Today we took our first international road trip to Belgium. It was a 2 1/2 hour drive and we went to meet up with Ilse and her kids who are visiting there for a couple more days. Ilse was my Dutch tutor back in the states and her husband grew up in the town of Gent. She invited us to come meet her there and to show us around. Of course, we agreed to the invitation and enjoyed a beautiful day exploring a new city. Thank you, Ilse!

In the car, all together, nice and cozy!

Cool bridge photo as we were crossing the Waal River in NL.

I love this image!

Lunch at the clock restaurant with the kinderen.

Boat ride through Gent.

View of the town through the castle walls.

Inside the castle courtyard.

C was so happy to spend the day with a friend!

We tried Belgian Wafels and small Italian ice cream cones. J was surprised by how small the scoops were and how they didn’t fill the cones.

One of the three famous towers in the city center. We walked through this church and the crypt. Coolest part was the modern art depicting Jesus hanging on the cross but all you saw was a piece of shattered glass with spikes where they would have pierced Jesus’ hands and feet. Very moving.

Me and Ilse outside the church. It was so nice of her to show us around.

Three little bears wanted a beer… One was too little, one was too medium and one was just right! Perfect way to end the day.