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