Opa!!!

Well it is has been quite some time since my last post... OOPS!  Since then Dustin and I have had some AWESOME visits from my little sister, Nikki, as well as my other little sister, Emily, and her boyfriend, Anthony!  Filled with lots of day trips and a fabulous Rhine River cruise in Germany.  We've also been busy getting our apartment together, and over 6 months later we are.... well lets just say close to being done!  But I am now holding myself to keeping my blog updated and sharing all of our adventures and discoveries for our 2 more years here in Belgium!

Dustin was assigned a TDY in Greece for last week to attend a NATO workshop/exercise, so since it was during my birthday, we decided to take advantage of the free hotel and fly me out there as well!  

Our Hotel (to the left)

We arrived in Khania Saturday afternoon and spent the day walking around and exploring the city.  Our hotel was right on the water overlooking the old lighthouse.  I was just amazed by the place... everywhere you looked there were ruins and mountains in the distance.  We booked an excursion for the morning so decided on an early Greek dinner of delicious vine leaves, staka, and pasta!  

Ready for Our Hike

The next morning we woke up at a very early 5:15 to catch the bus at 6 for our 17 Kilometer Samorian Gorge Excursion!  The bus took us through a very windy drive to the top of the mountain for the beginning of the hike.  The hike to the gorge began with a part known as the Xyloskalo, which is a zig-zag path of 3,300 feet in a little over a mile.    

The Starting Point of Our Hike

  

About 1/4th the Way through the Hike

There were 3 major stops along the hike, the second being in the ancient city of Samaria which was inhabited until the area became reserved as a national park.  There were several ruins of buildings, homes, and walls around.

Samaria

After we reached Samaria, our hike led to the actual Samarian Gorge, which is the longest gorge in all of Europe.  The sight was unreal, between to large rock walls, we were walking through the river basin, up and over pebbles and large rocks.  We had way to much fun!!!  And of course I loved the fact that the only flowers were pink!

We eventually reached the river, which was so clear!  The water is preserved for drinking so you cannot swim in it, although it was so tempting!  There were several wooden bridges that we crossed.  I must admit it got a little nerve racking in the areas where the water was flowing REALLY fast!

Getting a Drink of Water

Crossing One of the Bridges

A few hours later, we made it to the end of the gorge and through the city of Kri Kri to the amazing, black pebble Agios Pavlos Beach for two hours of sunbathing and relaxation.  I couldn't dream of a better way to end an amazing hike!

Agios Pavlos Beach

The Bluest, Clearest Water!

 We eventually met up with our tour guide, and took a ferry to our bus and after a long, windy drive back through the mountains, I passed out in our room while Dustin met up with his boss for dinner.

The rest of the week, I spent my days exploring the amazing city of Khania!  I saw the beautiful churches, really cool Archeology museum, Maritime Museum, Fort Firca, shopped for some awesome pottery, and relaxed at the beaches.  And of course our vacation wouldn't be complete without yummy Greek dinners every night!  I can't say I minded spending the days to myself exploring the city, going wherever I wanted, and meeting up with Dustin and the rest of the guys for dinner and drinks!

On Friday, Dustin had to go into work for a few hours, but then we met up with some new friends for a few hours of sunbathing on the beach before heading out to the touristy snorkeling cruise.

On Our Snorkeling Cruise!

It was so neat to drive around the different islands.  At our first swim stop, we were able to swim over to a sunken German aircraft from WWII.  The little kids in Dustin and I were determined to swim to the bottom and touch it, which we did but now I am suffering from some crazy infected ears from the pressure and water, but it was totally worth it!

The next stop was at a small island where Dustin and I, like kids again, swam over to the island and climbed up all the rocks to see the amazing views!  When we got back to the boat we enjoyed suffered through shots of Raki and ate some yummy watermelon.

Headed back to the Port after our Snorkeling Cruise 

That night we met up with our friends again for a great last night dinner!  Unfortunately Saturday morning brought an early flight back to cold, cloudy Belgium!  I already miss Greece, and the yummy food, extremely friendly people, and plastic bottles of wine!

