Bruges

Bruges
The first weekend after the New Year, Jesse and I went to Bruges, Belgium. It was about a 3 hour drive there to the “Venice of the North.” This city of course is very old. Canals run through it, but were frozen so Jesse didn’t get the boat ride he wanted. We stayed in a quaint bed and Breakfast with only 2 or 3 rooms ran by a family. It really was one of the nicer rooms we’ve ever stayed in, in Europe. She made us breakfast every morning complete with open faced sandwiches, eggs anyway we like and a chocolate fondue machine to dip fruit. From the hotel we walked a good 10-15 mins in the freezing cold (thermals again) and explored old windmills, buildings, and shops.




The first day we climbed the big clock tower 366 steps to a wonderful view of the city and a treat to see the inner workings of the song the bells rang.




We also saw the “Church of our Lady,” which housed an original masterpiece of Michangelo’s sculpture of Madona and Child.



We stopped in to a lace shop and a wonderful man described how things are made and the history that he and his family has been through.



We were also fortunate enough to go through a ice sculpture fair. It was really cool.



As recommended by the locals we found a bar that has been standing since 1500. We went in and had a drink there and marveled over the age of the place. Later we found a chocolate shop and saw that we could warm up on a chocolate drink…it was fantastic. That night we dined at a near by restaurant suggested by our host of the hotel.



The next day we woke up to winter wonderland. Everything was frozen. We toured a museum and took lots of pictures around the city, but one of the most interesting things we saw was in a Basilica. We walked in to this old church where we heard they kept a vile of Jesus’ blood. When we got in there we realized they were actually holding a service. Many people came on pilgrimage from who knows where to see it. There was a man sitting on a throne with the relic in front of him. People were allowed to form a line and one by one lay their hands on it. Each time someone was done the man would wipe the relic down. Jesse and I watched for a little while, and then felt guilty for not sharing the belief and walked out quietly. That night Jesse and I went exploring for a new restaurant and found a little hole in the wall bar. They served the best steak that I have had in Europe. Jesse drove me back to the hotel and went out afterwards to get some night shots of the city. Hope you all enjoy.

Jen

trip to states

Trip to the States
Hello everyone, I know this is a long time coming so, here it is. Jesse and I spent Thanks Giving in Zermatt, Switzerland. It was so beautiful and peaceful. We rode 10 hours on a bus and then took a train to the village. The village it self is very touristy and has no cars. The average temp was in the teens or less. Everyday we were bundled up with hats gloves and thermals. Walking everywhere was fun, but very cold. The mountain was about a 20 min hike or less. We had to take to lifts up to the ski lodge and then another one up to ski down.







I was feeling over confident having done well on our last ski adventure, so when Jesse told me to get on the lift I didn’t hesitate. Falling right before getting on the lift should have been my first clue. Anyway the darn thing kept going and going and when we finally got off it ran over me because I didn’t move fast enough; clue number two. After that I snow plowed for 2 hours trying to get down that mountain…yeah not fun.




Needless to say I spent the majority of the time exploring the village, shopping and reading. It was a fantastic trip. Being that we were so far away from the hustle and bustle of life I came back feeling so refreshed.

When we got back to German I had only a week before my trip home to the states. I scrambled around getting things done, cleaning, packing and finishing all my information for the recruiters. I even spent two days driving in snow to go to my medical appointment at a near by base. What a mess that was. But all went well and I was off to the homestead.

I only got to spend 2 weeks with family so I am sorry if I didn’t make it to see you. I hardly stayed at the same place more than a day. It was exhausting and fun. Of course I shopped and saw a movie and got hooked on a new book series (finished all four in Jan). Those of you who don’t know Summer had a baby while I was there. I even got to be in the room to see little Mason be born…it was totally amazing. He was 8lbs and 9 ounces, and one my heart from the time he was conceived.




This was one of the hardest times I have ever had on a visit. It was very difficult to leave.

When I got back Jesse and I had a busy Christmas with friends and started the new year off with lots of stress. Everyone should have our soldiers in their thoughts and prayers. Jesse’s mission here has taken on a new level of intensity. All of my paper work was finally turned in. Thank you Melanie Holly and Scott Yow for the letters. My recruiters raved about all of them.

We don’t know exactly where things will go from here but we’re ready to move on. Love and miss you all