The search for ingredients

Strolling around different food stores and specialty shops always brings me joy. The other week I overheard my friend say: there's nothing you don't already have in your kitchen! But you know, there's always this one cookie cutter I fancy or a spicy rub that would go well with the chicken breasts in the fridge. A new whisk, a funny egg separator or some foreign product I haven't tasted yet. It's a way of discovering new things and broaden my culinary horizon. I get all excited in those shops and the way home always seems too long. I can hardly wait to unpack my groceries and sort it all out in the cabinets. There's this special foreign cuisine shelf where I like to keep my Asian, Moroccan, Italian and Indian ingredients. Man, I can't wait to discover another specialty shop.
I would love to go to London and do nothing else than explore those little food stores. Preferably by myself, so I don't feel rushed and I don't keep up the others. Because there's no fun for people who don't share that same passion. It excites and relaxes me at the same time. Life's good!

Bienvenue à Paris

You have always been an early bird, and this morning wasn't any different. Your teachers were expecting you kids around 6 AM at the sports facility near school. It's finally going to happen, sweetheart!!! You have been looking forward to this trip all year!! I am almost as excited as you are. It's always an adventure to go on a school trip and if that trip leads you to Paris, well, what can I say? It's such a romantic, bubbly town and it's full of excitement and joy. You'll love it!

There was some discussion on whether you should take your new Canon to Paris or not. I know you're a responsible girl and you'll take very good care of it. So go ahead sweetie and make your best pictures ever! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. That's the best you can do. I hope your stomach won't be too much of an issue. Take care and text us every now and then, okay? Bisous xx

Photo by Lana Joos

Here comes the sun

Don't you just love those sunny days? They sure cheer me up! People tend to be more pleasant if the sun's out and I don't blame them. I love to wake up with sunbeams peeking through the blinds. The game of light playing on the bedding is a game I like to watch. I enjoy the early twitter of the birds outside our window (I don't consider jackdaws birds - I hate jackdaws for they poo on my car). It makes me think of Portland, Oregon, where Blue Jays would sing their song to me early in the morning.

This summer, we'll have a whole lot of sunshine when we will go to Florida as a family. We are really looking forward to that vacation. This time, nobody will be home to take care of the pets, so they'll go to their respective dog and cat moms. Our neighbors would be happy to look after them, but we don't want to bother them. We know how big the responsibility is, to look after someone else's pets. They'll do just fine in pet daycare.

I already got myself a new swimsuit. The girls might need new bikinis too I guess. After all, we won't need much more than swimwear, shorts, shirts and sandals in Florida. Four more months to go.. we're getting there..

Pen pals

Did you ever have pen pals? Strangers you wrote to?

At the age of 12, I started writing to peers around the world. In English of course, no doubt about that. Despite the fact that I had never had English classes before, I thought writing in English could be a true challenge. I'm pretty sure the contents of my letters were no big deal, since I used nothing but a dictionary to help me translate the words. But I had fun and I always looked forward to the letters my pen pals sent me. I used to keep them in a box, that I lost overtime.. with pain in my heart. Those letters were handwritten. No computers nor email in those days.. The charm of getting a handwritten letter someone had struggled on, without a spelling corrector or online translator nearby, is priceless.

I remember - at a certain time - I had 42 kids I corresponded with. That was probably a couple of years later. Some kids I wrote to for many years. I'm thinking of Ginny Tan Tit Sang from Singapore and Kelvin Lai from Hong Kong. Tom Gort from Holland was another person I used to write to. Although he lived (lives) in Holland, we wrote in English. Tom is the only pen pal I actually met in real life. Every now and then, we still hear from one another. Isn't that cool??

The year I spent in the US, my pen pal Kelvin Lai stayed there as well. I was working as an au pair back then, in Oregon and Massachusetts. He was an exchange student in Chicago, Illinois, at the time. We started corresponding again and we planned to meet up in Chicago. I don't remember the exact reason, but Kelvin never showed up. I wonder how he is now..

I have facebooked both Kelvin and Ginny, but there are so many people that share their name, that it's real hard to find them. I believe somewhere in the attic to find a yellow tape, recorded by Kelvin Lai. He wanted to teach me some Chinese phrases. I believe I sent him a tape as well, to teach him some Flemish lines. That was pretty funny, you know. I remember some of those words, like lam hai and loi hai or mu than and fu than. I might try to locate that tape, to see what else I learned from Kelvin.

Say shava shava

For those who are Indian movie lovers like myself: does Kabhi khushi kabhi gham ring a bell? Just the sound of the words are plenty to make me smile. Indian music is so vibrant and catching, it always makes you want to get up and dance.

This evening we came home from spending 3 days in The Hague, Holland. The purpose of our trip was the Bollywood Dance Show in the World Forum Theater annex Novotel Hotel. We had a blast! Let's say 90% of the audience was Indian and they came in their colorful outfits, what made the night even more special. We had great seats and didn't have to miss anything happening on stage. Say shava shava was our most favorite song. Let me warn you: the music is really contagious! That is, if you are willing to open up to Indian music. Bathe yourself in the culture and the atmosphere of Bollywood!

It's always total excitement to spend a couple of days abroad accompanied by our friends. We share the same interests for music, theater, shopping, dining out,.. meaning we do not get bored.. ever! Too bad it was so cold outside. The wind was too much. We were all longing for the Indian sun!

Some years ago, my sister-in-law and I took Indian cooking classes and that was so interesting! I love Indian cuisine! Too bad the hotel restaurant didn't serve an Indian meal beforehand. Their menu was definitely fine and delicious, but we like to do things a little different. I would not have minded chapati, aloo paratha, Bombay potatoes, a spicy curry and a cooling raita for dinner. Maybe we should've bought a couple of shalwar kameez to dress up and enter the theater in style?

We enjoyed the show and there is the need for more hangers to put away the new clothes. The Hague is a wonderful town if you like to shop. Check out The Sting! for your newest outfit or visit the shops in Hasselt or Antwerp on your next bargain hunting.

There's one anecdote from the show I would like to share with you. Young couples get engaged and that's where the engagement ring comes in. The next one in line is the wedding ring. A few years later, you get the "suffering"..

Thank you my friends and hubby, for giving us the opportunity to hang out together and enjoying a great time! It was awesome!

Just the way you are

We all come in different sizes, shapes and personalities. That's what makes the world interesting to say the least. Imagine a world where we would all look alike and share the same opinion. It might be fun for some time, but I would definitely miss the diversity of the people around us. Meeting with and talking to people from different cultures, religions, disabilities or orientation enriches our life. It doesn't mean I would want to live exactly like them or that I need to agree with everything they stand for, but it gives us the opportunity to reflect and think about who we are.

In each person I meet, I find attractive and interesting features that I like to indulge. I'm like a sponge, soaking up as much information I can hold. The world is immensely big. We will never have the chance to visit every country and meet up with locals. That's why I embrace other cultures in my neighborhood. It's different than learning in school or out of a book. It's real life. It's sad that some are too blindsighted to open their heart and let other people get to know them. Maybe they miss out on a unique chance. It doesn't mean you have to become best friends, but at least it will be a new experience. Isn't that the reason why we like to go abroad and travel around? Then why is it so hard to appreciate different people for who they are in our own surroundings..

For your safety

America is very clear about the safety of its residents. Wherever you go, you will hear this opening: for your safety, .. Whether you are in Disney, on an airplane or just buying some items, "for your safety" is practically always part of it.

When we were visiting Epcot, security agents searched our backpacks for unwanted objects. They used their flashlights and patted down our bags. Americans are so used to this procedure, that they believe it to be the most normal thing in the world. It gives me a sort of fake feeling of safety. What can they see in ones backpack? Would you really hide a bomb in a backpack, on top of your spare clothes, drinks and snacks? The ones who really want to misbehave, will find some way to do so. It's just something we don't see in our country and I'm not looking forward to a future of this manner. I feel safe. I don't need anyone to search me or pat me down. I don't need a label on the inside of my shirt, to tell me not to iron the shirt while wearing it.

Things will be different again. This afternoon we landed in Schiphol, Holland, ready to head home. We had another 2 hour 15 min drive ahead of us and we had started our journey the day before around 2 PM. It was a long flight and we were exhausted, but it was worth every penny.

