Day 108: Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial

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Today I am thankful for my husband and his passion for military history and geography and for sharing his passion with our family. I am thankful that he knows his way around and wanted to take us to see where General Patton was buried.

In two days it will be Veteran’s Day and every year he takes the kids to a veteran’s cemetery or memorial so that we can be reminded of the sacrifice that was made for our freedom, and to honor his Granddad who served in WWII and survived.

Every time we go, I get teary eyed and feel so emotional for the men (and women) who have fought in war and for their families and loved ones, who have also sacrificed. Today was no different.

It was a foggy and misty day and seeing the cemetery in this light and with this ambience had an even bigger impact.

We imagined the soldiers fighting in and around Luxembourg with weather conditions worse than ours. It was quiet and peaceful and eerie. We also visited the German cemetery and noticed quite a few differences. Charlie and I made a few observations:

1. There were Crosses and the Star of David marking different burial sites, but there were several more crosses than stars.

2. The Jewish tombstones had little stones on top. These are a custom to show that a family member had visited.
3. The names of the men came from several different states.

4. One man died on Christmas Day.
5. There were names that represented several different nationalities.
6. The American cemetery was perfectly groomed and balanced and neat. The German cemetery was not well maintained and had a dreary and dark feel to it, even though it was still beautiful and quiet.

7. The American tombstones had one name per tomb and were made of smooth, white stone. The German tombstones had four names per stone and were made of a rough, dark stone.

8. A few of the tombs had beautiful bouquets.

9. General Patton’s tomb was at the head of the cemetery, almost like he was looking over all his men. It was in such an appropriate place.

10. The American flag was flying and church bells rang out. I felt at home and was surprisingly so happy to see and hear colors and sounds from home.

Thank you to all the people who do good everyday, who choose the harder right, and create peace and love in their homes, in their community, in the military and wherever they go.

Namaste and peace.

9Nov2012

Day 107: Luxembourg

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This expat lifestyle is pretty fun, and tiring, but I’m not complaining. We’re taking advantage of the opportunities that surround us and seeing as much of Europe as possible. Everything is new to us, so it’s hard to say no to anything that presents itself. We’re more like, sure, why not?

We are in Luxembourg tonight to be with Juliana and her volleyball team. Since she travels to new countries, we have decided to come along and travel with her to support her and to satisfy our curiosity about seeing new places. We would never have thought to come to Luxembourg otherwise, even though I’ve heard it’s a beautiful city.

In Lux, they speak French, German, a little English and Luxembourgish. We went to dinner tonight and I kept responding in Dutch and Spanish and eventually a few French words came out too! I was a little confused.

We got to town tonight in time to see Juliana win her game. Her team is in first place, after winning all day! Tomorrow are the finals and we’ll have several games to watch! I can’t wait! I absolutely love watching her play and seeing her with her friends. She is one lucky girl!!

We’re staying in a budget hotel – since we needed three rooms for two nights with my parents and the kids. Char thinks its the best place ever! The entertainment tonight was a shower with a digital light in the shower head that kept changing colors while he showered. It was pretty cool. And he’s never slept at a hotel with a bunk bed.

Oh the little things that make us happy. Maybe I’ll have to try that shower next!

Namaste.

6Nov2012

Day 104: The Sun is Shining, Let’s Go Outside!

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Oma on her bakfiets.

When the sun is shining, the Dutch go outside! I dropped the kids off at school, and was planning to clean and cook and get ready for company tonight, but the SUN told me to do otherwise. I came in and told my parents I was taking them for a ride today – on bikes!! They were so cute and we all loved being outdoors together, getting some fresh air, exercise and sharing an adventure. We rode for at least an hour and probably would have kept on going if we didn’t have “work” to do!

We enjoyed riding all over Amstelveen and into the Amsterdamse Bos, a man-made forest close to my house. The sun was shining through the trees, and all the fall colors were beautiful. The crisp air felt fresh on our faces and we just had those perm-a-grins again. I hope the sun is shining again tomorrow. 😉

Checkout Opa on his OpaFiets – and what’s that on his head? I don’t think a hat counts as a helmet!!

Pure Joy!! Oh, to be a kid!! 😉

4Nov2012

Day 101: Growing Up

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My kids are growing up and I’m aware of it, right in front of my eyes. Usually you don’t pay attention to the change happening, because you’re in it. But every once in awhile you get a glimpse and it takes your breath away.

