There is literally a life BEFORE covid and of course one AFTER covid, where we'll be able to pick up our travel list from where we left it last March. But right now it's life DURING covid and the way we enjoy our time in Europe is quite different right now than BEFORE covid.
Our posting is coming to the end and our family is very sad that our last moments in Belgium must be like this, with all the travel and movement restrictions. However, we will not be shackled and prevented from making new discoveries! While staying in Belgium, we are enjoying our last moments while respecting the measures taken by the Government.
During the last Christmas vacation, our family needed more than a day's escape. We rented a house in the Belgian Ardennes to relax. House search criteria: indoor pool and/or spa, remote house with lots of greenery, games room for young and old (pool table, football table, darts, etc.). It was fantastic, so relaxing and Zen, exactly what we needed in this COVID storm. Most of our time was spent alternating from the swimming pool to the spa mixed with relaxation, reading and champagne. No arguing with the children in the evening when it was time to sleep, they were too tired from hiking excursions. What could be better? In addition, we were very close to the German border and we were able to take in new scenery with typical German architecture, and the first language spoken in this area was German. We returned home rested and happy having enjoyed our vacation in this way.
Recently, my husband discovered an article that lists the 17 most photogenic castles in Wallonia. What we decided was to take one day per weekend to visit one or two of these castles. These adventures allow us to discover new regions of our host country, to hike in the woods, to admire the beauty of nature which amazes us every time. I guarantee it is a wonder for your eyes and so good for the soul and mental health. The children enjoy exploring this way too, especially with a pair of binoculars around their necks when we can only view the castles from afar.
On the other day of our weekend, we go on another adventure by choosing a hike in a guide book introduced to us by a member of our community. Sometimes we bring our picnic and take a break, a glass of wine in hand.
It is in these more difficult times that we can appreciate the small, simple things in life. Add to that a little extravagance, but not too much, and there you have a winning recipe for staying in physical and mental shape.
- Véronique Turcotte
Brussels, Belgium