What is considered a vacation? Getting on a plane? Traveling to a tropical destination? Crossing the border? Visiting friends and family? Taking a road trip to the other side of the country? Staying at a hotel?
I have done all these things and I can guarantee that none of them resulted in a vacation. Mark and I have been together since December of 2004; that’s almost seventeen years. Even though we have lived a life less ordinary, in many different countries, the two of us have NEVER been on a typical vacation together (or apart) since we met. I know this is hard to believe and/or grasp by people who don’t know us well…
My plane from Boston to Reykjavik
The closest we have come to anything like a medley of peace, exploration, and relaxation without worries is a three-day city trip to Budapest in 2017 and two months of “living off the grid” in Baja last winter (this one still involved work, book promo, and the necessary stress that we seem to incur).
Based on all that, I have decided that the best way for me to describe “a vacation” is when I am able to leave my computer behind. Yep, that’s right. Not take my computer on a trip. How is that possible? I have a monthly editing job, receive occasional translation assignments, need to promote Plunge, write blogs on my laptop, save photos in folders on my computer, and have my important information (including passwords which I could never remember) stored on its hard drive. I actually considered this drastic act for my recent three-week visit to Belgium. (I really craved a vacation.) And … decided against it. That’s just too long without my most important electronic buddy.
(As always, hover over or click on the photos to read the captions.)
So, I took my trusted laptop, forfeited my camera instead (and took photos with Mark’s old phone – a mistake as you can tell), requested a “leave of absence” regarding work, and managed to have a wonderful time with friends and family. It was exhausting but incredibly satisfying, for the soul, the belly, and the sense of belonging. Mark and I were treated like royalty and spoiled like… Maya. 😊
Despite the never-ending insecurity and anxiety regarding international pandemic rules, regulations, and guidelines, we lucked out. Two days before I was scheduled to fly from Boston, Massachusetts, to Brussels, Belgium travelers received the green light for that trajectory. No quarantine or negative Covid test were needed anymore; the United States was considered a green or orange zone instead of the dreaded red designation. Unfortunately, institutions were behind with their data, which caused me extra worry and stress upon arrival and an entire week into my trip. Fortunately, it all worked out in the end.
That first week in Belgium, jetlag and lack of sleep followed me, but I embraced being with my parents, seeing a few “select” friends, and participating in interviews with the press to chat about my book and my lifestyle – for a regional TV station and two national newspapers. I had to decline a radio interview because of logistic reasons. I was in France during the live broadcast.
Once Mark arrived for two weeks, the pace and goals changed as we bounced around different bedrooms across the Flemish part of my home country. Beer, good food, friendship, and family became the center of attention. It was glorious and time went way too fast. A huge shout-out to our friends Duwan and Greg (Make Like An Apeman) who made our journey as a couple possible. They pet sat Maya – who did great by the way – in “our room above the garage.”
During the two days we “stayed” at my brother’s house, Mark and I biked and had lunch out with my parents, joined a group of friends to watch the Belgian Red Devils lose their quarter finals in the European Championship for soccer, walked around my birth town of Dendermonde, and enjoyed a wonderful brunch at a friend’s home.
From there, we moved to another friend’s house for a fabulous dinner, an amazing brunch (extensive “tabling” with goodies as the rain kept pouring down), and a short walk in Gent (Ghent), the city of my college years.
The strange thing is that I never before realized how attractive the capital of Oost-Vlaanderen (East Flanders) is, despite living there for four years!
Next, we left Gent to visit my aunt in Oostende, West-Vlaanderen. While we slept in her guestroom bunk beds, the days and evenings were filled with activities. My parents were on a one-week holiday at the coast with their grandchildren; my niece and nephew. Their location was a 50-minute walk or 15-minute tram ride away. The idea was that we’d have fun with the kids for two afternoons and we did!
The 12-year-old and her 7-year-old brother picked two favorite activities to do with auntie Liesbet and uncle Mark. The first one was a pleasant surprise: collecting trash in the dunes. My mom joined us on that windy endeavor. In the evening, Mark and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary with Belgian stouts (Mark), wine (me), and Turkish food.
The second afternoon – again, after a delicious and extensive lunch out – the four of us biked to a farm with petting zoo, playground, and cafeteria. On this day, unlike most days during our “vacation,” the weather was agreeable. As animal lovers, a good time was had by all.
