I Spy Friday featuring Brussels

Last Spring we had a quick stopover in Brussels on our way to Amsterdam.

At the time I declared Brussels Deserves an Overnighter.

A weekend in Germany visiting the Christmas markets was the perfect opportunity for another stopover. 

Last Friday, we hopped on the Eurostar and took the 2 hour trip to Brussels. 

Have I mentioned that I love traveling by train? It's so much more relaxing for me than flying. 

Brussels at night did not disappoint!

(Although in the spirit of full-disclosure, TE and I did argue a bit.

Travel stress strikes again.  But we got it all out on the first night, so it was a good thing.)

The city was in full Christmas mode.

The shop windows were bedecked with everything you can imagine. 

Belgian chocolate by the truckloads!

We strolled over to visit the little man again and had a drink at our favorite pub in Brussels.

The main square in Brussels is massive and beautiful.

But as we got closer, we noticed something different and seemingly out of place.

 

This year the powers-that-be decided to forgo the

traditional Christmas tree in the center of the historical square.

  Instead they opted for a massive, illuminated Abstract Christmas Tree.  

There was an impressive light show set to Christmas music.

The tree and the surrounding buildings all danced with color and lights. 

We noticed some protesters surrounded by TV crews after the light show.  We didn't know what they were protesting until we read later that many were not happy with the new display in the center of their beautiful square.

We were tired from a long week, so after a few drinks we turned in for the night. 

Our friends were arriving on a later train and we were all heading to Germany the next morning to visit the Christmas Markets!  More to come on our weekend getaway. 

The crazy tree did seem oddly out of place, although very pretty at night.  

What do you think?  New and exciting or tacky and out of place?

xoxo

Selena

Thanksgiving at Tiffany's

We're back from Belgium and Germany and the Christmas Markets.

OhEmGee!  It's like Christmas on steroids.  We had SO much fun!

But, before we get too far into Christmas, let's talk about Thanksgiving.

I knew this was going to be a rough one. 

Thanksgiving is a holiday tailor made for family shenanigans

and I was desperately missing home just thinking about the upcoming holiday. 

When Tiffany (who makes the best tamales in London)

mentioned that she was hosting a Thanksgiving Supper Club,

we signed up right away.

If I couldn't surround myself with family,

I was bound and determined to have some good food.  

And this girl can cook!

Roasted pumpkin seeds to get us in the mood.  

And of course a little margarita to get us even more in the mood.  

Tamarind.  Cinnamon.  Tequila.  Who knew?!?!

Goats cheese, nuts, honey and pumpkin oil.  Seriously, it was so good!

I expected to be in a room full of Americans, but I was the only one. 

Five Aussies, one Malaysian, one Brazilian, Five Brits, me and several bottles of wine. 

An International Thanksgiving Celebration.  

I did have a quick FaceTime call from the family celebration back in Texas. 

That might have triggered some embarrassing tears, but everyone was very sweet about it.  

Very quickly we were laughing and having a great time.

In my head, I was assigning everyone a role in a typical American family.

TE was the wacky Uncle and I was the tipsy Auntie.  

And then the table started to fill with all of the traditional Thanksgiving sides.

Everything was just incredible! And can we talk about this mushroom gravy?

 We were fighting over it.  It was so good.  

The most talked about dish was my personal favorite... Sweet Potatoes Taters!!!  

You haven't lived until you've had sweet potatoes with marshmallows melted on top.

Is it a side dish?  Is it a dessert?  Who cares?  I'll have seconds and thirds, please. 

And then.....  Ta Da!!!

The perfect turkey.  Tasty and  moist and carved for all to see!

We even applauded upon it's entrance.  As you do.  
Carved perfectly by the wonderful Lewis. 

Then the magic of a good Thanksgiving dinner happened.

Happy taste bud noises, lots of "pass the....", smiles and laughter.  

We were almost all too full for the final piece of the pie. 

It was festive and fantastic.

The perfect way to experience Thanksgiving so far from home.

Thanks so much, Tiffany, for giving me a wonderful taste of home.

It was just what I needed for my first Thanksgiving in London. 

xoxo

Selena

I Spy Friday Christmas!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we are finally allowed to discuss Christmas.

(I will post about our amazing Thanksgiving Supper Club soon.) 

The Brits don't have a distinctive starting signal for Christmas like we do.  

They just kind of start sliding into it around mid-November.  

Like a good 'merican, I ignored all things Christmas until after Turkey Day. 

But now, let the games begin!

We are chugging our way to Belgium and Germany

for my first experience with the Christmas Markets!

I'm so excited!!

Gluhwein and sausage and beer, oh my!

Have a lovely weekend!!

Here are some pics from the famous Liberty department store from about 6 weeks ago.

 

 My first London Christmas is ahead of me. 

What should be on my list of perfect London Christmas experiences?

xoxo

Selena