More of Mom and Dad's Visit

Saturday: After having Dad and Kevin away during the week (Kevin spent Thursday and Friday on the French Riviera for business - life is rough), they returned on Friday night and we got to spend the weekend together. This time Will had a birthday party to go to on Saturday (I think they have been to more birthday parties here than they are invited to in Colorado - the nature of the international and very welcoming community here). Anyhow, those of us who weren't partying spent the afternoon at the Fondation Folon. This is a museum dedicated to the life work of Jean Michel Folon. It is located about 20 minutes from our house. Folon's art is whimsical and thoughtful and a pleasure to look at. The museum shows the many media he in which he works and how he produces his art. It is absolutely inspiring. Fondation Folon is set in a beautiful park with a chateau.

Sunday: You know you're part of a family of engineers when you spend a beautiful Sunday (Mother's Day!)  in Belgium visiting an "Inclined Plane." The Ronquieres Plan Incline is a huge contraption that transports canal barges from one canal to another at a higher altitude (68 meters). The barge floats into a gigantic tub filled with water and then the whole tub is dragged up or down the plane. We wanted to ride a boat up the plane, but the workers were on strike that day (understaffed and unsafe working conditions).

But we were able to take a boat ride on the canal. It was relaxing and fun to be on one of the famous Belgian canals. The visitors center and tower were open, so we headed there after the boat ride. The visitor center includes an hour-long tour of multi-media exhibits about the life of a canal boat operator. It was fascinating. Below you can see a photo of Dad sitting with the "canal boat operators" taking a break at the local pub. We learned a great deal about something entirely new to all of us. Then we rode to the top of the observation tower and could see much of the Belgian countryside.

It was great to have mom and dad here! I think they had a good time. I always thought mom didn't like to travel, but what I learned is that she is quite adventurous and willing to try new things, given the right circumstances. (After all, I am much more comfortable here because of my experiences moving around in the states, travelling in Europe, and living in Canada - opportunities provided by mom and dad!) Being at our home is a lot different from playing tourist, and she really seemed to enjoy it. What a great opportunity to explore together!

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(photo by Ellen)