I was watching a little boy with his mama on the train yesterday and noticed his little shoes with velcro straps. I thought about how much I loved picking shoes out for my oldest one and how my kids don’t need velcro anymore. I probably won’t have to buy those again until I have grandkids. I sure enjoyed these days, being totally involved with my kids.

My middle child spent the night in another country without me. I let her go on the bus with her team and passport for two nights away and didn’t call her or text or email or facebook with her!! I let go. I let the leash out a little more and trusted her independence. I was happy to see her when she came home today, and enjoyed all her stories. I mentioned that I missed her and that I felt the separation a little bit, letting her go and knowing she was ok. And she said to me, “I loved it! And mom, you went to a different continent with your soccer team at my age, so it shouldn’t be a big deal!” She was just being brutally honest and loving in her own way. She was proud of herself and enjoyed the experience. I’m proud of her too and realize she just got a little older and wiser.

And the little one was sitting and listening intently to Opa tell him stories about Santa Claus. He listened intently and I saw the innocence in his eyes. I love that we have magical holidays and traditions that invoke excitement and surprise. I love that he’s excited for Christmas to come and wants to buy a stocking already. I’m excited to celebrate St. Martin’s day – a new celebration for me that they celebrate here in Holland and to celebrate when Sinter Klaus comes to town on his horse. I still have time, even if they are growing up.

30Oct2012

Day 97: Halloween in Holland

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Happy Halloween!

The PTA and the American Community hosted a Halloween event in our little city this evening. Anyone who wanted to participate was welcome and were asked to donate candy. Some families opened their doors and some families opened their trunks. The families had a map of the neighborhood and knew were to trunk or treat. It was so much fun for kids and adults alike.

Happy Halloween!!

We decorated our minivan trunk area and sat in the back, handing out candy while scary music played loudly. Most kids said Happy Halloween, some said Trick or Treat, and some just stared and were scared. I think most had fun and we ran out of candy, so it must have been a success. I know my kids were really happy.

I just love Halloween and seeing everyone out socializing and playing together. I am glad that we got to experience Halloween in Holland, as it it not a popular tradition here (yet.) And the reason we celebrated tonight, instead of the 31st, is because the American Women of Amsterdam are hosting another Halloween event tomorrow night in Amsterdam.

For all our friends back home, Happy Halloween! Hope you and your little goblins enjoy the magic of it all and stay safe and warm.

Parked near a canal, beginning to decorate our trunk.

Trick or Treaters. Luckily it didn’t rain while they were walking around the ‘hood, but it did get quite cold tonight!

29Oct2012

Day 96: Being Home

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It’s nice to travel but its even nicer to be home. I think we have to leave sometimes to appreciate the comforts and normalcy that home has to offer. I was happy that everyone was happy to be home in Amstelveen, and that this place actually felt like home, if that makes any sense. I enjoyed hearing and seeing their excitement, just walking through the front door and settling back in.

I enjoyed grocery shopping today, for the first time. I was happy to see my friends at school and to share stories together. And I was happy to go to Juliana’s volleyball game tonight.

I think by leaving you get a break from your routine which makes you actually appreciate it again once you return.

I am happy to be home.

*** Sending warm thoughts to family and friends on the East Coast, battling through hurricane Sandy. Stay dry and safe!!

26Oct2012

Day 92: Best Part of the Day

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This morning I left Jeff back at the hotel with Christian and Juliana, as all three of them were still not feeling well. I had downloaded a TripAdvisor city guide for Rome on my phone and picked a destination to go see that wasn’t mentioned in the Rick Steve’s guide to Rome. I took my parents and Charlie out for a stroll and had such a great time wandering around Rome, and discovering new areas together.

Afterwards we headed back to the hotel to collect the rest of the family, as we scheduled a private tour of the colosseum, Palatine hill and the Roman Forum. The tour was absolutely amazing! Thanks to Michelle and Greg for sharing their contact with us. If you’re ever in Italy, look up Bruno! He’s worth every penny… So smart and passionate and knowledgable and great with the kids! He kept us interested and entertained for 3 hours! Thank goodness everyone survived (with a few potty breaks and complaints, but hey… We’re in ROME!!)

Afterwards, we went to dinner across the river at Roma Sparita in Trastavere. We had read about it and were able to decipher the place from an Anthony Bourdain episode. Bruno also mentioned it as one of his top restaurants. They are known for a simple pasta dish made from Sheeps milk and pepper, served in a Parmesan crisp bowl, called Cassio & pepe.

