I think i’m going to have to officially state that my blogging days are already grinding to a bi monthly kind of situation and so here’s the first post for July. I think anyone still interested can therefore expect updates 2 or 3 times a month and i’m guessing that’s probably quite enough for you anyway! I know when you’re moving you have an intense window of ‘interest’ in finding out all you can about someone’s new life in a foreign country and after that you’re probably not interested in the more mundane day to day stuff -or perhaps that’s just me? I could tell you all about the week of Tonsilitis (Henry) but then again, maybe you really would like to know about my latest purchases from Arlon flea market (yes there are more). Well here they are anyway. Not too distasteful:
The painting is quite small and again, it seems to be ‘impressionistic’, and quite well executed, unlike the lady in the turtle neck from my previous visit. I got that for 35 euros. This anatomical poster is a vintage educational poster from 1960 – 20 euros – this is one for the kids bedroom I think (I’m still on the hunt for the perfect vintage school desk). I love that on the back someone has taken the trouble to write ‘anus’ in crayon though you can’t see that in this pic:
And the coat..ahhhh the coat. It’s pure wool, with gorgeous punched detail on the pocket (that you can’t see in this pic i’m afraid) and a cute half belt at the back. It’s gorgeous, reassuringly weighty, and clearly barely worn. I know the fur collar isn’t to everyone’s taste (in truth not mine either so that might have to go) but, despite the 30 degree heat, I felt compelled to purchase it, and for 15 euros, I think this has to be bargain of the month:
So on to other things, and as a recap, Henry has now been in local school for a few weeks and he’s loving it. One of the teacher’s at his previous school as a parting shot made a comment that went something along the lines of I should expect the first week to go well but that it would be a very bumpy ride after that (I rather generously took that to be kind advice rather than a hint of sour grapes). Anyway, not so. In fact, I’ve never seen him happier at a school. Perhaps we’re working on a slightly delayed time frame in our house, but so far, so very wonderfully good. I’ve signed him up for a bunch of summer holiday activities run by Maison Relais too (essentially summer ‘day’ camps – with a whole raft of activities on offer and very heavily subsidised if you have signed up for the Cheque Service system). As always, Luxembourg gets top marks for the way they make children a priority and what they provide for them. The other Mums have been absolutely great too – very welcoming and friendly and not cliquey – it helps they are a very international bunch and this means many speak English as a common language. I’m going to sign up for Luxembourgish lessons starting in the Autumn, however, so I hope I don’t do as badly in that as I did in German at school!
The weather is finally SCORCHIO!! Just as it was when we moved this time last year. It’s just a gorgeous place to be at this time of year. It was two months of the same last year and i’m hoping that’s the way it will stay this year (sorry that’s a lot of ‘years’ in a short space). Day trip wise, well we’ve recently visited Vianden Castle. I took the kids back in the winter but they didn’t want to go inside, so it was nice to be able to do that this visit. It’s essentially been rebuilt and renovated to it’s ‘original’ condition and so unlike many castles, it’s very finished in the way you might find on a film set. But a good way. Vianden itself is a delight – buzzy and very picturesque. You should definitely go check it out:
We also ‘did’ Bouillon castle in Belgium, but on a very rainy and miserable day a few weeks back- nonetheless it was really enjoyable – all the kids seemed to gravitate towards the torture room. For something less gruesome, may I suggest the falconry show, oh and Bouillon itself is pretty.
As is probably apparent, one of the reasons I love being back in Europe is because of the proximity of art, culture and history – I was so keen to expose the kids to more than Ocean Park and Disney World - and so from my perspective we’ve hit the jackpot. But this excitement hasn’t necessarily traveled over to my little darlings and Henry in particularly has bought this home to me several times recently with “oh NOOOOOOOO, I hope we don’t have to look at more boring Jesus paintings???”. I DO love a bit of 14th century religious iconography, for its purely aesthetic virtues, it has to be said, but I hadn’t realised the kids were not sharing this appreciation (I know, weird huh?). So that made me realize we need to get back to basics and ‘what matters’- and that is loads of big shiny, plastic STUFF to push, ride on, play with and look at. And so for Oscar’s birthday last weekend we went to Legoland in Germany. It was completely brilliant. Yup we all had a blast, despite torrential rain on the first day (not to mention the 5 hour drive). We stayed at nearby Hotel Euro in a family room – it was great (and the restaurant next door is very family friendly and big on, well everything – portion wise that is). So happy birthday again to my darling Oscar Boscar and it is I that must concede: plastic, primary coloured fun is where it’s at:
