Today's the day! Family reunion day ... The day started however quietly for us in Julie's place ... Where CC was lying on the ground, kinda posing for us so obviously I couldn't resist this opportunity! You can find the result in attach.
Then the everyone came over for "some" breakfast, which actually means A LOT of food and drinks :).
And then at one o' clock it all began! The gigantic family tree was up, and if you arrived you has to tick you name of and put on a name tag in the correct color (according to the branch you're related to).
And it was a lot of fun, 200 people talking, eating, lauging, getting to know each other, drinking ... Talking about drinking ... You give an American a really good Belgian beer ... What does he do ... He drinks it from the bottle!
In the evening, when it was at last cooling of a but, a bunch of us played beach volley ball! And it that was also a lot of fun, plus the team I'm on won so that's always extra fun :)plus Marty and I finished the game so that's double fun!
And to top everything off we all jumped into the pool! And just made fun ... Everyone running in the same direction cause a current and then trying to walk in against it :D.
And then I guess I should've called it a night ... Maaike was clever enough and did ... I however didn't and ended up drinking Rum ... a lot off Rum ... And then Marty got out the good stuff ... Like a little Jack in a box ... So I was kinda lost :) ...
So yesterday evening we went to Milwaukee ... Julie wanted to show us the lake ... we are thinking ... jay but it's dark ... But she was convinced there were lights there so we could see it ... So we got there and she was saying it's on your right! ... Euhm Julie I only see a dark spot ... Jay I guess there aren't any lights here :)! But luckily the main part was off course to go out in Milwaukee! So we first went to Katie's place down town Milwaukee and from there we went to tutto's were we ate some delicious food! After that we were supposed to go to the piano bar, but I have to confess we were just to tired and went back to get some sleep!
And today is a very big day ... It's reunion day so that's will be a lot of food, drinks, warmth and FUN!
Our spirits were up today ... or at least mine ... because today we were going toBrown's lake situated at the west of Franksville ... There we road on a platoon boat out on the lake and we could ride Jetskies and be towed on an innertube ... I'm not explaining it correctly ... But I think the pictures talk for themselves! (Yes I fell of ... a lot :), but the water was warm so I didn't mind :D).
And the super thing about these jet skies is ... they can go 60 miles per hours! Really really fun, jumping waves, making waves, speeding up :)!
So That's about all we did today but it was soooooooooo much fun and tonight we're going out in Milwaukee so that will be fun too!
And off course there's another Maaike-Lies picture and a very cute one off Elly in her life jacket ... she didn't really like it though :p.
Today it was windy city day!!! We got the train at Sturtevant and arrived an hour later in Chicago ... We had a very funny conductor ... as we bought our ticket with our credit cards, my name was on Maaikes and my ticket ... So the guy was reading my name and going ... are you serious??? I am thinking ... what do you mean? ... Is your name really Lies? Off course he pronounces it in English so jay he thinks I'm a lie :p ... jay I wouldn't trust you :) .. very funny though!
When we left the train station, we walked onto a wonderful river and bridge - you can find a picture of Maai and her family standing there gazing in the attach - and we walked around a bit and were just amazed by the wonderful art deco buildings amongst other and in general the height of all of the buildings! You can find a very small selection of the most pretty onces in the attachment ...Kreon the one titled Round are especially to make you jealous ... this one was architectural amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing!!!! kind off made me think on the outside of the gugenheim building in Berlin were you took these wonderful pictures ... Mine aren't that good but I think you get the picture!!! And Off course there's also a Maai-Lies picture ... a bit conceptual though
We also visited the museum of modern art where the French photographer "Henri Cartier-Bresson" was on exhibition ... He travelled all around the world in the 30 to 50's and made great pictures.
And one quote I wrote down and found wonderful was the following:
"It is through living we discover ourselves at the same time as we discover to world around us" -1952-
After that we passed some cool fountains ... It were two big pillars, with water coming out, and everyone was standing under them, and the kids were playing in it, it was a nice sight, you can see a pic in the attach ... But you had to be there to grasp it, it was so cool to see! Then we had lunch in an Italian sandwich bar that served Belgian waffles ... Go figure :D ... But the sandwiches were good!
And then we went to Macy's ... Unbelievable! 9 floors for one shop ... and it's the most wonderful building you can imagine!! (There's a picture in attach)
Thereafter we went to the Navy peer! And lucky as we were there was a navy air show going on ... Crazy pilots flying right over the ferris wheel ... really nuts, but spectacular, also a pic in attach!
But man was it hot out there! In the city itself it was ok, as we had some shade of the builings and you had a breeze, but out of the peer you were constantly in the sun, and for some reason there's no wind whatsoever! But the view was spectacular -also in attach! So no regrets there!
And what a wonderful skyline, You can find a picture of Maai enjoying it in the attach
And then the nicest part of our trip! We took a watertaxi back to the union station! It was soooo nice, the wind in your hair, just enjoying the view of the city taking pictures and relaxing! a must do!
