I went for a walk on the beach.  Bregje waited for us at the beach restaurant.  We were very excited she was even feeling well enough to join us.  It seems maybe her pregnancy sickness is finally starting to subside!! :) We had a nice lunch at the beach and then headed home for nap time.  I napped for a little bit, but Isabel decided not to nap.  So, she and I had some quality time so mama and papa could get a little nap!  We had a nice dinner (veal, rice, etc) and spent the evening visiting and relaxing at home.

Today (Monday) will be low key as I prepare for my trip to Switzerland.  I'll take a 12 hour train ride tonight leaving at 8:30pm.  I'll arrive Tuesday morning and spend the day in Zurich & Schauffhausen.  Tuesday evening I will be meeting Martin.  Martin and I did a Habitat for Humanity build in the Dominican Republic in 2007.  He and his wife and daughter live about 30 minutes by train from Zurich.  He works in Bern and will be meeting me after work.  It will be fun to see him after 6 years!  And, it will be nice to have someone to tour the city with that evening.

More when I'm in Switzerland . . .