Brussels, Belgium
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holiday to give thanks to God at the conclusion of the harvest season. (Wikipedia)
In honor of the special day, here are a few of the things I am thankful for:
- family (both immediate and extended)
- friends (both near and far)
- special people that have touched my life that are no longer on Earth
- kindness
- the power of faith
- learning
- the power of words (books and music)
- heroes (those people that make a positive difference in other people’s lives)
- love and connections
I arrived in Belgium Tuesday with no problems despite the French government strikes (including trains, buses, teachers, etc.). The last two days have been spent catching up with Chuck, Michael, David, and Greg and relaxing and preparing for our Thanksgiving meal.
Last night we drove to Ghent to meet a friend of a friend that I have met several times in London. Graeme is a friend and neighbor of Clive (past coworker and friend from the UK). Graeme is an opera singer and is rehearsing for a production in Antwerp and thus, suggested meeting in Ghent. The town is great — filled with character and streets lined with great shops and restaurants/cafes. We met at a little restaurant near the Opera house that had great ambiance and overlooked the river.
Our conversation was fun and energetic (as always with this crowd) and it was great to get to know Graeme a little better. I am amazed at his influence and experience in the Opera world and am fascinated to learn more as I ashamedly know very little about the Opera.
Today is our big day of preparing for the Thanksgiving meal. We were all cooking in the kitchen quite early today to ensure everything will be ready (save poor David who has been banned from the kitchen…). I am excited to eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal including a very large and labored over turkey that was obtained by a friend of Chuck’s. Cooking a traditional meal is a great way to bring togetherness and joy in honor of this special day.
To all my family and friends that are back in the States, I wish you all a wonderful and special day and am sending hugs and good blessings from afar!