Plastic Bottles of Wine!

 Click HERE for more pictures of our adventures in Crete.  And until next time.... OPA!!!!!

The Luck of the Irish!

Sorry for the late update, I've been super busy planning out the details for our trip to Denmark next weekend!  Everything is officially booked and I am super excited, especially considering now I can start planning out my little Noodle's visit (which I am even more super excited about)!

But back to the update... St Patrick's Day in Brussels was a BLAST!  Dustin and I arrived in Brussels late that afternoon and John and Amy arrived shortly after us.  We were pleasantly surprised at how nice the hotel was, considering the last hotel we stayed in was one of those that you do NOT take off your shoes!  While John and Amy were getting ready, we decided to have a drink in the hotel lobby.  Then it was off to dinner!

Having a drink in the hotel lobby

John and Amy have all boys so they are always down for something quick and easy to eat, but I still cannot force myself to eat at one of the fast food shawarma places.  Theres just something about looking at this big hunk of meat on a rotisserie and watching the sweaty guy shave off slices of oily meat that I find totally unappetizing!  Luckily Dustin knows me well enough to quickly come up with a plan B and recommend a nice little restaurant.  The food was delicious and I definitely enjoyed the quiet time before heading out to celebrate with the crowd.

Outside of the Restaurant

 After dinner we met up with some more friends and headed off to O'Reilly's Irish Pub.  They were PACKED and weren't letting anyone else in, so we were referred to their Irish disco bar two doors down.  I don't know if I would call it Irish, but we definitely had a great time.  Although I do feel like an old lady going out here as the places are filled with 16 year olds.

Happy St Patricks Day from Brussels

I had planned on meeting up with my friend, Maggie, and she luckily had snagged a table outside at O'Reilly's, so while the rest of our group was finishing up their drinks we headed over to hang out with her and her boyfriend for a little bit.  Then it was off to the next place, and the next, and the next.... and so the night went on!

We eventually ended up at Delirium which was a blast!  But I have to admit, it wasn't too long before the European stinch started to get to me... if you know what I mean!  A group of crowded drunks, dancing, in a hot bar, without deodorant is not the most pleasant experience!

The boys at Delirium

After we decided to leave we met up with another group of our friends at another Irish Pub.  They were all out celebrating one of the guy's birthdays.  After a few more pubs we eventually ended up back at Delirium with them... whew I was super tired by then!  Let's just say that is Dustin and I learned 2 major lessons:

1. Our group of friends don't mix too well here!
2. Its not a good idea to try to meet up with 3 groups of people doing 3 different things in 1 night!

 The next morning we ran in to another couple we are friends with, Beaux and Oana, as we were headed out of the hotel to find lunch.  They were doing the same so we all went down to the Grand Place for lunch.  It was delicious and it was great to hang out with a couple that is closer to our age.

BEAUTIFUL Day in Brussels!

Dustin and I spent the rest of the early afternoon walking around, shopping for some "Easter Happies" for our favorite little guys (Peyton, Spencer, & Emma), and of course a Starbucks run!

I always enjoy guessing how the Starbuck's barista will interpret our name...
Dandon = Dustin :)

We eventually had to leave our Irish get away to run the usual Sunday errands!  Just hope your St. Patty's Day was as fun and eventful as ours!

My First Belgian St Patrick's Day!

Happy St Patrick's Day... the day that I totally take advantage of the last name "McDonald" without mentioning my majority German heritage!

As Dustin works on his schoolwork I whipped up a quick St Patty's Day breakfast... Shamrock Pancakes!

St Patty's Day Breakfast: Shamrock Pancakes, Bacon, & a Banana
(Promise the pancakes aren't as burnt as they looks, just whole wheat pancakes)

We're headed up to Brussels shortly to celebrate St Patrick's Day with a bunch of friends which I am quite excited about.  They have awesome Irish pubs there.  So I am sure I will have lots to share with you, but to start your weekend off with a little smile I found a article on Eupedia.com that I wanted to share: "You Know You've Been In Belgium Too Long When..."

