On the 3rd day we went to the nice village of Leiden. It is a real university village and that shows.
That day it was Koopjeszondag, that means the shops were exceptionally opened on a Sunday.
There was also a fair and market, street singing... great atmosphere.

A fantastic breakfast and a very interesting visit to Consumentenboerderij Jan Niewenhuizen in Zevenhoven (farm + farm shop) in the morning was the start of day two.
Afterwards we went for a little walk through Nieuwkoop and then to have a terrific dinner at Gonnie & Tom's place in Noordeinde. We will never forget the mjummie soup of Tom and the potatoe and spirelli salad of Gonnie and... their beautiful decorated house and garden.

Arrival day with dinner at a little but very good chinese restaurant on Friday evening.

One of our VT friendsNorali at VT) decided to go back definitly from Brussels to home... Madagascar.
We sure will miss her and we all wish her the very best and hope to see her again some day.

We had a great time but as always there comes an end on holidays and so we had to pack and made our way home, not forgetting to pass along Achouffe and visit the brewery shop and have some good beers here and there and checking up if Nu Nu is still around in his pub.
We had delicious meal ending with this time porks brains on blood `-)
LOL well.... I won't tell you the secret!

On Saturday 12th we started the morning with a walk into the valley of Herbeumont.
It is a pity how you can see some of the places in decade: the old tunel we used to walk through was closed; the old brickstone bridge has "lost" its specific walls and was closed as well.
In the afternoon we went to Orval. It must have been at least my 4th time there.
A good beer afterwards was the reward of a day hiking.
We bought a demi-miche, a half Michael, called after the gardianangel Saint Michael. The taverne was called "Gardian Angel".
In the evening we planned to eat in Herbeumont but after 30 minutes (we didn't even had a drink yet) the smoke got so heavy upon me in that restaurant, I had to leave the company behind and went up walking the 40 minutes to the cabin.
The fresh air underway was doing me good.
Half an hour longer in that terrible smoke would have ruined my next day, turning me into difficult and painful breathing.
I think I took the right decision to leave and save myself. It is sad that smoker's minds are manipulated by their addict and cannot comprehend the situation.
Anyway I heard the rest of the company had a good meal but they didn't stayed too long either.
We had a pleasant evening after, trying to taste some new beers we bought but after tasting will never buy again `-)
the pee of the weazel or something served it's name well :)

On 11th of November it is war rememberance day. That morning we went left the cabin around 10 am and headed towards Bouillon.
Every year at this day there is a market where you can buy deers and wild bores, shut in the woods, but also lots of other local delicatesses.
There is also a little ceremony at the War rememberance statue: a local band will play the national hymn of Belgium but also the Marseillaise in honour of the French.
After this the hunting horns will blow a tune too.
Later on we went for a drink in a local pub. When our thirst was healed we visited the castle. This time we didn't go inside as we wanted to be at the church for the blessing of the animals (read dogs).

10th November was our day of arrival at the holiday site Les Fourches where we hired a cabin.
We had quite some stuff taken with us. For sure we would not starve.
Were at the meeting: Diamonddog; Tompt (Tom & Gonnie) and Irisbe

Laurent did a call for a meeting in the Belgian Virtualtourist forum and ofcourse we were there to welcome him!
Roy traveled 7 hours and I think deserves a special price for this effort `-)

Eddy was keeping a chair warmed up for us at the Irish pub where Roy had a whiskey and chocolate cake and a coke,... what a weird combination?
What can I say? It was a nice sunny day in the city, lots of walking and a fine dinner at the end when Jeanne-Marie; Allain; Rudy; Eve & Lamine joined us.

Enjoy viewing the pictures of this day!

The next day, Sunday 28th of August we started the day after a nice breakfast with a walk to the Hunnebed, old stone graveyard.
Close to noon Jasen joined us and we went for a cappucino waiting for Roy to join.
Then followed a nice afternoon of exotic drinks, snacks, shops and music.
At close to 6 pm we headed home again.
Thanks Ali & Co for this nice meeting!