The suitcases have been sorted out and the presents have been handed out. The children were extremely happy to see me (they had missed me for 17 days, remember?) and the whippets.. well.. what can I say: they cried with joy. They jumped all over me and their tongue went in overdrive. Little Inthe brought me all of her toys so I could play with her and Rebba wouldn't leave me alone any longer.

There wasn't much to tell my family, since my voice is now sore and harsh. In the coming week, they will hear more and more about my American adventure. I'm looking forward to telling them all about it.

Crocodile tears

Florida is the state of the gators. We haven't seen any yet - stuffed ones not included - but we know they are out there. There are signs to warn us. There are puddles, ponds, lakes all over the place and they sure look like they have alligators in them. Crocodiles are not my favorite animals, but they are kinda cool, as long as they remain on their property.

Our vacation is coming to an end. I'm having mixed feelings about that. Kissimmee has been everything we expected and more. It's been a wonderful experience and we have seen so much.
The weather has been good and the locals were friendly. They treated us real well and we have no complaints whatsoever. It is a shame though that my family couldn't be here to enjoy the Florida sun and surroundings. I wanted to share it with them, but it wasn't possible this time. They'll get here, no doubt about that. And in the mean time, I'll tell them all about it and I'll show them the pictures. There are lots of presents in my suitcase for them to pick out. We'll have some special cuddle time I guess..

I might shed some tears. It's been good. It's been fun. I have some more memories to file in my archives. Some good moments to remember..

Let's cook!

I want to cook! Today I have bought 4 new cookbooks and I'm very reluctant to put them down. I started reading the recipes and my head is full of grocery lists and ideas. We're having a wonderful time over here and many would be happy to go out dining all the time. Most meals I've had here have pleased me too and none have given me a bloated tummy. But still, I miss my veggies and a home cooked meal.

Today we visited Epcot, one of the Disney Theme Parks. I had not visited one single Disney park before, so I was pretty excited about this event. Disney is huge! It has its own highways, parking lots, restaurants, .. and it's crowded, even out of season. It took us a while to get to the ticket booth, since every visitor has to hand over his backpacks to be checked. What a waste of time.. It gives people a fake feeling of safety and it makes me laugh. But oh well, if that makes them happy..

Disney tickets are expensive. Very expensive. I will never ever again complain about parking costs in Belgium or theme park tickets at home. Going to one of the Disney parks with a family of four, leaves a big gap in your wallet. Make sure to bring at least $ 550 if you want to grab a drink and a bite as well. Don't enter the souvenir shops and bring your own snacks. The prices are just outrageous.

Epcot is a nice theme park if you like to walk around and sniff the Disney atmosphere. The landscapers did a terrific job and there's plenty to see. Epcot is all about different countries, situated around a huge lake. Take your family along this journey to France, Italy, Morocco, China, Japan, Norway and of course the US. We had lunch at this authentic French restaurant where even the waiters were French. And yes, we ran in to some Disney characters and took their pictures. It was nice to hear Mary Poppins's British accent and The Beauty and the Beast were very charming. The best attraction was Soarin'. It is a multi-sensory attraction that simulates a peaceful hang-gliding flight over the Golden State of California.
The multi-passenger glider is lifted 40 feet into the air. An IMAX projection dome wraps 180° around you, so you're fully engulfed by the impressive scenery. It really feels like you're flying as you glide over such awesome vistas and landmarks.
Feel the wind in your hair, while the air fills with the scent of orange groves, evergreens and the sea breeze. You may think your feet will get wet when you dip down so close to the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, before you return to the sky to continue your hang-glider ride.

We did some more shopping after our visit to Epcot. There are so many shops to discover and so many fun treats to lay our hands on. Today was a cold day and I got myself a pair of woolwarm boots to pamper my feet. I got some more presents for the people left behind in Belgium.

We crashed at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse to have a satisfying dinner. We thought being inside could warm us up a little, but air-conditioning thought differently. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our meals and the company, before we went back to the apartment to pack out our goodies and have another chat before we hit the hay..

I don't like Mondays

I honestly believe that many people dread Mondays. I'm not one of them. I like Mondays. I like the first day of the week to be a fresh start. When everyone is back on their way to school or work, I get to organize around the house, run some errands and relax.

