Burger Nazi...

Before I tell everyone about the past three days, I need to get our most recent experience documented. Most of you will find this unbelievable, but everything I'm about to write is true.

We met the Burger Nazi. Yep, we did. I think the Seinfeld producers would find enough material with our experience for an entire season of shows.

I'll back up a bit, before I tell you more about the Burger Nazi. Right now we are all in Bruges, Belgium (Friday) and I have to agree with my new crush, Rick Steves (Bob Costas and Anderson Cooper are still my favs), that Bruges is one of the 'Best of Europe.' Nana, the kids and I drove here this morning and Greg met us this evening after work. (Oh, yes, Mackenzie is now here...more on that later.)

Once we finally met up with Greg, we decided it was time for dinner. As usual, there was a lot of disagreement about what to eat. The kids wanted pizza margherita (usually a safe choice for the pickiest of eaters), but the adults wanted to explore and try something different. After about 20 minutes of reading various menus and arguing, I spotted a small corner restaurant which advertised "Hamburgers and French Fries." Score. Or, so I thought.

It didn't take the kids, but 30 seconds to choose their foods. Mackenzie and Ben were quick to choose chicken strips and then Sam, said, "Burger." This is where things went seriously sideways. Innocent enough, right? Well, apparently, the greasy, toothless cook behind the counter has a SERIOUS problem with American kids ordering burgers. As soon as Sam spoke, the cook started in..."Burger? You can get a burger anywhere. What is the point of traveling to new places if you aren't going to try our food? Burger and ketchup. Burger and ketchup. You can get that anywhere." At this point, I think, he has got to be joking. Apparently, he wasn't. He went on for about 2 minutes on this topic. "What is the point of traveling and bringing your kids for these experiences if they aren't going to try different foods?" He even said, "But...if you want to raise your kids like that...then what can I do?" After this caustic conversation, I asked Sam, "What do you want?" Sam, replied sternly, "Burger."

It was now my turn to order and I really wanted a chicken burger, but was now afraid to order it. Instead, I order some kebabs and fries. I was convinced the cook had now spit in our food and I lost my appetite, so I ate a few fries and called it good. Greg, however, had no problem taking down the deep fried kebabs and a few fries.

More tomorrow...we have another story about the most expensive bathroom use...ever....!!!

Hi everybody it is Mackenzie writing this paragraph... all of the things that my mom said are true. I was a witness. When Sam was ordering i was laughing sooooooo hard.
I think that was one of the funniest, weirdest experiences of my life. I think that I will remember this for a very long time.

Lost in translation...

Ugghhh...I just bowed out of the most intense game of Pictureka. Sam and Ben were coming to blows over the rules and who put a card down first. I couldn't handle the testosterone anymore, so I excused myself under the ruse of needing to write the blog. Greg is now patiently refereeing the game...we'll see how much longer he will last. I'm betting...2 minutes.

Our day was spent running around doing errands and getting ready for Nana and Mackenzie's arrival. I had a few goals for the day...groceries, laundry and haircuts for the boys. The first two tasks were easy enough to accomplish, but haircuts proved to be a little more interesting than I anticipated. First, I need to explain that in Luxembourg people speak one of three languages; French, German or Luxembourgish. And for those of you who think everyone speaks English in this part of the world, I'm here to tell you, they don't. In fact, most people in the day to day situations, don't speak any English. The retail clerks, cleaners, hairstylists, etc...usually live in France or Germany because the cost of living is significantly lower and thus, speak their native languages. Greg's day to day interactions in the business world are in English, mine, however, are in French, German or Luxembourgish. I understand a bit of German and can manage when I absolutely need to, however, we happen to live very close to the French border and most of the people I encounter speak...French.

I have a French/English dictionary my friend, Karen, kindly donated to me...however, I didn't bring it today. Which brings me back to the haircuts...