We had an appointment with Ali and Co that weekend. They were so nice to host us in their home.
Saturday we arrived at 10:30 and after a cup of coffee we made a walk in Emmen and later on to the zoo. It is a very nice zoo and I enjoyed it very much. In the evening Jasen came to join the company.
It got midnight after a great meal in one of their favorite restaurants.

On 21st of August Roy (Imaniac @ VT) organised his 2nd big VT meeting in Maastricht.
Thanks again for the nice organisation Roy.

Were there:

AC_Spotter
B-Caro
Cadzand
Catnl
Co48
Danitsja_nl
Dhina
Eden_Teuling
ElPierro
Europebn
Filipdebont
IceBear7
Igraine
Irisbe
Jo104
Jasen71
JustinJansen
M-joy
MATIM
Myriam_c
Pieter_jan_v
RaHeNi
RhineRoll
Ronny_m21
Sachara
Tompt
VonDutch
Xowe

10 pm we got the phone call of Oleg telling he arrived at Antwerp. We went to pick him for a tour in the city but ofcourse he first wanted to share some great vodka and snacks with us. Red and Black was the name of the bottle, I would not have known as I can't read Russian.
After the drinks we went out for more and for walking and even some dancing

On Friday 19th Nathalie (Nathalie_b @ VT) came down to Antwerp to be a last time with her Belgian friends before she relocates back to Israel after a stay of several years in Breda as a student.
Eddy and Peter came early but left before I arried (what a pity!). Els and Norali started the afternoon a little more early with Nath at Het Pakhuis.
Around 7 pm we all dropped in at Celtic Ireland for the best Guiness in Antwerp and some good dinner.
Diamonddog Rudy, Caroline, Jeanne-Marie and Allain (the raheni's) and having her b-day Myriam joined us there.
Later on Maurice dropped by after his late working shift for a drink.
It was a nice meeting although we were a little saddened because of the reason to meet. Will miss you crazy Nathalie! `-)
so will the cats!
Thank you Raheni's for bringing us home safe!

On 15th of August Jeanne-Marie and Allain (Raheni) invited us for a great bbq in their garden.
It was a mixed meeting of friends, VT-friends and their families.

From VT came along Rudy (Diamonddog) helping Allain to bake; Caroline (B_Caro); Tom & Gonnie (Tompt); Myriam and Maurice (Myriam_C) and me, Dannie (Irisbe);

there were neighbours invited, ol friends of the family and family of Allain, visiting from Paris.
We also met our friends Alicia and Michel; and Solange and Peter again.
It was a great evening!
Later on we got visit from a few member's of Jeanne-Marie's son basketbalteam players when they returned from a match.

On 11th of August I met up with Melissa_bel and Ijazz in Mons.
It was the very first time I was there and Melissa did a great job showing me around :)

5th of August we got together again with some friends to have a farewell (not for long I hope) dinner because Marie-Claude and Cedric are going to relocate to Canada soon.
Who was there?
Marie-Claude and Cedric ofcourse and then Melissa_bel, my little Duvel sister; Goldenboy Paul who brought two of his Japanese student's friends Tomo and Tai (hope I wrote that correct) and then Austin1973, dear Amina who joined us for dinner.
It was a nice day and great to meet up with friends again!

3rd of August started already early for me as Razali (Banditleader@VT) introduced me to Aiko from Japan. I met up with her early in the morning before the VT meeting on occasion of Lori's & Hans's visit to Antwerp would begin.
We were with quite some!
Hans;Lori;Nathalie_b;B_caro;Pieter_Jan_V and Swanet; Matim with Maaike and Tim; Raheni (Jeann-Marie & Allain); Martin_nl, igraine, Cadzand, diamonddog and me, Irisbe.
It was a great day!

Pictures of a nice meeting along Caroline

Michel and Alicja invited us to their beautiful house for an Italian dinner.
We met some new friends of them and we saw our VT friends Raheni (Jeanne-Marie & Alain) and Tompt (Tom & Gonnie)back as well.
It was a splendid evening.
Dieter, his brother Peter and partner Sol (Solange), Arie with wife and daughter and then Friday and Sam, Diamonddog (Rudy) and me

And here the Antwerp Experiment along Bradbrown!