Another week had passed already, when Mark and I headed across the border to the Opal Coast in NW France. My parents generously lent us their only car for the entire three weeks of my presence. The whirlwind of activities and visits slowed down a tad for four days, as the two of us met up with my cousin and her husband. Family as well as friends, this couple visited us around the world. I will elaborate on that excursion in a future blog post.
The last two days of our Belgian adventure, Mark and I stayed with a cousin in the province of Antwerpen (Antwerp). We visited with more family members, I caught up with some emails and work, and we had a lovely final dinner on my cousin-in-law’s birthday. Having a group of family around that evening was special and precious, since we are never present for occasions like these. Not having my dear aunt included (she used to be the organizing body) made the event bittersweet. She unexpectedly passed away last October.
Despite the uncooperative weather, Mark and I had a lovely time. To see loved ones is more important than sunshine. It had been three years for me and four for him since the last visit. Our friends and family welcomed us with open arms and used their hospitality, gestures, and spoils to make sure we’d return! Maybe we bring Maya next time?
I am linking this post to Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share #30. You can read her contribution about some Toronto highlights here.
July 29, 2021 at 10:07
Liesbet, even though you did take your laptop it looks like you had a wonderful time with family and friends and revisiting places from earlier years. The photos of you both at so many quality get togethers is very heartwarming and so nice to see. And how great that Maya was well taken care of so you didn’t need to worry about her well being. A good vacation from being a fur baby mom and dad, too.
Love the architectural shots of East Flanders. Beautiful.
Peta
July 29, 2021 at 17:00
Hi Peta!
It’s interesting how quickly we both got used to not having a dog with us. Not that we had a lot of time to think about it. And, you are so right, knowing Maya was taken good care of helped tremendously for the success of our visit.
This was a unique chance to return to Belgium as a couple, which I don’t expect to happen again any time soon. Yet, the only way to do everyone – and the country – justice is by staying much longer. And that is only possible if we bring Maya – that’s opening another can of worms. 🙂
July 29, 2021 at 10:37
What a fun time, Liesbet. That is a very busy vacation! I think a younger me would have loved all the activity (and missed the computer). Are you glad it’s over?
July 29, 2021 at 17:06
Hi Jacqui!
While it was fun and a little break of so many things (even of thinking and worrying too much about our predicaments in the US) in Belgium, I was genuinely happy to return to Massachusetts. Mostly to pick up our own life again. I didn’t realize until we returned that Mark and I did not spend a single evening – let alone part of a day – together over there! A cherished time with other loved ones, though. 🙂
July 29, 2021 at 11:20
Hey Liesbet! I loved seeing the photos of you visiting with family and just relaxing and having fun. I KNOW you’ve been working very hard with your book promotion so it’s nice to take a break huh? And I thought the camera worked just fine. Thanks again for sharing your adventure with all of us. ~Kathy
July 29, 2021 at 17:13
Hi Kathy!
It sure was nice to take a break from book promotion. Until guilt settled in, haha. How is your audiobook version doing? There is no end as to what we can do with our books, regarding promotion as well as improvements or enhancements. I’m ready to focus on other projects…
I read you made some changes to your schedule and priorities as well. Good for you! Although I was a bit surprised by the fact that I couldn’t leave a commentto your last blog. I think it’s great that you are letting go of the rigid schedule and manage to go with the flow more. 🙂
July 29, 2021 at 11:50
Wow, that’s a lot of visiting with family and friends. I’m exhausted just looking at the photos. Glad you got to go “home” and see them all though and it looks like you enjoyed yourself. Good for you!
July 29, 2021 at 17:16
Hi Leslie!
It was a crazy schedule to visit “everyone.” Of course, I had to decline a few invitations with promises for next time.
The reason it was even busier than other years is because we moved around so much. This meant every party wanted our attention from morning until evening. That was exhausting. In the past, I stayed at my parents’ house (which they sold three years ago) with my childhood room as a “safe” haven to catch my breath in between visits. And, I rarely stayed overnight elsewhere.
But, yes, we had a really good time, both of us. As always, we vowed to stay longer next time… Maybe in preparation of an RV trip throughout Europe. 🙂
July 29, 2021 at 11:55
I’d say this definitely qualifies as a vacation. I can so identify with not wanting to be without your computer. Not a day goes by when I don’t use it. The first question when we go anywhere is “Do you have wi-fi?” Of course, followed by, “What’s the password?” Caring for your dog is a huge consideration. Knowing Maya was in good hands lifts that worry.
Don’t wait another seventeen years for your next vacation!
