We arrived in Brussels on a blustery March day after a daylong journey from Hamburg, Germany via Koln. It is delightful to experience the German precision timing of the trains complete with markings to let you know exactly where you need to get on your train compartment. 
Our time in Brussels was punctuated by connections with friends from a while ago (since 2000), even longer (1991) and some time on our own after getting a bit ill.
After so many months on the road, it was a delight to be with friendly faces that welcomed us into their homes with open arms, home cooked meals.
One friend has two boys a little younger than Canyon and Oakley and thus, had the best selection of dress up outfits and toys for make believe games boys of 8 and 10 could wish for. 
It was soothing to be in someone else’s family rhythm of market shopping, cooking, washing up and school work. Also, to be the adults and tasting Belgian beers and soft French cheeses while the kids ran around. It felt like a holiday!
Our continuing world schooling agenda was punctuated by a visit to the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History  in which we saw many of the uniforms from WWII, our first real Knights in armor as well as 1000 year old swords.
It is one thing to read about them and quite another to see them live. Oakley is now on a Knights kick that has been carrying us throughout Europe. 
We also got to a county where I could brush off my Dutch skills and plunk clumsily through conversations to get some of our needs met.
The first time in many moons that I had a little bit of skill in the local language. Yes, most Europeans are adept at speaking English but, I really like to try to address folks in the native tongue when possible.Â
We had been doing this for awhile. Learning please, thank you and the first 10 numbers whenever possible. In Belgium, my effort stalled when we met French speakers as my French is very, very, very, very weak but, folks were very accommodating to my Dutch.
In any case, our kids were wide eyed when I spoke in a language they didn’t know I knew. Canyon immediately proclaiming that he wants to learn another language and study. Who said we can’t inspire our kids. If any of this travel helps us inspire our kids well, Yahoo! That has been the purpose from this trip from the get go. 
With our friends, we also visited the House of European History at the European Parliament. A six floored, super friendly, kid oriented way to get some understanding of all these unique countries that have banded together to create the European Union. Whatever your thoughts of Brexit, one ought to explore the layers of this unique, complex gathering of countries.Â
Ahhh, it was delightful. The sampled frites, organic markets, gorgeous chocolate and sumptuous coffees not to mention the beers. Connecting with long time friends and hopefully, creating some connections for our kids in making friends that I hope will last their life times. That is part of the purpose of this trip.