And then the ride back! We had a serious conductor this time, but now the man who sold food was hilarious! He came up to Maaike saying ... Wow you have the most beautiful eyes, but he was wearing some weird green eyed goggles .. really a funny sight! And then he blew soap bubbles for us :), it was just funny!
Then we went back and got a great apero served by Dave ... CC seven with fresh lime (ice cold) veryyy refreshing! ... They're teaching me to appreciate whiskey here!
And in the evening we had a camp fire at Shelly's house with beer and wine ... I had beer and wine ... But after the beer, the wine didn't taste that good ... so I kinda dropped my wine in Maaikes ... so she is little drunk and asleep next to me ;) ... mea culpa ... We had fun though ... PLUS there were meteor showers this evening and I saw SEVEN shooting stars!!! Absolutely fabulous!!!!!! It was a night to always remember and capture, a real girl's night!
But now it's reallly time for bed! Here it's one o'clock, in Belgium everyone is waking up or already working :D ... But this one will be posted probably by tomorrow morning or evening ... And tomorrow should also be very special!!! But you'll have to wait and see to figure out what it is ... But I expect to get wet :)!!
So day number 2 today! We could sleep in today ... Off course we were awake at 6.30 ... After a looooooooooong waking up moment, eating breakfast (chocolates and fruit ... even I can't resist such a breakfast!) and playing with Elly (she's smart! she knows already after one day, that I'm that crazy girl who will walk around with her for ages, so now she come crawling and puts out her hands!) we went back to Dave's place.
He took all of us out for some site seeing in Racine - a nearby village - and as we were with two cars we took walkie talkies with us so Dave could be the tour guide for both cars! Which also led to the second Maai-Lies picture.
However before going to Racine we went to the place where grandpa Arthur takes his breakfast ... well it depends how you define breakfast though :). As we pull up to a place called Pudgy's (pic in attachment) ... I'm thinking this looks like a pub ... but ok may be I'm wrong ... Time will tell ... We go inside ... I'm still thinking this is a pub ... We see Arthur sitting at the Bar off course with a beer! ... Ok this is a pub :) ... 5 minutes later we all have beers in front of our nose ... At this moment I was very happy I decided to eat chocolate for breakfast :). And off course they have slots! Which Maaike had to try :) (see pic).
After the second breakfast Dave showed us where he used to work ... At Johnson. After the trip it seemed that almost everything in the town of Racine was build by Sam Johnson ... In short he built... The factory and development, a bank, reestablished the coast of the lake, the harbour, a school and a wonderful park for his employees! I'm sure I left things out, but it was too much.
The biggest waw of today was the LAKE ... Unbelievable how big it is!!!! 500 km long, 200 km across ... Water as far as you can look ... but it's a lake! I still have troubles to believe it! (some pics are in attachment) It was really really amazing ... And don't be fooled by the darknesse off the pictures ... The sun might have been hiding but it was still hot!
After the lake we went to a Danish Bakery with tooooo many good stuff ... where we bought something called Kringle ... really jummie! ... Although I am a veggy girl I think I will have gained alot ...
And then we went to a supermarket ... This is where I realized everything is really just bigger ... but it costs the same as for a small bottle in Belgium though ... it just doesn't seem fair :p.
After the shopping we went back to home base where I got to ride a quad!!!! (Proof in attach!!) Really cool thing AND you can goooooooooooo fast :D.
And after again a wonderful dinner and evening it's time to turn in again! As tomorrow we are going to Chicago!
After a long long day were in Franksville Wisconsin Yes Maaike yelled Hellllooooo Wisconsin Made here wait until we were actually in Wisconsin though!
I all started this morning at 5.15 for Maaikes parents and me, Maaike was already awake at 4.00 o clock for some bizarre reason weird moment to pick not to sleep, while otherwise she has trouble staying awake yes yes I know, nerves are on her side ;).
So at 6.15 were on the train to Brussels National airport In Brussels central I hesitated for a split second if I should get off naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah not that crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzy :D will miss the crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzyyyyy colleagues though!
On the train the first of many Maai-Lies pictures was taken! (visible in the attachment)
Then get the luggage checked in! Of course as they are still a bit paranoid of foreign people entering the country you have to answer to strange questions before you luggage is allowed but we passed the test with flying colors and our bags were allowed Now lets pray well get through ourselves too J But as were still in Belgium thats not really a problem .. just a metal detector and a scan thingy for the bags!
And then the waiting You have to be there 3 hours in advance God knows why as in half an hour we were at our gate shopping included! (ok may be an hour, but still 3 hours???).
But our plain is also already there so thats already comforting! (also in attachment)
So at 10.00 were allowed on the plane! And at 11.00 were ready for take off! Engine on and offfffffffffffffffff we go for a flight of nine hours! With two meals, a movie (with Alexis Bledel the only good thing about it), a lot of naps, Maaike kicking my ass in Manielen and me gazing at views (see attachment).