July 29, 2021 at 17:19
Have you considered taking a day off from computer use, Pete? I try to do this on Sundays and I have been succeeding. Of course, there’s isn’t a day that I don’t spend hours on my iPad… I’m looking forward to a trip one day on which I can manage with only my iPad and camera. That will be a real vacation! 🙂 This one was a tad too busy and focused on others to classify as a usual vacation of relaxation, me-time, and excursions. But, we had fun, so that was great!
And, yes, to always needing internet. Especially when we are on the road, we have to hunt for that and consider where we camp based on availability of cell service.
July 29, 2021 at 12:38
I am glad your trip to Belgium has been so successful and that Mark has been able to join you. Even though you had to mix some work with pleasure, it sounds like you have managed to balance things quite well.
Loving all your photos with family and friends, particularly loved the one of you watching yourself on TV…so cool.
Lovely that Maya was well looked after and had a nice time with your friends.
Great post 😀
July 29, 2021 at 17:22
True words, Gilda! We had some challenges finding internet as well to at least “check the basics” every day. This cost precious time as well, but in general we found a good balance between … everything. 🙂 It was a special time for me, for my friends and family, and for Mark. And, I’m relieved and grateful that everyone was healthy and doing well. Happy with their life’s choices and no Covid hurdles (anymore). Perfect!
July 29, 2021 at 13:01
Your photos show your trip was necessary, profitable, and fulfilling. But it wasn’t a rest. I didn’t leave my electronic buddy behind when we flew to Missouri, but I stopped blogging for 2 weeks, a nice break.
Our time away with my second cousin was vacation “bootcamp.” I told him so with an “haha” emoji. Once we had a 16-hour day sightseeing and going to a light/sound show. Another day, a 4-hour kayak cruise with a 2-hour car trip to and fro. Of course, I’ll blog about it next month!
I’m sure your relatives were overjoyed to see you and witness your success! 🙂
July 29, 2021 at 17:27
Hi Marian!
I’m glad you had a lovely time in Missouri and I look forward to your report and photos. A 16-hour sightseeing day. Wowza! I couldn’t do that!
Taking a blogging break was a good idea. I considered this as well, but couldn’t skip my monthly writing update. Actually, now that I think about it, that might have been the only blog I posted. Oh, and a photo blog, I believe. I don’t remember. Mark didn’t bring his computer, so we didn’t have access to our finances for my monthly expense report, hence its delay. A good thing as these blog posts would have stolen precious time away from my family.
July 30, 2021 at 07:57
🙂
July 29, 2021 at 14:23
That definitely looks like a vacation! I’m glad you were able to stay long enough to get some great visits with family and friends. Your pictures makes me want to visit there too one day.
July 29, 2021 at 17:29
Hi Janis,
I hope you and Paul can add Belgium to a European itinerary one day. I’ve never appreciated my little country as much as during this visit (and I’ve also never disliked it as much at first – weird). I think three years between visits really is a long time – probably too long – to maintain the connection with my home country. This was not an issue with the human characters during my visit. That felt as if I saw everyone a week prior. More a mental thing, I guess. Interesting sensations nevertheless.
July 29, 2021 at 16:57
Congrats on achieving vacation status, Liesbet! A long time coming for you and Mark. You look happy and content surrounded by your family and familiar places. Did I read right or did Belgium just have some major flooding? Hope you were gone by then if that were true. Vacation or not, I would still take my laptop and phone for tech use. You done good, my friend, and hope your homecoming with sweet Maya was wonderful!
July 29, 2021 at 17:34
You read that right about flooding in Belgium, Terry. The deluge took place the day before and the day of our departure from Brussels. It was so dangerous on the highway when my dad brought us to the airport and the rain was pouring down when he dropped us off. It was a terrible goodbye from my home country. Luckily, no accidents and not too many delays to arrive in the departure hall.
Maya was soooo beyond herself when we returned “home.” We were wise enough to have me go upstairs first, so I received the same treatment Mark always gets. She is so attached to him that she often ignores me in normal life. But, when she saw me after three weeks, it was the most joyous welcome of a furry friend I could have wished for. Just wonderful. And then, it was Mark’s turn. All that behind us, we said hi to our friends, haha.
July 29, 2021 at 18:04
What a lovely sociable time. But hard work!
August 1, 2021 at 15:07
Fun work at least! 🙂
July 29, 2021 at 19:02
What a great post. So nice you got to see so many of your family and friends. As we say, you killed a bird!! Cheers!
August 1, 2021 at 15:07
It was pretty special to be back. It usually is, but this time, it felt a tad different. Like I was being reintroduced into my family’s lives after a long absence and discovering I still belonged. 🙂
July 30, 2021 at 00:19
What a wonderful visit, Liesbet. Despite you purposefully leaving your camera behind, I greatly enjoyed viewing your photos. I can totally relate to not realizing how attractive a familiar area is, despite living there for multiple years. This has frequently happened to me as well.
August 1, 2021 at 15:09
I can totally imagine how you are constantly “rediscovering” your beautiful Vancouver Island, Donna. It is usually when we take a moment to breathe and look around us that these stunning scenes get etched in our mind and on our camera. I mean our old, crappy phone. 🙂
July 30, 2021 at 07:53
Well it looks like you had an incredible time. I’m so glad your trip home to see family and friends was a huge success. This is what vacations are all about, and I’m glad you didn’t work (much) and switched off social media, etc. Did you come back feeling refreshed, Liesbet? How long were you in Iceland for?
I hope you will have another trip to Belgium planned soon, even if it’s a long way off, it’s always good to something in the dairy.
August 1, 2021 at 15:13
Hi Hugh!
Unfortunately, while I had a fun and special time in Belgium, I did not return refreshed. I barely slept and never caught up on the jetlag there, so it took me ages to feel energized again in the US. To be honest, I sleep so terribly that I am still quite tired. To combine seeing friends and family with work and enough relaxation in between, I think I’d have to fly to Belgium for two months, or better, the entire summer. Maybe next time? 🙂
We were only in Iceland twice for an hour and a half as a layover. Mark and I did extend our time there in the past and explored the capital for a few hours during one night in town a few years ago. We lucked out with the weather that day, luckily.
I’m looking forward to returning to Belgium one year, but my agenda stays empty for now. I like it that way. No commitments. 🙂
August 2, 2021 at 05:47
Ahh, jet lag. I get what you mean, Liesbet. I always had the same problem when flying back to the UK from the U.S.A. It often took weeks to be able to catch up, and I could never sleep on the plane.
Iceland is a place I’d love to visit one day. I’d love to see the Northern Lights.
August 4, 2021 at 15:13
My wish is for you to travel to Iceland and see the Northern Lights, Hugh. It is something I am excited about seeing one day as well. I have a photographer friend who took groups to a part of Northern Norway (The Lofoten Islands, I believe) to photograph this phenomenon and his biggest tips are to have patience, go for long enough, and pick the season with the largest occurrence. It’s as much a lucky game as picking the right destination.
July 30, 2021 at 10:57
Looks like you had a fantastic trip and stayed incredibly busy. It’s always nice to go back ‘home’ and see everyone you haven’t seen in a long time. It’s even better when ‘home’ is a stunningly beautiful country full of incredible architecture and natural beauty. I’m so glad to hear you had a great time and things worked out – especially given the potential complications involved in international travel during a pandemic. I’m sure that added even more uncertainty onto everything. I hope things on this side of the pond start falling into place for you guys soon, too!
August 1, 2021 at 15:19
It always surprises me when people think my home country is special and pretty. I think as a resident, you look past those things, since everything appears familiar. That’s why, this time, after a long absence, I saw a couple of towns I strolled through from the eyes of a tourist. While extremely built-up and crowded, the history in Belgian towns and cities produces wonderful architecture. 🙂
Yep, it was an added complication and stressful Covid-wise, but I shouldn’t complain as I – and Mark – got to go! That being said, I don’t think we want to fly anymore while the pandemic is still an issue. Flying wasn’t fun the last decade for different reasons, but all the rules, regulations, guidelines, and having to pay for EVERYTHING on a plane now, makes these trips a chore.
We do have some news on this side of the pond regarding our similar-to-your life on the road. Stay tuned! 🙂
July 30, 2021 at 22:22
What a wonderful and fun-filled visit, Liesbet! I enjoyed viewing your photos. I hope you’re settling nicely in MA after a busy trip, international flights and different time zones. Thank you for linking this post to #weekendcoffeeshare.
August 1, 2021 at 15:20
Hello Natalie! Because we travel light, we were settled back in our room within the hour of arrival. And, once our friends left (which added three more social days), we picked up life as we knew it from before the Belgian trip. Now, we are preparing for a new adventure. 🙂
July 31, 2021 at 09:03
It looks like a great, great time!
August 1, 2021 at 15:20
It sure was, Maria! Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment. I hope you are having a lovely Sunday.