The boys and I were looking for a barber vs. a salon, but we could only find salons. We finally settled on a salon near the grocery store. The boys were seriously apprehensive about going in, but I assured them I wouldn't let the stylists put anything "gross" in their hair. I also had to convince them that boys DO come to places like this and it is OK. Sam and Ben's experience to date, with haircuts, is a stool on our front porch and the clippers I bought at Costco.

By the time I got the boys in the door, I was a bit frazzled and not thinking very clearly, or, maybe I wasn't hearing things clearly because the bill came to $38 Euro. Which in US dollars is $49, plus the tip put their experience at the salon well over $50.

I managed to avoid revealing the cost to Greg for about 2 hours after he got home. For a guy who will not pay more than $12 for a haircut, this news didn't go over well. Greg's response was, "Did they at least wash it??" I cannot tell a lie, "Nope. They just shaved their heads."

Napoleon complex...

I didn't have the energy to blog last night, but I'm now feeling good after my run on the trails near our apartment and am ready to write about our past 2 days.

Sunday morning (yesterday) we made our way to Belgium. Our first stop was Waterloo, the sight of Napoleon's final battle. I thought we were going to last for 1 hour...tops...but as it turns out, we stayed for over 3 hours. We watched two films on the Battle of Waterloo and then walked over 200 steps to a monument in honor of the battle. If you ever find yourself near Belgium, take the time to visit Waterloo. It was well worth the time...besides, the boys were able to get a picture holding real swords.

We spent the night in Brussels...I didn't sleep a wink, but all three boys were out all night. So during the night, while everyone was sleeping, I had time to think about our trip thus far. You see, it has been me and the boys for 3 weeks straight...24/7 (Mackenzie gets here on Wednesday!!!). I've never had this much one on one time with them. Yes, it has been trying at times and yes, it is completely exhausting trying to keep up with them, but I've had so much fun just hanging with the boys. Sam and Ben have been amazing little travelers and I feel so blessed to have had this quality time with them. While Greg is working during the week, Sam, Ben and I are on our own to travel around whichever cities we happen to be in at that time. I'm pretty sure what they will remember about traveling with Mommy vs. what I remember traveling with them will be entirely different.

The boys will likely remember:

1. Stairs vs. Elevator competitions ...race to see who reaches the top first.
2. Army crawling in the dark halls trying not to set off the sensors that turn on the lights.
3. Eating ice cream.
4. Trying to sneak into the bathrooms without paying.
5. Making their way through the London underground without any guidance from Mom.
6. All the free candy they seem to accumulate.
7. All you can eat breakfast at the various hotels...and, switching around all of the signs indicating the various foods and drinks and then running out as fast as they can.

I will remember:

1. Holding their hands for hours on end as we make our way around the different cities.
2. Sam holding my right hand and gently rubbing the inside of my arm, until it was raw, with his other hand.
3. Watching them watch 'Oliver.'
4. Listening to their funny conversations...ie.
Sam: "What would happen if I ate baking powder and drank vinegar? Would I foam at the mouth?"
Ben: "I don't know, but it would be cool. You would look like you have rabies."
5. Ben singing all of the Veggie Tales songs as we walk around London.
6. Sam giving every street performer we see some of his own money until he ran out.
7. Getting continually smoked by Ben playing Monopoly Deal.

It has been a great experience for all of us and I can't wait to get Mackenzie here and bring her into our traveling fold.

Now back to today...the boys and I spent the day, while Greg was in meetings, touring Brussels. Brussels is a great city, but I think one day of seeing the sights is definitely plenty.

You can take the boys out of North Bend, but you can't take the North Bend out of the boys...

I think this is the first Saturday we have spent in Luxembourg...of course, we didn't sit around and relax, we were on the move. We spent most of the day exploring Vianden, Luxembourg. It is a beautiful old village set at the bottom of a valley. We took a chair lift up to a castle and then made our way down winding cobble stone streets. I was in awe of the beauty and could picture the Tour de Luxembourg cyclists making their way carefully up the narrow streets. As usual, the boys, and Greg, had very little interest in listening to me and they spent most of the time looking at the flea market and watching the fish jump in the river.

Our evening was another attempt at exposing our kids to culture...a jazz festival in the old downtown of Luxembourg City. Again, I was in awe of the beauty and people, and the boys (Greg included) were more interested in eating the food and watching the fish jump in the river.

We're off to Brussels tomorrow (Sunday). Greg has business in Brussels on Monday, so the boys and I are tagging along. I think Greg's idea of having the family travel with him on business is more fun than the reality of it. He says, "I have business in Brussels on Monday." And I say, "Great, we've never been to Brussels, sounds fun." I don't recall ever getting the invite, but how can he possibly say no to us???

On the road again...

We have one more day in London and then head back to Luxembourg tonight. It is going to be a long night.

The boys and I walked a lot yesterday and enjoyed the fun people watching. We spent most of our day in Covent Garden where we were entertained by the most bold of street entertainers. The boys loved it, but I was a bit shocked by how most of the entertainers didn't mince words when asking for money after each show. They asked for a minimum donation and told the audience not to bother if it was less than a pound. At first I thought they were joking, but I'm pretty sure they were serious.

Eventually we made our way to Piccadilly Circus where I had my first conversation with the boys about cons. Ben is naturally suspicious of people, which seems to be serving him well in a big city. However, Sam, my bleeding heart, wants to help everyone and share everything he has. I finally had to put a stop to Sam's generosity when we were approached by a woman who was selling a book she apparently wrote. Sam was eager to tell the stranger all about how she could improve her sales through selling her book at stores or online. He then told her how I love to read and would probably buy a few books. Oh, Sam.

You've got to pick a pocket or two!!!

Sorry everyone for being out of touch for a while (big sorry to Mackenzie), we've been on the go...

As I sit here eating spoonful after spoonful of the delicious combo of peanut butter and Nutella, I think the best way to catch you up on our adventures is to go back to Saturday.

Saturday we woke up at the crack of dawn and drove to Brussels to catch the Eurostar to London. Apparently, Greg said the drive was 2 hours, but I swear it was only 10 minutes...I may have slept the whole way. Our trip to London was only two hours and I have to say, taking the train is a super relaxing way to travel. The boys read and played cards and I slept...again. I'm not sure what Greg did to pass the time.

The very first thing we did when we arrived in London was to make our way to King's Cross Station and visit the infamous 9 3/4 platform! I have to admit, I got a little misty eyed seeing the boys attempt to push their way through the wall to catch the Hogwarts' Express. I think that was the first time the boys really understood and believed in the magic of London.

After our photo shoot at platform 9 3/4 we boarded another train to Bath to visit our friends; Karen, Nigel, Faye and Vanessa Lewis. We had an amazing visit to their home town, Midsommers Norton. Have you ever seen the movie, 'The Holiday?' Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslett? The Lewis' home is an adorable cottage very reminiscent of the English cottage Cameron Diaz lives in during her visit to England. The garden was a kids' paradise with climbing trees and an infinite number of places to hide. Ben even claimed he thought their house was "way better" than ours.

I think the highlight of Greg's trip was Saturday evening (I stayed back to handle the boys)...I won't be able to do it justice, but I will do my best. There was an annual town festival going on that Saturday and apparently it brings out all of the local color. I can sum it by saying that Greg declared it was the "craziest pub experience I've ever had." I'm sure Greg will be able to give all of you details, but this is the info I got...Lady Gaga with a thong, punk rockers, toilet paper rolls and rough cider. Please feel free to use your imaginations on this one...

Apparently, Sunday morning came rather quickly to Greg and was a bit painful as well. I was feeling great, in fact, it was the best sleep I've had since we've been in Europe. Since I was feeling so good, I wanted to do something active and decided to hike down the side of a gorge to Cheddar (home of Cheddar cheese). During the hike, I had a chance to chat with each of the boys and explain to them we were in the very forest King Arthur and his knights rode their horses and protected the local people. At one point, we could even see the abbey King Arthur had built. Thankfully, at the bottom of the gorge was Cheddar which provided all of us with some great local food and more libations! Our hike back to the car seemed a bit longer...the kids were just fine, but I think all of the parents were dragging a touch.