Miles and miles of green, water and ice .. no houses to be found (or almost none) And lake Michigan If I didnt know any better I wouldve thought it was an ocean! And the first big city we saw from sky CHICAGO!
Which was the que for landing to begin!! So we set foot on American soil at a quarter to one So were thinking nice were on time! Ya right Then you get to custums :s A complete hallway full people waiting before us We again have to answer to silly questions no I am not a terrorist (wouldnt tell you if I was but ok) then you have to give your fingerprints and an Iris scan (or something like that) and then you can go to get your luggage benefit of this all you dont have to wait to get your luggage J
Then the last bit before getting out of the airport The Douane ... You have to give the report with goods to declare We bought some Jenever for Maaikes family so I put it on there of course that guy takes a look at me miss you do know you have to be 21 to drink in the USA . Grumble yes I know I am 24!! Wondering how many times I will have to show my passport on this trip but we got through!!!!
And finally met Dave and John who were so kind to pick us up at the airport And then you come into open air Damn its hot why do I have long trousers and a sweater on Luckily they have airco in the car!
And after another hour we pull up to the driveway of Dave! What a wonderful house I only saw the front and I was already dazzled!
Anyone a beer? We couldnt say no to that could we J, good guests as we are.
And then the backyard, wonderful terrace, a pool, playground, everything you would wish for! And as its boiling hot we wanted to take a swim so we went looking for Dave who was showing Maaikes farther around the garden When we found them, he was about to show his 53 years old red Chevrolet!!! Even if you color blind you should know this red! What a car!!!! My mouth literarily fell open Dave . Does it still drive???? Off course it does! Do you want me to turn it on? Yes Yes (jumping up and down on the inside!) We can take a ride if you want YES!! (jumping even more inside)
You might be thinking jay right but pictures will follow tomorrow!
So after the ride we got a refreshing dive in the swimming pool J
And then Dave came with Whiskey Now I am normally a rhum fan but polite as I am I could not say no to a taste And am I glad I was polite hot stuff but soooo good Four roses but riped on one crate and 50% on alcohol (you cant get it in Belgium)!
And then some nice dinner and a fantastic chocolate dessert!
And then at last its time for bed this is where I am now actually typing this blog with the last energy of today at the wonderful house of Julie (the daughter of Dave, who is so kind to take us in for a week)! Ive been awake for 23 hours so its also time for me to turn in as it is 4.30 now in Belgium (but I will only post it tomorrow).
Lift off day is drawing very near ... In less than 24
hours we will be taking off ... It all still seems surreal ... I suppose the
reckoning will come once were up the air, and reach main land. Set foot on
American ground ... and Maaike can yell Helloooooo Winsconsin!! (Although
were actually landing in Illinois, but thats a detail ;) ).
After one week with Maais family we will travel to the
dazzling Las vegas, where we will try to hold our money ... From there we rent
a car and follow the route which you can see in the picture attached (I wanted to put it again within the text but the blog is working against me :( ... but I will try again ... may be it will work again in the USA ... you never know ;) )
A whopping 1700 km on which we will visit Lake Mead, Park
zion, Grand canyon, Flagstaff and Mojave desert.
And off course to end in Los Angeles ... where after
seeing Inception I centainly want to see the warner bros studios!
It also makes you wonder if this is all a dream ...
And after then the last stage ... New York city, with a
hotel just next to broadway and very close to Time square!!!!
The challenge was obviously too easy ...
You send an e-mail to your collegues, telling them about the blog and that they
should certainely read episode 4 ...
... 3 minutes later...
Sven comes running into the office with a big smile ... "I know the
answer" ...
I was thinking damn ... how can he know it that fast,
he must have dubbel running around or something ...
But nothing to do about it ... post it boy!
Which he did and he's completely correct!
Alias is off course the answer! (Nathalie also knew
it, but unfortunately she was too late)
So Sven wins a souvenir ... what ... we don't know yet ... suprise suprise (some sand was ok you said e).
But the rest of you shouldn't be broken hearted either, probably a next chance
to win a wonderful souvenir will arise in the coming forthnight! I solemnly
swear the next souvenir will absolutely not be sand!
So keep on reading
carefully is the message!!!
And Ill google the words first and see if the answer
comes up or better doesnt come up.
1100010101 ... error the control digit is not
correct.
Human translation... Lies storms in after a warm
long workweek, but really exited ...
Maai, Maai, in less than a month were in America
...
In the mean while Maaike is thinking ... she too
active ...
Forcing binary code behind everything to falter
and causing an error.
But determined to go through, and get her as exited
as myself, I took every travel related document we already have and started
looking through everything.
And it delivered some wonderful pictures:
The travel documents!!
The maps!
Maaike showing of our wonderful itinerary :D
Me finding another use for the maps :p
And then my eye fell on this place
I started laughing ... Maaike was thinking she's
having a nervous breakdown
So I had to explain ... I hope at least one
other person is laughing :D
All you other guys, type in "Santa
Ana" and "Peanut" on you tube and watch the first video
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