July 31, 2021 at 19:22
How fabulous! While other countries will let us Aussies in, we’re unable to leave – have to apply for an exemption to leave the country and there are caps on the number of people allowed back in. Heavy sighs. Loved your images – I’ve only been to Belgium once but so wanted to spend extra time there. As an aside, as an author/dayjobber I totally get the travelling without a laptop idea of freedom…
August 1, 2021 at 15:23
Hi Jo! It must be so frustrating that countries are happy to receive you, but you can’t leave. Especially if you are a traveler. I remember similar situations in Canada, where nobody was allowed to leave and fly to warm destinations last winter. Aaargh… I do hope you will be able to return to Belgium one day and immerse yourself in its fabulous food, drinks, and historic sights. Those darn laptops, right? We should all be able to retire when we turn forty. Or fifty. Or make heaps of money with our books. 🙂
July 31, 2021 at 20:37
What a beautiful place. Glad that you got to go back to your home. Thanks for sharing it with us. #weekendcoffeeshare
August 1, 2021 at 15:24
Thank you for reading and commenting. It’s something a lot of people with roots in the country they live don’t understand. But, not being able to see your friends and family for years at a time makes it so fantastic and special whenever you can return and do so again, albeit for a short amount of time.
August 2, 2021 at 21:32
Thanks for sharing some of your beautiful country with us. I hope to visit Belgium one day. Glad you had such good time with friends and family and even though you attempted to leave the laptop behind, you did well only doing what was necessary. Isn’t it funny how we feel like we’re missing an appendage without them! 🙂 xox
August 4, 2021 at 15:14
Some appendage that is… A moody one at times too. 🙂 I hope you manage to visit Belgium one day, Debby. Ideally when I am there, so I can show you around.
August 5, 2021 at 09:28
Wouldn’t that be just perfect! <3
August 6, 2021 at 14:27
🙂
August 3, 2021 at 22:20
What a wonderful trip, Liesbet. I loved the photos of the architecture, so beautiful. I heard about major flooding in Belgium a short while ago and thought of you, but I think you might have been in a different part of the country, or had gone back to the US by then.
August 4, 2021 at 15:16
Hi Deb! Luckily for my friends and family, the flooding took part in Southern Belgium and not in the Flemish part. A terrible event!! We experienced some of the heavy rains on our way to and at the airport, just before taking off. But, no flight delays, fortunately. We both had a nice time and look forward to returning, hopefully in the not too distant future.
August 4, 2021 at 10:02
What fun. Glad you got to visit with family and friends. (Love that tablecloth:)
August 4, 2021 at 15:18
Thanks for swinging by Sandra! I had to go look at “that tablecloth”… Yep! Very stark colors. 🙂 Festive too.
August 4, 2021 at 16:39
Wow, it sounds like a wonderful trip! I’m impressed that you even momentarily considered leaving your computer behind. I try not to be too much of a slave to the electronic leash, but I’m not comfortable being disconnected from my business email for more than a couple of days. Even on my vacations, I usually work at least an hour every morning.
August 6, 2021 at 14:03
Haha, Diane! I admit that just the slight consideration to live without a computer for three weeks made my heart jump. I honestly don’t think it’s possible. This would mean shutting everything “important’ off for a long time. So far, I haven’t lasted more than a weekend without opening that laptop. From your comment, it sounds like I’m not the only one. There is a tiny difference, though, you are a business woman with loads of ins and outs going on. I do believe that once I slow down with my book promotion and other tasks, I might be able to pull off a week without a computer. If I survive that attempt! 🙂
August 5, 2021 at 08:24
All those old buildings are great! So was it a vacation or not?
My childhood vacations were spent visiting family every summer – one trip to Pennsylvania and another to South Carolina. I never considered those trips vacations. Vacation was when for a couple of days we stopped coming home from South Carolina in Gatlinburg and shopped, went to Ripley’s, road the ski lift, watched taffy being mage through a picture window. It was bright and fun!
I’m not sure I know what a vacation is any more. Hanging out on a beach in Mexico sounds like one, though.
So glad you got to make this trip and see so many people and look at all those old places fresh again.
August 6, 2021 at 14:25
Hi Duwan!
Like you, I don’t consider visits to friends and family vacations. Yet, it seems to be the only times that I actually jump on a plane and and spend lots of money. It’s worth it. But, as you know, I do crave a real vacation one of these years. A typical one, where both of us – or the three of us – could relax, sightsee, swim, drink and eat, and enjoy ourselves without stress about work, projects, family members, or money! Right…
Maybe all of us will be able to get a short vacation on a beach in Mexico this coming winter??? 🙂