I love living in Belgium, but everywhere has its perks and faults so I'm not totally hating, but this might give you a good idea of what life is like here and hopefully a few giggles :)

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Here Comes the Sun!

My apologies for the slacking lately, things have been pretty crazy over here.  But the beginning of this week I was determined to start back up again.  That is until the sun came!  The sun?!  What is that?

I have learned to appreciate any day that isn't drowned with a cold drizzle of rain all day, but when Dustin and I came out of mass on Sunday we were greeted by a bright blue sky and blinded by a bright shining sun.  This called for an immediate re-planning of the day's plans.  We could not waste the precious sun-filled day!

The Blue Sky in the Grand Place!

We headed home so I could make a big French toast breakfast and Dustin could finish up some school work.  Of course all four large windows were open to give us a taste of the beautiful weather.  Then we met up with some friends at the Brocante (fancy name here for a flea market) in Ath, before finishing the day with some drinks in the Grand Place.

He was confused by the weather too! 

Monday led to even more procrastinating and sun filled days, so Tuesday I had to get some shopping done for our apartment.  I am truly enjoying the freedom of having my own car here and I think I am a much better solo furniture shopper than when I have a partner.  My trip to Ikea resulted in 2 light fixtures, picture frames, pots for the porch, and dining room chairs.  All for only $315 Euros.... I'd say thats a success!

Beautiful Flowers to Dustin brought me... I think Spring is here!

Today I was delightfully greeted by another sunny, blue skied day.  I think hell froze over?!  I mean Brussels is the 5th wettest city in Europe and it doesn't storm here so that means it just drizzles rain ALL the time!  Three days of amazing weather in Belgium is not a likely thing.  Dustin even asked me if I thought kids here grew up thinking the sky was grey and I would not be surprised if they did!

My First Package from Home!

I received the most wonderful package from home today thanks to my fabulous mom and sister!

I knew the package was coming, because my mom had told me to keep a look out for a FedEx delivery so I wasn't too surprised when the door bell rang (it usually startles me since we don't have many deliveries here).  I answered the intercom and asked the delivery man to wait one moment and I would meet him downstairs.

Then it was the mad scramble to find my shoes and keys and run down the stairs.  A little out of breath, I opened the door but no one was there.  I looked up and down the street for the delivery truck but he was long gone... really?!  I guess I should be grateful that he left me a blank notice that I missed the delivery.

I so wanted something from home so I tried to call the delivery company, but they told me I had to send an email and they would reschedule the delivery.  So I sent an email just not a very nice email.  Granted I was polite but I definitely gave them a little piece of my mind.  I think it was a combination of being home sick and really tired of the crazy work ethic of the Walloons (French Belgians).  Who really thinks it is okay to open up a store at 11:00 and close at 15:00, including an hour lunch break?!  It honestly blows my mind sometimes.  Oh how I miss the CONVENIENCE and EFFICIENCY of America.

Not to totally rag on the people here.  There are several kind, hard working people, but just the overall outlook on business and customer service is so strange to me.

Anyways.... after my rant, I am proud to say that I have a real taste of New Orleans in our apartment... King Cake Vodka!

Now just to wait for the perfect night and drink recipe to open it.  The bottle is so cute, I might just fill it with water once it is gone and keep it in our bar cabinet!  But my favorite part about it is who it came from!

My First Missed Mardi Gras!

Happy Mardi Gras!  Even with a Carnival celebration in Cologne, the festival season has not been completely fulfilled for me... I miss Mardi Gras in New Orleans!  I think I stalked everyone's Facebook photos throughout the day just to get a glimpse of the festivities.

I was determined to bring a little New Orleans to our apartment this evening.  My initial thought was alcohol, because what else screams Mardi Gras?!  But Dustin and I are both trying to get over a cold and I don't think I have fully recovered from the celebration in Cologne.  So what else screams New Orleans and Mardi Gras... FOOD!  Jambalaya was the choice for dinner since I can easily find all of the ingredients here (of course it was a reduced fat recipe to make myself feel a little better!)

