Antwerp Christmas Market

We arrived in Antwerpen, Belgium at night and stayed on a square overlooking the Christmas Market. We walked along the river and discovered a castle museum with ancient ships. We watched skaters. We wandered in and out of streets with amazing Christmas displays.

Our tour of Our Lady's Cathedral was delayed due to a funeral. The herse was a Rolls Royce. The wait was worth it.

The artwork is stunning. It houses several masterful paintings by Peter Paul Rubens.

Walking along the streets of Antwerpen, this hand sculpture appeared. I love the illustration of resting in the palm of God's hand. It seemed a perfect place for me to pose.

Antwerpen, Belgium is a town I had never heard of. It was full of surprises. We can't wait to go back there again.

http://www.antwerpen.be/eCache/BEN/52.html

Brussels Christmas Market

Brussels is historic. Brussels is enchanting.
We sat on these steps for lunch which we bought at a Christmas Market booth.

The Market Square is sometimes called the Grand Square.

Belgium is famous for chocolate and waffles. I love the chocolate. Bob loves the waffles.





A carousel by the historic theatre.





We were treated to a heavy frost on the drive to Belgium, painting a magical countryside.

Christmas Day

While the grass has stayed green, baby Jesus was covered with frost this morning at our house.

We are all smiles in front of our lovely tree.
Our son makes a nice, tall elf
Bob made pancakes which we all enjoyed.

Merry Christmas!

Mallorca: Best Family Pictures

How can one not relax being in a place like the Peninsula de Formentor, on top of the Island of Mallorca and feeling on top of the world!

Bob reflects on life at the lighthouse at the Cap de Formentor.

Bob and I loved our rainy day excursion up the cliffs of the West Coast to the Mirador de ses Animes.




Our son loved exploring this Castell de Bellver and the days of Knights.

These next two photos were taken on the beach near our hotel in Playa de Palma.

This family photo was taken at the round Castle de Bellvur, overlooking the city of Palma.


At Capacorb Vell, a civilization from 3000 years ago evokes images of Fred Flintstone. I wished Bob had a turkey leg to eat for this photo.
Here we are at the most beautiful place on the island and our son is reading a book and eating an apple!

Because of tight spots to park, little cars abound in Europe. One could carry this in a backpack!


We kept very busy travelling around the island of Mallorca during our week's stay. Yet the beauty of the island and time of reflection warmed our hearts.

Yes, we would love to come back here again someday.

Mallorca: Best scenic photos

Mallorca is an island east of Spain. We covered most of the island during our stay and put 800 km on our rental car. The photo above is on the top of Mallorca, the Peninsula of Formentor.

The Castell de Bellver is one of the few round castles in the world. It is on the bottom of the island overlooking the city of Palma.
The harbor in Palma, the largest city on the island, has a great view from the old wall.

This grand gothic Cathedral in Palma sits right next to the Harbor.

The Cathedral lights up at night next to the Palace Almudaina, still used as a palace for the King and Queen of Spain today when they stay at Mallorca.

The lookout called Mirador de ses Animes built around 1500 to look for pirates.


From it you can see up and down the entire West Coast



Sunrise at the sleepy fishing village of Cala Figurera on the Southeast coast.
Sunrise an hour later at the East Coast fishing village of Peurto Petro

A fisherman on the beach near S'Arenal
Double click to view up close the panorama of the bay where we stayed.