Eiffel Indoor Picnic

The umbrellas were out today, not to keep out the sun, but to deal with the ongoing rainy season in Paris! We were scheduled to have a picnic on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower today, with friends from Holland, MI: Bruce and Carla Masselink and their friends, Arnie and Hazel DeFeyter. The week previous they enjoyed a canal/bike trip in the Netherlands (with decent weather), only to put up with rain showers while in Paris!

They brought sandwiches and pastries, and we had animated conversation, especially doing the Holland crossword (who's related to who)...... They wanted to get a couple hours in the Louvre Museum yet, so on they went on bus 69, to meet up with their son Reid.

Reid and his wife, Nathalie, (French) are expecting their first child in August. Reid and Nathalie are both in the art "business" Reid is a painter, and Nathalie buys and sells paintings. We had dinner with them earlier on in our stay here.

More Michigan visitors!

On May 9, we welcomed Chic and Nancy Broersma, long time friends from seminary days. They presently live in Cadillac, MI, near their son Steve and Sally and family. Chic was able to be our guest preacher here at the American Church in Paris, so that was special for all of us.

Quite soon into their visit here, we took the train to Chartres, a delightful hour's trip from Paris by train. We had just a spectacular day, enjoying that beautiful cathedral, and then walking the historical streets along the river, and finally finding a charming place to enjoy lunch. We noted how much less expensive it was than eating in Paris cafes!

As well as the typical tourist sites here in Paris, they enjoyed strolling along the Seine, watching people on the bus, participating in our church's coffee fellowship, taking in a flea market, shopping, etc.

Chic kept daily tabs on how the Detroit Tigers were doing! We played lots of setback, with the guys having the winning record. (...this time!)

I am including some photos of flowers, which has become kind of a hobby for me....Hope you enjoy them!

John is keeping very busy with wedding matters, and will also participate in a weekend retreat at the Taize center....He preaches here June 3, and then we'll be keeping active with a visit from our Aussie family, eager to spend time with them, especially Ben (5) & Tessa! (2)! We'll be preparing for our sojourn back to the States, then on July 1.

Till later! Sharon (and John)

Fast Train to Brugge, Belgium

What a welcome change of venue to view rolling countryside, farms, small towns, and colorful fields from the window of our TVG fast train trip to Brugge. We changed trains in Brussels, and arrived in Brugge in the middle of a holiday, so it was lively and loud in the main square.

Brugge is a charming city, now with a vibrant tourist industry; filled with medieval, historical buildings and churches,quaint architechure, cobblestone streets, canals, parks, and hundreds of bicyles that can be rented. Lacemaking, chocolates, and beer are trademarks of this town! In 2002, it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Although one can walk the city, we did rent bicycles one day, and cycled to Damme, a lovely village about 4 miles from Brugge, along a canal, with a bike path on either side. Before we took this trip, we bought fresh strawberries and cheese at the open market.

We passed a windmill, and later viewed a 14th century church in Damme. I took a picture of the sign "Kerkhof" by the church, which is the "church cemetery," (and is also part of my maiden name, Van't Kerkhoff). I also found a tombstone of a couple whose name was "Timmerman", which was my mother's maiden name! Brought back a lot of memories.

I did have one fall, meeting another bicycle, and my bike tire hit the edge of the path, and down I went into a bunch of stinging nettle plants!!!! OUCH! My arm was full of the little stingers, and was very uncomfortable until the next day, when itching set in! At least I didn't fall into the canal, I thought, cheerily!

We stayed two nights at the Novatel, which was very lovely and had a scrumptious morning breakfast. On our third day, I did some shopping, and John climbed the 366 steps up the bell tower, and visited some museums.

With wonderful spring weather each day, we made our way back to the train station, and 3 hours later, we were back in Paris!