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  • Autumns like this. When it’s in the 20s/70s in the early evenings. . While I am enjoying the weather, I am slightly concerned also with the health of our gorgeous earth. . Yesterday’s post on the antique dealer who saved a street that was going to be demolished due to it being run down got me thinking... one person could that. If he could, I can make a difference too. . In our everyday lives we recycle, hang clothes out to dry, often eat what’s in season and use more public transport or biking or walking than driving own car. I know it’s not much but I know it helps. . What do you try to do to help keep our world beautiful?
  • A peaceful hidden gem in the centre of busy Antwerpen city centre. . The last medieval street in Antwerpen that dates back to the late 16th century, 1591 to be exact. . I read that there used to be a few alleys like this in the centre but many have been torn down and rebuilt in the 20th century. Most likely because it used to be where the poorest in the city lived. Families were cramped into small living spaces, sanitary was poor and one water pump for the whole alley (maybe that one in the left corner). . This particular alleyway as where the shoemakers used to live and they were also in charge of sounding the alarm bell of the cathedral. . Very glad that an antique dealer bought a home in this alley in the 60s and restored the whole area. If not, it would have been demolished also. . I have about 900 photos of Belgium (Brugge, Gent, Antwerpen, Durbuy, and La Roche). I may pretend to be living in Belgium between now and who knows 🙈
  • Gorgeous corner of Brugge at sunset. After all the boats have been put away and the sounds you hear were gatherings of people around good food and drinks. . During the medieval time, Brugge was the centre of commercial activities. In the 15th century, Brugge was the centre of the Flemish Primitives (work of artists active in the Burgundian and Habsburg Netherlands during the 15th- and 16th). Now, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favourite of many. . Question for you: what kind of wanderer are you? One that hits all the main sites, one that likes to explore the hidden gems, one who rather eat her way around, or a bit of above? . For me, I love just wandering around and trying out the local specialities. . Wishing you a wonderful weekend ❤️❤️
  • Tuesday... Ellie: on my way to Brussels Me: so near but far away! E: I have a double room, wanna join? Me: ooooooh... . A few text messages with hubby and the answer was YES!! . Spent yesterday in Gent and today in Brugge. Tomorrow, who knows... Laughing, chatting, and as always, making sure @dy_ellie Doesn’t get hit by a car, bike or in Gent, trams 😂😂 . Loving Gent! Such a charming centre, awesome public transport, it’s very English friendly, the food and drinks scenes are 👌, it feels very safe and it is amazingly clean! Well impressed with the city’s cleaning crews!! . Now, can you spot the 🐕?
  • how is the weather there? It’s been like summer here! Crazy!! . Durbuy’s evening vibe. I am telling you, this place is romantic! . Still in Belgium, but further up north. Photos to come!
  • I think about ditching clothing each time we come back from a holiday, no matter how long the holiday was. Our laundry 👗👕👖 pile right now 😱😱 . And if ever experience American washer and dryers AND also Europe, you’ll understand my dilemma. The Europe machines are half the size of the US, or maybe smaller. The amount of time it takes to dry can range from one to two hours. On a sunny day, especially summer, it’s no big deal. Line dry and voila, 30min max. Eco friendly AND fast. On a wet and/or cloudy day... a queue at Disney World during peak time may be faster in comparison to doing a load of laundry 😂😂 . Durbuy, Belgium, before the sun goes down is so romantic! . Aren’t the greeneries 🍃🍂🍃🍂 so so charming?.
  • Thank you all so much for all the lovely birthday wishes!! I had a great weekend with the family in Belgium checking out a few cute towns and WW2 sites. We found the most peaceful and cosy Airbnb farmhouse cottage and we wished we booked for at least a week. . Want to see pirates? Visit Durbuy. Want to say you’ve been to the smallest city in Belgium? This city! . In 1331, John I, Count of Luxemburg, and King of Bohemia, made the town into a city. I have no idea why but I don’t think the city have grown much in almost 700 years. Today’s population no more than 500 folks. . This bar is a fun one!!! The pirates are so friendly and they serve awesome drinks. . Hope your Monday is/was lovely ❤️
  • Another year, another birthday... . A year of ups and downs. A big move and having to be forced to get outside my comfort zone. . As an introvert, it’s a struggle to reach out and make friends. But I do it and so far, I am making friends. As somebody who grew up being overly protected, it’s a struggle to do something that is foreign and looks somewhat dangerous, driving faster than 120km/hr being one of them. As a lover of old things, it’s difficult to be living in a new-ish area (least 1950s new). As somebody who is mediocre with languages (grammar to be exact), it’s been difficult to learn German but I am trying hard. . The internal struggles have been going for over a year, since we found out that hubby’s getting transferred but I think, gosh I hope so, I am at the tail end of it and I am starting to feel good about where we’re at. . I have started seeing the beauty of the little things again and just like England, or when I started being active on IG, I am once again hoping that this platform and the engagement I have with you all can help me. . I truly have been feeling meh, exhausted maybe, in the creative side because I have put so much time, effort and emotions on trying to belong in our new home. It’s not what I like or want but it’s been hard to bounce back up again. I am am sure it’s noticeable with my lack of activity here. I am trying though and I do know that I have so many gorgeous places to explore, capture on camera and create new memories at. . Happy birthday, me. Here is to another year, hopefully a more creative and adventurous one 🥂
  • Happy Friday, all!! . Meeting up with friends and/or family at a cosy pub. . One of the many things we miss about England. That quintessentially British pub vibe. Especially when the weather starts coming off. The roaring fire, the many choices of local beer on tap, the locally sourced menus, the dogs laying down comfortably under the tables and the sounds of adults and children chattering about. . My favourite time of year at the Peak District. Hubby and I decided we’ll revisit this time next year. Crossing fingers and toes it’ll happen. . #lovegreatbritain #peakdistrict #living_europe #theweekoninstagram

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