Today is going to be a good and pleasant Monday as well, although I'm not home. We're going to Daytona Beach! Did you hear me? Daytona Beach!! Aaarrgghh! That's going to be fudging awesome! The weather forecast made us happy as well and there's lots to do around the area. We have some formalities to fill out while we're there, but for the rest of the day, we'll be strolling around town and digging our toes in the sand.

It's a one hour and a half drive from where we are staying, but over here, distance is no issue. Roads are pleasant to drive on, traffic is chill and we're together. We enjoy ourselves wherever we are, don't we? Maybe we should have a sing-a-long in the car? Our friend is driving and we have a GPS, so there's no real need to pay attention to the road. We're lucky to have a careful driver who is very happy to bring us wherever we want to be.

I'd better start looking for a summer outfit, to fit in on Daytona Beach!

You ain't seen nothing yet

There's so much to see around here. We won't be here long enough to do whatever we would like to do. But so far I'm happy with every outing we do. We have so much fun! We are trying to get the most of everything, tasting a bit of this and that. This afternoon, we decided to pop in at Universal Studios. What a great idea that was! The place was not too packed but still crowded. It gave me a good idea of what to expect when I come back in August with my family.

Lunch at Cracker Barrel, Davenport was a joy! It's a fun place to go to and it's worth the visit. It's another restaurant on my list now. Staff was real friendly and helpful and they have a great store in front. Maybe we'll go back there some day to have breakfast. We took the menu home to check it out. Another restaurant on our list is Panda Express. They are all over the States and we have seen their logo everywhere. Now we only have to decide on the location we want to visit. We'll get there. I got the advise to try the Orange Chicken. Sounds like a plan to me!

Tomorrow, we're going to attend a flea market in the morning. I'm really looking forward to that. It'll be a fun pastime. Late afternoon is reserved for Old Town, near to Kissimmee.

We're going to have a gospel brunch on Sunday. I'd better hit the hay, so I'm rested for all these fun events!

I need a moment..

I'm sitting on my bed in my room in Kissimmee, Florida, indulging the sounds from my "new" household of friends. Mrs T is sitting on the deck at 10 AM, blowdrying her locks and enjoying the sunbeams. It's January!!! I mean, really, I'm wearing T-shirts and the sun is warming my face while typing this blog! One of the friends is relaxing in the living area, another one is rinsing off the fatigue of yesterday in the shower and the third friend is checking the schedule so we can enjoy another day.

I need a moment to think things over. To absorb all the new impressions and relive the memories of the previous days. I feel so blessed to be here. Never would I have thought this would happen to me. I have always had a good feeling about the US and it was my dream to come back here one day. I have gone back to Massachusetts before and to Oregon, but this time it's different. It's like coming home.. I really like Florida. People are friendly, the weather is good, there's so much to do. I can hear this man mow the lawn and the racoons have their parties at night, investigating leftovers in the bins and tasting whatever they feel like having. Getting our groceries at Super Target is like being at home. Opening our fridge and finding goodies to enjoy a little snack, is comforting.
I have this crazy feeling this place could become my second home..

Cash to splash

I still can't believe we are actually in Kissimmee, Florida. What a joy! It's been quite a journey, but we're here and we're online. There's a router in our apartment now so we have free access to the Internet. It's always nice to keep in touch with you people at home and by checking my analytics, I can tell you have been waiting for some news. Well, let's give you an update.

Kissimmee is awesome! That's not what we can say about Orlando airport, where 80 yo ladies are being tested on drugs and patted down. We were glad to get out of there and pick up the huge rental car. Just the right size to stack in our luggage (I have no idea how many rides we're going to take back to the airport after all of our shopping trips) and make safe trips to wherever our driver takes us.

We were tired when we arrived at the apartment, but still in doubt whether we would start doing some shopping or not. I love the US! No need to worry if the shops will still be open. They are always open!
Can you believe we went grocery shopping at Walmart? We were joking about getting one shopping cart each, but in the end, that's what we did. The place is huge and we came two eyes short to see it all. There are just way too many shops around here. I was told there's a great supermarket called Publix. We'll have to check it out, as soon as we leave Super Target.

