Ghent

We went to Ghent for the day this past week. It is one of the larger cities in Belgium. During the Middle Ages, Ghent became one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe. While we were there, we explored the Gravensteen Castle. The history of this castle is rather interesting, so I wanted to share it with you. The castle was built in 1180. The castle was used as the seat of the Counts of Flanders until they abandoned it in the 14th century. The castle was then used as a courthouse, a prison, and eventually decayed. Houses were then built against the walls and even on the courtyard and the stones of the walls were used to erect other buildings. At one point, the castle was even a factory. At the end of the 19th century, the castle was going to be demolished, but the city of Ghent decided to buy it and restore it. The castle has been restored enough that we were able to climb all the way to the top! It was quite a view!

Afternoon at the Canal

It was a beautiful day here in Belgium today. The sun was out, the air was crisp, and the snow was gone... perfect day for a walk! Emma and I went for a walk to the canal which is right down the road from our house. Emma loved watching the ducks! Next time I will bring some bread. ;)

Goodbye 2010... Hello 2011!

Happy New Year everyone! I was reminiscing over this past year and I realized that it has been quite and adventurous year for us! I am excited to see what God has in store for us in 2011!

The Adventures of the Eveland's in 2010:

~Learning how to be parents

~Emma's first year of life

~Getting everything packed and situated before we left Georgia

~Flying on a plane with an infant... she did well, I was the one who was stressed out!

~Matt and his dad driving across country in a VW Golf, with a dog, and a trunk full of stuff in less than 2 days.

~Spending a month with family in California... so hard to say goodbye! Thanks for the memories!

~Going to the Padres opening day game. They beat the Braves 17-5!!

~Moving to Belgium

~Getting used to the time difference

~Trying to learn Dutch... "Mijn Nederlands is niet goed."

~Trying new food... kebabs, brat worst, smos special, and of course Belgian waffles and chocolates!

~Trying to see Pairs in half of a day... not recommended!

~The metro ride in Paris... God was watching out for us that day!

~Walking the streets in Amsterdam... I'll just leave it at that!

~Exploring Belgium

~Summer and no AC!!

~London and Stonehenge... Awesome!

~Sinterklaas and Black Pete's

~The snow

~Christmas Markets