Souvenirs of Belgium

Wf asked me what I had purchased as souvenirs of Belgium. I've picked up several art prints like this one,

Belgian tapestry runners from Ghent,

and some things that are not Belgian but that remind me of Belgium,

like this plate we purchased in Delft

and these two framed tiles made by one of the oldest potteries in Holland.

I've purchase more purses, totebags, backpacks, and accessories bearing this Belgian brand than I care to admit:

But in the long run, what will always bring Belgium back to me is this perfume, made in the citadel in Namur. It's a unisex scent, and I wear it every day:

Wf also asked about favorite Belgian foods, but the truth is that I don't have any. I'm not a foodie. The only Belgian custom I imagine I might bring back with me to the U.S. is celebrating St. Nicholas Day on December 6. It's the day Sinterklaas leaves gifts in the children's shoes.

Finally, Wf wanted to know if my Belgian-born husband had reconnected with his heritage. Just by living here, we have. We've also deepened our relationship with his family here and introduced the children to their Belgian cousins. We hope one day to host E's family in the U.S.

August 16, 2007

Comments

[Nance]

Love the tile with the red roofs especially. It is reminiscent of the Vermeer painting.

[Lynn]

I love all the artwork - but I must say, my favorite is the perfume too, since I'm lucky enough to wear it all the time too!!! It stiill makes me feel very special and beautiful when I wear it!

I just started reading The Lady and the Unicorn by Trcy Chevalier, about some tapestries commissioned in the 1490's and the people behind the art, including the weaver and his family in Brussels. I wonder how true it is, but it made me think of y'all and the tapestries that have been made there for centuries. I like the piece you have!

[furiousBall]

that tapestry runner would make for one fancy coaster for a Pabst Blue Ribbon.

[V-Grrrl]

fb,

It's a BELGIAN tapestry runner. You can ONLY use as a coaster for Jupiter, Leffe, Grimbergen, and Stella Artois.

[Javacurls]

Looks like you have a number of things that will bring you back to your days in Belgium.

I love the first print! Where did you find this little treasure?

[wf]

Lovely! Very reminiscent of the Benelux. You will have the spirit of the Belgium with you in VA.

[Expat-CIT]

It must be fate that I'm headed to Belgium...I've been dragging around the same hunter green Kipling bag for 10 years! Oh well, at least you can say you're getting your money's worth with those things. Mine looks brand new...Belgian value. :) Marcy

[Ortizzle]

Love the plate!

My house is filled with ceramics I collected over the years I lived in Spain, and I really treasure them. I also have a set of ceramic dinner plates, and they get used on a regular basis. I always feel as though it's a shame to save the good stuff for one or two special occasions a year.

[V-Grrrl]

I didn't photograph them, but I also have purchased tons of Polish pottery plates that we use daily. Once again, not Belgian but something that will always remind me of Belgium. Their predominant color, cobalt blue, reminds me of my Belgian kitchen and Delft.

[Shirl Grrrl]

I want it ALL and I want it DELIVERED! Actually, I wish I could come get it myself but that probably won't happen. Do any sane people plan winter vacations in Belgium?

[TB]

These things are all so beautiful and are made so much better than the cheap crap we have here. They're treasures.