You may be sure: we won't have time to go hungry. Romano's Macaroni Grill is a great place to enjoy an excellent meal and Hoolihan's was a pleasure too! But there are so many places we want to spend money on.

There's a great mall called Winter Garden Village you can compare to Maasmechelen, but better. Oh my gosh... thanks Visa and Mastercard, for allowing us to splash some cash!

Que vas tu faire sans moi?

I was told your intestines rumble. It was not a nice sound. You were feeling pretty uncomfortable. Every time you're in a stressful situation, your intestines get upset. You give me an accusatory glance and I look back at you and nod my head. It's not fair. Don't do that. We have a life too, you know. There's no need to make us feel bad. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's not the end of the world, okay? It's not like we dump you somewhere and forget about you. You're not even home alone, you're in good hands, so relax Rebba. There's no need to worry. I'll be home before you know it..

Rebba..

Amsterdamned

We were supposed to be in Orlando by now. Fate has decided otherwise. We are still in Amsterdam, near the airport. We were all up and ready to check in at the airport, when a crowd of people waiting in line overwhelmed us. We stayed calm, did whatever what was asked of us (checking in your own passport and printing the tickets is part of the deal now) and waited in line. And waited.. and waited. Some people in front were holding up the line, because one had some stupid bird cage to check in. It felt like ages before he finally checked in. By the time it was our turn, the clock had been ticking away too many quarters of hours. We took a sigh, put the luggage on the transporter and handed over the boarding passes. To hear this awful ominous message: I'm sorry, your flight has been closed.. Hello??? What do you mean, our flight has been closed?? Twenty minutes before closing time and almost an hour before the plane was about to take off, the flight had been closed??

We couldn't believe what we were being told.. We were given several options:

• you forget about the whole thing and you go home
• you book a flight to Dublin without any sight on a connecting flight to Orlando and no place to stay in the meantime
• you check with your airlines to rebook your flight some other day
• or you check with some other airlines to book a new flight at your own expense

We were a bit confused to say the least. Our friends have put so much effort, time and energy in planning this whole trip, I really felt bad for them. They are so peculiar about getting everything organized and then..

But hey, did you really think we were going to cancel our vacation? Absolutely not! We pulled ourselves together, rolled up the sleeves and thought things over. Our best option was to rebook our flight with the same airlines. Meaning we couldn't leave earlier than January 4th. Okay, that was not the best offer and certainly not the plan, but it was the only acceptable offer.

The shuttle brought us back to the hotel and we decided to extend our vacation. Meaning we'll get to spend 3 extra days in Amsterdam! And that's not such a bad deal, is it? After all, Amsterdam is not Timbuktu, is it? We won't shorten our vacation either. We'll stay in Florida a little longer than planned. You won't hear me cry about it. Instead of a 12 day vacation, we'll have a 15 day vacation! More time to enjoy each other's company. So yes, I'm a happy girl!

We have a plane to catch!

This is it! Move out of the way you guys, we have a plane to catch!! I'm so excited I'm nearly falling apart. For two months, I have been looking forward to this journey and now it's become reality. My new passport in one hand, the ticket to Orlando, Florida in the other hand, I'm ready to order a Latte Macchiato before we head off to customs.

I'm thinking back of my first trip to the US, so many years ago. I was young, naïve, adventurous and had no money in my pocket. Things have changed a bit over the years, but some things will never change. I will always be an adventurer and travelling will be a hobby that lasts forever. There are quite some states I have visited already: Oregon, Washington State, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois. And now I can add Florida to that list. Not bad huh? I can say I have visited more states within the US as I have seen countries within Europe!

I really have to go now.. I'll miss you peeps and pets at home, but I'll have so much energy when I return!

Helicopter moms and Free range dads

As you know, we have two beautiful young teen daughters. Well, young, they are not that young anymore. The oldest is turning a sweet 16 soon and her sister will be 14 in no time. They are no longer considered children, meaning they can sit with the adults at family parties and have grown up meals.

Growing up comes with responsibilities and doing chores and taking good care of yourself. We trust our children in that manner, that they will behave and do what's appropriate. Meaning I'm no helicopter mom, breathing in their necks and chasing them in whatever they do. They have a certain amount of freedom, the kind of freedom they can handle. The oldest has more freedom but also more responsibilities. The youngest needs more guidance and steering before she comes to her responsibilities, but she's learning. She's more the typical teenager than her sister. But that's okay, it's part of growing up.

Their father used to be more of a free range dad. He's not that strict and more willing to give in, but lately I have come to realize he has changed somehow. He interferes more in the education of the girls and they listen to his advice. He's so patient - so much more than I am - and good at letting them know the rules. He may not be as consistent as I am - the girls know I mean what I say and I'll persevere in what we have agreed on - but that's okay too. Whenever the girls trip over an issue, the issues aren't that big they can't be solved. They are just minor problems, often not worth mentioning.

Both the girls are pretty independent. They have learned how to cook a simple meal, how to mop floors or iron shirts and sheets. That's what I wanted for them: independence. I want to make sure they will be able to live by themselves before they decide to live with a partner. That's why I'm a big fan of letting them live apart when they decide to go to college. And yes, the girls agree. They like their independence. They like the fact that they can be by themselves for a while, without mom or dad constantly stepping in.

I'm leaving for Orlando, Florida this week. The girls will be at home with their dad, but at the same time, they will spend some time alone when he's at work. That doesn't worry me at all, because I know they are capable of doing so. They will cook and clean up their mess and take care of the pets. I'm proud of them..

Check!

Passport: check!
Dollars: check!
Medication: check!
Insulin pump:..

Getting organized for our upcoming trip to Orlando, it hit me that I had not asked my diabetes nurse for a spare insulin pump. Darn! That was so stupid! I can't believe I actually forgot something that important. I cannot take the risk to go abroad for 12 days without a spare insulin pump. It's just too tricky. You never know what happens and I have no intention to drag along syringes, absolutely not!

That's where my diabetes nurse - bless her - comes in. Immediately she started making phone calls. And yes, she pulled it of! She got a hold of the sales representative (he's adorable) to make further arrangements. I was late to submit my order, but nevertheless, the people at Roche company assured me they would get a travel pump ready for me. Hubby could pick it up after work in Brussels. What a relief! I don't expect any abnormalities, but I'd rather be prepared. Although the US is way ahead of our teeny tiny country, they don't have access to this marvellous Accu-Chek Combo pump. Bummer! Let's keep our fingers crossed I won't have to open the emergency box with the travel pump. I won't screw up this time.. ! I may hope..

It's the end of the year

You have no idea how much I have been looking forward to the end of this year.. We never really celebrate Sylvester, but this year is going to be different. Our house will be packed with family, although Hubby and I won't be home. We'll be celebrating the end of 2010 in Holland, near the airport, where several rooms have been booked for us and our friends. It's a very special occasion, since a holiday in Orlando, Florida is waiting for us! I'm so excited and at the same time, it's kinda weird, since Hubby and the girls are not joining me. This time, it's just me and the friends.

I'm still not done packing my suitcase. I have no clue what to put in it. Times have been weird lately and sun and snow are altering in Florida as well as over here. I know there are plenty of stores to buy whatever we need, but I'd rather be prepared!

I'll bring the MacBook along, to keep in touch with my family and friends. I hope to post some pictures every now and then as well.

Happy New Year!!!

Hunting

I want to go hunt for new clothes! Really... I mean, my dresser is close to empty. I keep filling bags with clothes that need to go to the clothes bin or vintage shop. Same for my shoes... and that is more painful. I hate to throw out shoes, but after some fitting sessions, I came to the realization that some shoes will never be worn again, so they have to go.

I like my nearly empty closet. I gives me a sense of freedom and a better overview of what to wear. Some pieces have hardly ever been worn and others were so worn out, I should have let go a long time ago. I'm ready to make a list of basics I will need. Two pairs of well fitted jeans is the first item on the list. A crisp white tailored blouse is another must have. And an amazing belt! I would like grey dresser pants too, and a warm wool sweater. I need some color in my dresser. I have bought some beautiful dresses last months, so no more dresses, or it would have to be another dress I simply can't resist.

Who wants to join me??? I need a personal shopper!!!