We did finally make it to the car and were eager to rest our sore feet and aching backs during the relaxing ride home. As most of you know, the Chapman family has not had the best of luck with cars and we may have brought our curse with us to England. Not more than 10 minutes into our beautiful drive through the English country side did the car start to rattle something serious. Shortly after the rattle came the smell and after the smell came the...stall. Yes, the car started to break down. Ugghhh....I felt for Karen and Nigel, as I intimately know the feeling of watching the car die before your very eyes. Fortunately for us, the Chapmans, this created more opportunities for touring. We ended up visiting Wells Cathedral, which, for those of you readers, was the inspiration for 'Pillars of the Earth.' Another tear...yes, I did get a bit misty eyed at this sight. Karen, despite what she believes, is an unbelievable guide and delighted us with bits of information about the cathedral. For instance, Wells, is the smallest city in England and a bishop still lives in the bishop quarters built hundreds of years ago. There is one thing, however, that Karen did share with us that I'm not quite ready to believe...she said the swans in the moat are trained to ring a bell when they are hungry. I saw a swan, I saw a bell, but I didn't see a swan ring a bell. Karen, I know we were all a bit tired, but really...a swan ringing bells? C'mon mate!!!

We were sad to leave the Lewis clan on Monday morning, but eager to make our way to London for some more adventures.

As soon as we arrived in London, we dropped our luggage off at the hotel (Greg went to work...sorry, Greg)and made our way, via the underground, to the Tower of London. We stood in a lot of lines, but managed to see all the biggies...Crown Jewels, torture chamber, etc. I treated the boys to yet another ice cream treat after the Tower of London...I'm pretty sure they've had ice cream every day since we've landed in Europe. We sat outside the walls of the Tower of London and ate our ice cream while looking over the Thames river and watching the crowds on the London Bridge.

After a lot of walking, we made our way back to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for our big night on the town. We surprised the boys with a fun Italian dinner followed by the musical, 'Oliver.' Everyone, please remind me of this night, when I'm feeling hopeless about my boys' cultural sensitivities...I want to remember the night when they both declared their love for musicals. It was a magical night.

Which brings us to Tuesday...today. Whew...I think we walked all over London today. We started with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Ok, for those of you have never done this, don't do it. I spent the whole time holding Sam and Ben up on a gate, so they could catch a glimpse of the guards. I think they had more fun pretending to rock climb on the gate than watching the actual procession. As for me, I didn't see squat. We then walked from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben. My big Ben was so excited to see "his clock." I'm pretty certain, my Ben is convinced he is named after the clock.

Our final tour for the day was a ride in the London Eye. If you are planning a trip here, this is well worth the wait and the money. The kids absolutely loved it. It was the first quiet and calm thing we've done since we've been here and I think we all needed it.

A day in Luxembourg...

An uneventful day by Luxembourg standards, but always a learning experience for the Chapmans!

The boys and I visited the International School of Luxembourg to watch a soccer camp and decide if it would be worth sending the kids for a week. After watching the camp for an hour, we decided it probably isn't worth the euro. The camp was just like any other camp in the US. We'll find another activity for the kids...

The interesting part of the day happened at a pool. The pool was nothing special and was actually kind of gross, but it was so hot and we were desperate for some cold water. Everything was going smoothly until Sam saw what I was anxiously trying to hide from his sight...a topless woman. Apparently, the public pools are tops optional facilities. Ugghhh...it wouldn't have been so bad if Sam knew how to whisper and not point. Unfortunately, he is lacking the social nuances of most people and was not being subtle about his new discovery. Once he got over the initial shock of seeing her, he was then legitimately concerned about her well-fare..."I hope she has sunscreen on."