On 28th of June we had a whole bunch of globetrotters in Antwerp.
will write more details soon

On 19th June we met up with our friends from VT again. We planned to go to the rose festival in Deurne Rivierenhof park.
It was tropical hot and Jeanne-Marie & Allain (Raheni on VT) invited us for a refreshing drink before and after. After we got cake and Italian champaing. Jeanne-Marie was having her b-day!!! she kept it a secret all day!
Were at the meeting:
Raheni; tompt (Tom & Gonnie); B_caro (Caroline); Diamonddog (Rudy); Irisbe (Dannie, dat is me); Michel & Alicia (some international and incredible nice friends of Raheni); Sam (a researcher on a visit in our university that I brought with us) and Friday (who stays in Brussels in a refugee camp but needs to get out to keep in a while to keep his sanity); and then the 2 lovely "kids" J-M and Allain and Fobie, the dog.
I hope I didn't missed anyone?

There was no beer at the monast’ry baby
So we are getting our beers elsewhere
“We could be coming back on Monday maybe?”
But we wanted our beer today!

Sharrie visited Belgium and contacted Helga67 and Tompt to find out if they were around.
It ended with a meeting including Luchonda, Diamonddog and a lovely B_caro who spoiled us with a terrific lunch! Thanks caroline!

Stephen (Roamer61) was on a trip in Europe and I just could be in time to meet him in Brussels.
Not only me! We became with quite some group!
Some came, some had to leave.
I saw new faces and "old ones".
Ain't VT great to meet new and old friends over and over again?
Where at the meeting by member's name:
Roamer61 (guest of honor)
BeChar; Bruphil; Chrismj; Marie-Claude; mplessers; melissa-bel; bigjones and Pascal; ptitetoile; diamonddog;goldenboy + Nico; scedric2306; irisbe

On my arrival at Eindhoven airport coming from Bergamo, my VT friend Carin (catnl) was waiting for me to show me around her hometown or an afternoon.
At approx 5 pm Rudy (Diamonddog) was joining us and we ended our visit at a splendid Javanese restaurant with a delicious meal.

10th of May Els and me took the train back to Bergamo.
Our train had 15 minutes delay and people were working on the tracks.
We had to take 2 trains and the bus to arrive at the Città Alta again. Back to my B&B.
But until 5 pm I had the company of Els. She had to leave at that time to catch her flight back home.
A little rest for me between 5:30 and 6:30 pm before meeting lovely Titti again at 7 pm for a private walk in the city.

After the breakfast in Valeggio Els, Gillian and Walter went to the airport where we waved Gillian out.
Now the three of us left by train for a nice day in Verona.
Who did we met up later on? aaah Mat and Ursula!
We had another great afternoon with the 5 of us.
Then later, Mat and Ursula went on and also Walter (Roggeveen) needed to take the bus to the airport...
bye bye to all, except Els and me who still had a great coctail evening in a bar nearby the hotel.

Here are some pictures of what happened after the Verona weekend.
Members went home, but not all, some prolongued their trip

8th of May, time to say goodbye to some friends.
A nice walk in the park, a few more drinks and then with the ones staying behind a great diner in the evening.
I wished this weekend never ended `-)

8th of May... pictures taken by other members

7th of May more people appeared on the meeting.
The lunch we took in a little village that no one seemed to be able to find `-)
the evening we spent in Verona and they still talking there about a bunch of belly dancers!
the (hopefully) complete list of members attending:

alusru & Federica, ANNAD, Ariadne555, ARoman, Aurorae, Azhut,B_caro BarbaraForza, Beach_dog, benazer, bradbrown, B_Caro, cachaseiro, Carmela71, croisbeauty, Daja123, dr.firas, effeti, garibaldi, giampiero6, GillianMcLaughlin, globetrott, HORSCHECK, irisbe, IU2, jessica-b, JLBG,kaptainkamaleon, kenadams, kinga_freespirit, KristaB, Kulprit, Lotharlerch, Mahieu, mapakettle, Mariajoy, mario_spring_83, matcrazy0, matcrazy1, Maurizioago, MetaMihelcic, mirjana51, novsco61, paoseo, Pakistaniguy, piccolina, Pierangelo, pollon, Roggeveen, sachara, sandysmith, Sarakohen, sarita76, schlumpf, shirez, Sjalen, Stephanie & Jerry, sue_stone, tabatha, Tilman, Toyin, utttz, Xemx, zumodemango

Aside of these members, Giampiero invited his lovely parents and some of the members where accompanied by their partners. It sure was a big group!
(If I missed someone, pls send me a note!)

