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I heard the best phrase yesterday, Joi de Vivre! In French it means the carefree or a joyful way of life in French. Our guide Iris used this phrase as to explain the way of life of the Belgium as we were making our way into the country. And I agree that joi de vive sums up the European and especially way of life. Every day we have here we have precious moments that I hope I never forget. I just wished that there was a way to bring David, Brinkley, all of my family and friends to buy into moving over here.
Yesterday we headed over to two different Catholic cathedrals - St. Jacobs Church and Notre Dame cathedral. Notre Dame housed two beautiful masterpiece triptychs from the great Peter Paul Ruebens. I must have stood in front of the Descent from the Cross (1611-14) for over 20 minutes. To say that it was huge would be an understatement. It was so immense that it was overwhelming that you had to step back about 40 feet just to take it all in. Seeing it inside of the cathedral was unlike any art viewing I have ever had. There is a sense of holiness that completely overtakes you. I have always respected Rubens, but this piece has given me a much deeper respect for his works .( http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/r/rubens/11religi/07desce.html). After we finished there we moseyed on down to St. Jacobs where the entire Ruben family is buried. I love seeing graves and tombs, but his tops them all! He has an entire gated area with three larger than life sculptures. To finish off Rubens, today we went to his house or should I say estate, and it was just lovely! Everywhere you looked it felt as if you were in Italy, an environment he tried replicate after living in Italy for years. We also went to an old printing shop that had bibles and globes from the 16th century.
I have learned that the IRA may still be active here in Europe. Beth was wearing a T-shirt of some movie that was about the IRA and had an IRA flag on it. Maybe not the best idea here in Europe Beth! A man came up to us and starting singing the IRA anthem. And started telling her that she was such a great girl, even though he didn't know her but he could just feel it as they were kindred spirits. Apparently he too was part of the IRA! Luckily, Shelly my roommate is the only bright one in the group and pulled us away from him after he started singing louder and pointing to Beth's shirt. There is nothing like a serenade!
Thank you for all of your messages. Unfortunately I have no way to reply to your funny comments but I did put in a suggestion to the offexploring.com people. Keep them coming because I am planning on having the book published with all of my posts, pictures and your replies! Check out my new Antwerp album.
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David I never thought about how your fascination with cemeteries might play into this trip. You must be LOVING this! I love that French saying. We could all benefit from a bit more of that.
Patti I so invented Joi de Vivre. lol.
Alicia I just checked and Antwerp has a film office, so count me in for the move :)