Homemade Jambalaya & Salad

And what else would complete dinner rather than king cake and Community Coffee's Carnival Cake flavored coffee!  The king cake was not even close to real king cake and it definitely wasn't reduced in calories at all.  But I don't feel to bad since I did suffer through an hour of P90X plyometrics this morning... BLAH!

Carnival Cake Coffee

Little King Cakes with Gold Sprinkles

Definitely not enough Mardi Gras for me, but I guess it will have to do.  Oh what I wouldn't do for a good parade and a Sangria Swirl from Superior... Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler!

My First Carnival!

My Louisiana-native self was quite depressed about missing Mardi Gras so Dustin treated me to a weekend of Carnival Celebration in Cologne, Germany!

We left Friday evening after he was off work and drove a quick two and half hours to Cologne.  (I am still in love with how close everything is here!)  Since we didn't check into our hotel until pretty late that night, we drove out to the city to grab a bite to eat and a cocktail to kick off our weekend!  Since most of the places we wanted to try were already closed we decided to walk around until we found something.  That is when we ran into a "South African Street Food" restaurant.  We both laughed at the sign but once we got to the front of the restaurant we had to step in.

Our German African Dinner at Shaka Zulu

It was full of fun colors and eclectic art as well as a whole page of cocktails (I felt like I was back in New Orleans!)  Since we didn't know what half of the food was (African food in German, yeah we were lost!) we decided to do the sampler menu.  Dustin had an African beer and I had a pomegranate caprinha, which was quite yummy.  But the drinks weren't even comparable to the food.  First we had warm bread with a garlic spread, potato soup with chili pepper, chicken curry pastry, roasted sweet potatoes and mushrooms, some traditional veggie dish, sauteed spinach with peanuts, stewed beef and rice and corn grits.  It was so delicious!  We walked around a little more after dinner just to people watch and check out all the costumes but called it an early night so we would be refreshed for the next day.

Mardi Gras Lights at the Hotel
(I know they look blue in the pic, but promise they were purple) 

The next day we grabbed Starbucks before heading to Neumarkt.  They had a huge party in the square, with a live band and plenty of beer.  We only stayed for a little while because it was too crowded to even get beer.  We did a little window shopping and bought a mask for me and a hat for Dustin so we would feel more festive without costumes.  Since things were quieting down around Neumarkt, we followed to crowds to the city center for more beer and dancing in the streets!

Dustin in front of the party in Neumarkt 

Cheers!

Dustin in his hat in front of the Cathedral

It's the Morgan in You

Carnival Beer

We eventually made our way to a local bar for beer and wine and people watching (of course!)  By this point I knew Dustin was on the verge of being hangry (hungry angry) so we stopped at a German restaurant for some wiener schnitzel and fries.  I know how to make my hungry German boy happy!  Then it was off for some more exploring and bar hopping.  We had a blast... eh maybe a little too much fun!  Everyone was so happy, all drinking and singing old German drinking songs, Trinklieders!  I also loved all of the costumes.  It was like Halloween and Mardi Gras all mixed together!  

Lady Power! haha

At the Jazz Bar... my favorite stop of the night!

 We were a little slow getting up this morning but we eventually made it to breakfast and were off for some exploring.  Ironically we ended up at a parade route right when the parade was starting.  The parade consisted of 38 groups, all schoolchildren representing their school.  The costumes were all handmade and they threw loads of candy.  Supposedly it is a really big deal for the schools, which you could tell by the amount of time and effort they put into the costumes.

Pie Themed Costumes

Birthday Themed Group

Mona Lisa's

So much fun!

Shoes!

We then ventured our way back towards the city center.  We luckily caught another parade.  This one had more floats and different groups.

Clown Float

Rhine River Float

 We headed home early so Dustin could finish his school work, but not before Dustin got his bratwurst!

It is so easy to make him happy

 On the way home we passed through some crazy sleet, but it eventually turned into snow which made for a beautiful end to our fabulous weekend!

Crazy Sleet

German Snow!