Ok... this was the day of the big Saturday evening belly dancing and of getting lost to the Mistral restaurant :)
have some pics you want to share?
send them on :)
irisbe@fotki.com

don't forget to mention your VT member name (for the copyright field)

You have funny pics to share?
don't wait and add them here by sending them at irisbe@fotki.com

6th of May started niceley with 4 persons (thank you Caroline). We headed slowly in the rented car (thanks Caroline for taking care of this) towards the big meeting in Valeggio sul Mincio, wondering what would be happening during the coming weekend.

If you like you can have your funniest, weirdest or best pre-Verona pics here!
Just send it to irisbe@fotki.com with your VT name!

On May 5th Caroline and me went on discovering Bergamo. Later on we had a little dinner meeting with Titti.
At the evening, just about when Titti had to leave, we met up with Sandy and her husband. So our little meeting grew up to 5 in total :)
ok... seems like a good preperation for the next days!

B_caro (Caroline) and me met up and flew off to Italy. We first went to Bergamo for a couple of days.
It was a nice mini mini pre-meeting.

This are some pictures of our 2nd day meeting, discovering another part of Antwerp.

It was a bit of a last notice and unfortunately most people were occupied already for one of the weekends of the eastern holidays.
Stavros (Stavlois) was planning to come with his friend but very sadly this friend hurt his feet terrible.
He took the hard but wise (people who have been with me will agree) not to risk to come and make the damage worse.
I heard the next day all was already much better, thank goodnes.
Anyway no other VT-er was free but I had 3 of our Karibu members Sam and his friends (foreign students and researchers) joining us for an afternoon city trip.
We had a great day and Stavros took care we could have a picknick along the waterfront :)
Late in the evening we had a dinner and then it was time to rush home as I promised to join him again to discover the other side of the city and we only had a morning and a short afternoon before Stavros needed to leave again.

Gkitzmil (Greg); Diamonddog (Rudy); Irisbe (Dannie); Tompt (Tom and Gonnie) where in for a whole weekend of adventures!

Yovi (jovy1011 at VT) and her photographer of duty, Chris, visited Belgium for a couple of days. Far too few to see a lot but enough for a taster ;)
Yovi is a journalist for a well known Hong Kong weekly paper about eating and traveling.
She wanted to proof there is more then Brussels and more then 3 days needed to visit Belgium.
I think she will go home with the assurance 3 days is far too few to visit the places :)
she went to Brussels with the tourist information centre, to Antwerp with the tourist information centre and half a day with me and to Bruges.
I am curious about the results :)]
I think she must have been impressed by Antwerp as she chosed to stay another night at a wellknown dancing in Antwerp instead of going to Bruges `-)
ah yes... I might be biased but Antwerp got it all `-)
but should use more of its potential, because there is still a lot there to offer.

Great! another VT meeting :)
Raheni, diamonddog, Mahieu, irisbe
all came for our special guest Caffeine_induced78, dragged to Antwerp by mercyless `-) Nathalie_B.
great fun!!!

On the 2nd of January we went with Tom & Gonnie (tompt) & Rudy (diamonddog) to Brussels for a nice day out!
Most pics are taken by Rudy.

On the first of January we went to visit the icesculptures with Tom and Gonnie ( http://www.virtualtourist.com/tompt )
Later on we tried out a little Portuguese restaurant.
I took the day off considering taking pics and let Rudy ( http://www.virtualtourist.com/diamonddog ) do most of the shooting.
The pics of the icesculptures are his.