It was delicious! Pino was a friendly server. The “only” way to get a table was to have a reservation or to be Italian!! When tourists showed up, they were sent away. When the pretty Italian girl showed up, they found a way to seat her party in 30 minutes!!

Jeff asked me what the best part of my day was, and actually my favorite part was people watching, and especially watching my own kids and family. For some reason I like to watch their reactions to what we see, eat, and do!

Charlie has been especially cute and fun and funny this trip and I really enjoyed watching his excitement and making friends with the tour guide and racing after his brother. I liked hearing what he thought of Italy. I liked watching all three kids sit on the subway together. I liked watching my mom walk 20 feet in front of us because she’s fast like that! And my dad was usually 20 feet behind someplace. And I was in the middle, making sure everyone stayed connected. I liked watching Jeff take pictures with our new Lytro camera and Juliana being a trooper even though she was sick. I also loved listening to Christian answer so many trivia questions correctly on our tour. He just amazed me!

So yes, I enjoyed the Ancient Ruins, but I really just enjoyed sharing the experience with everyone.

Namaste.

24Oct2012

Day 91: In Sickness and In Rome

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3 out of our 7 family members were sick today, which made traveling and exploring a bit exhausting and slightly disappointing. We still managed to see quite a bit, but with several interruptions and complaints and a few tears. My favorite part of the morning was just wandering through the alley ways and into shops and looking up at all the architecture and colors and textures.

We were standing right outside the Pantheon when several didn’t even want to go inside. I insisted that we go anyway, which made me feel like a bad mom, but if I didn’t make them at least see it, that would have been even worse. Turning back took 90 minutes too, so no choices seemed like good choices today. Everyone was at least well enough to leave the hotel room in the morning, but by 1:30, the sick ones were done.

The rest of us wandered back to see Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps by day. We also meandered and strolled through town until we arrived at the Piazza de Popolo. People watching from the steps was enjoyable and relaxing. Maybe it was that the endless chatter and complaints weren’t ringing in my ears anymore that made me so happy!

Splitting up was the best option for today. Although one of the highlights of the evening, was when we were all together again in our hotel rooms. I went into my parents’ room and watched Charlie and Oma laughing and playing cards together on the bed. All the way to Rome to play together, with Oma’s new Rome cards and Charlie calling out what he saw on the cards. Priceless.

Hopefully tomorrow all will be well enough to enjoy the magnificent Colosseum.

23Oct2012

Day 90: Rome

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It’s been 90 days since we became Expats, and gained this new title. Along with being expats, comes the expectation that we will travel every chance we get… because everybody’s doing it (and because we want to, too)!! And in Holland there is a lot more time off for vacation than in the States, so we’re going Dutch again.

Our first big vacation is to Italy. I have always wanted to see Italy, because my grandma was born in Sicily and I’m half Italian. My dad has never been either, so I wanted to share this with him too. So we are all here for a big, family, European vacation. That’s the good news. Want to hear the bad news?? There has been a stomach virus going around, that lasts for 2-4 days. First Char had it, then Christian had it and last night Juliana got it right in time for our trip. We were debating whether to go or not, but we didn’t buy travelers insurance and we were all filled with anticipation and excitement that we didn’t want to stay home. So we came anyway, and Juliana has been sick all day!! Stuck in the hotel room, waiting to get better. We have taken turns watching her and staying with her but it sure has changed our journey.

The lesson for me (because I’m always trying to learn something new) is that we don’t get to write our own story the way we want it to be. We might have a script and can have expectations and dreams but really, life is out of our control. And when the script changes, can we adapt? I feel like life is constantly about adaptations – some easier than others… Right, girls?

And as for our family story, being sick in Rome really is a high class problem, or let’s be real – it’s not a problem at all,
just an inconvenience and change in plans. I’ll just be thankful for the journey today and for my Mama and Jeff who watched Juliana in shifts, so we all got to see a piece of history and culture. And for Juliana, who has been resting and trying to feel better! I hope the night is good for her, and the rest of us, and that she feels better in the morning.

Namaste.

22Oct2012

Day 89: Fall in Amstelveen

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Here I Am…
appreciating the fall weather in the Netherlands.

I went for a run with my dad this morning and the sun was shining. That’s a big deal here, and it set the tone for the rest of the day, inspiring us to Be outside.

As you look at the pictures, I hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate what surrounds you and to say a prayer or think a positive thought for those who are struggling right now. I love you…and wish you peace and strength.