October / Octobre / Oktober

All in all, October was a good month!  I managed to get myself back to France twice and realized that I’d missed it, regardless of how much I like Belgium!  It’s just something (surprisingly) so familiar.

I celebrated what I could of Halloween with my kids here, including Halloween cupcake making and helping them with their costumes.  I also got the opportunity to share the joy of pumpkin bars with Gaspard and some other lucky Frenchies.  In the past year, I’ve really discovered that Americans (myself included) love holidays- even those that aren’t even truly ours!  I find myself being more serious about making sure to celebrate Halloween, Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, and Thanksgiving because without these holidays – I’m no longer American.  As long as I’m celebrating these and keeping my own traditions alive, I’m maintaining my past and my roots.  Regardless of how much I’ve fallen in love with Europe, I will always put my roots first.

Some observations out and around Brussels:

• At the International school, I take out small groups of non-native English speakers to come and read/converse with me.  One group really made me laugh because each child seemed to fit into what most people generalize about their culture!  My two Italians would always shout out the answer, talking over others.  My French boy would react right away to other student’s responses, always showing his true emotions.  And my little Chinese girl was silent, not wanting to talk – but her teacher told me later that on paper, this girl is near fluent in English on an academic standard.
• I am not, of course, trying to point out stereotypes but there is a point where culture is culture.  And when one is mixed in with others, their strong tendencies can become more apparent.

• While driving in Brussels, everybody gives a little salute/hand wave, but for many various reasons.  A gesture can all together say:
• “Thanks for yielding/waiting”
• “Excuse me Sir; I have the right of way”
• “Sorry, I know that I’m a terrible driver!”
• “It’s okay, I know you’re a terrible driver”

I’ve had more interaction with other drivers here than I have ever had in the States.  It’s one of those times where I find them to be more courteous in this situation than most American drivers.

Here are some pictures from the past month:

Theo & I at Alex's field hockey practice.

A hobbit house a block away from where I live.

Apricot, one of the kittens.

Modeling one of Anna's hair creations.

Alex & Anna during a happy sibling moment.

Bois de la Cambre.

Anna & I with Apricot.

 

Alex & Anna.

My little guy playing some tunes.

Oktoberfest in Brussels!

     

Uccle on a good day.

Local graffiti featuring the Smurfs.

Typical Brussels architecture. 

Halloween cupcakes! 

Taking a little dragon to school
 for his Halloween party!

Ah, Blois.

Happy Halloween from Blois!