New York & Belgium

New York City included: time spent with old friends (Eric and Cecily), visit to Times Square, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, seeing Newsies on Broadway (so thrilled about this I wanted to cry), and a trip to the American Museum of Natural History.  Randomness which we enjoyed in NYC included driving (by chance) through a neighborhood mainly inhabited by Hasidic Jews-it was unique to see hundreds from their community gathered together outside as we drove through the block. The time spent of course included delicious food. But Tyler and I both feel after eating now in NYC and Belgium, that food in Portland is competitive (I’m biased-but I’ll continue to say better than) to “the best” we’ve had elsewhere. One of our greatest NYC treats was where we stayed: The Box House Hotel in Brooklyn. It was beautiful, elegant, modern/hip. Far more extravagant than anywhere we’ve stayed before. We were even treated with a free cab service from the hotel to take us to peripheral destinations…complementary wine, etc etc. Overall, it was exhilarating to be in the big apple. The culture is far different from that of chacos and coffee of the west coast. People aren’t as friendly, however, maybe a better way of saying that is they’re seemingly more intentional with their time and focused on personal momentum; whether the focus is their jobs, their friendships, etc. NYC is strong, old, rich with stature, culture, and history- we loved it.

Brussels & Bruges included: Sight seeing. We tried to be undercover, but our American-ness stood out like a sore thumb. Before we would say a word to people, they began conversation with us in English (even when I attempted to speak French). This was okay. We accepted it J. Things we saw in Brussels: Cathedrals, Grand Place (google this- very incredible), Mont Des Arts, Palais Royal….and more. Everything we did was by foot-and it was FREEZING outside. Good thing we’re tough (ha!).We stayed in the Fish Market B&B on “Rue du Grand Hospice.” It was both our first B&B experience. Now I feel it’d be hard to go back to the Motel…Hotel…Holiday Inn (little musical reference, did you catch it?). It has been AWESOME to stay in the B&B. Overall, Belgium people also aren’t the warmest…but, we appreciated the rich diversity of the city, the culture, the beauty of the historic infrastructure, cobble stone streets... It was great. Our favorite aspect of Belgium was a day trip to Bruges. I wish I could tell you all the details-but in summary it was the most charming, romantic (I’ve always felt the description of romantic to be so unclear and subjective until I was in Bruges-which DEFINED romantic), amazing , OLD city. We climbed the belfry tower, which if I remember right, was originally constructed in the 13^th century. I would wish for everyone to be able to visit Belgium.

 

The week has been great. We feel super blessed to have had this great vacation prior to Sierra Leone. Literally in 20 minutes we’re catching a cab to the airport…En Route to Sierra Leone. Our hearts are craving and stoked for the Journey of Joy .We have been unbelievably blessed with provision from God as we’ve prepared, and have been showered in love by our friends and family. Thank you SO MUCH. Thank you. We love you and will miss you. Bye for now!