Luxembourg and the Ambassador....

We were fortunate to be able to meet the US Ambassador to Luxembourg in her home at the US Embassy. Ambassador Stroum (a Seattle native) is an amazing woman - philanthropist, business woman and passionate about raising funds globally for the fight against cancer. She explained a little known fact about US Ambassadors, too.... They are only permitted to leave their assigned contry for 26 days or less in a given year. In a nation of 998 square meters, even a trip to the grocery store may require crossing a border into France or Germany! Or, even Belgium! But, no complaints from the Ambassador because she gets to do great work on behalf of our country. The photos below are of Luxembourg and the US Embassy.

Belgian Humor

The most famous statue in Belgium is

the Kinderkarteen-Pis.... Even without a lesson in Flemish it is easy to figure that one out. Today, he was dressed to amuse the tourists.....

The Tour Continues....

Today began with the start of Stage 2 of the Tour de France, leaving from the Palais Royal in Brussels (cobblestones and rain - poor riders). Finally on European time, which is better than trying to make it through the day on EST or CST....

We were able to get into the "inner circle" for Team Radio Shack and wish Lance well before be departed for five hours on the bike. Go Lance! And, we were able to see Lance and cycling legend Eddie Merxx chatting before the ride (Merxx is the one on the phone and just turned 65 years old). Amazing.

Dinner with Friends

Dinner with new friends Mikkal (Switzerland) and Johannes (Sweden), and pal Chris and partner Phil in Brussels. Amazing city with great food and too much chocolate (which, of course, I happen to be allergic to....)

Rotterdam - Start of the Tour

This was the view of the Tour Prologue on Day 1 (July 3). Amazing!

Friends in Holland

Imagine meeting an Emory friend in Holland at the Tour! It was great to visit with Adele!

The First Few Days....

Arrived in Brussels on July 2 and underestimated how tired I was for the past few months. Although not one to get jet lag, this trip is a bit different. I've slept about 12 hours a day!

An amazing "in kitchen" dinner and wine tasting (in a 45,000 bottle cellar) at the restaurant Comme Chez Toi in Brussels. Highly recommended....

July 3 was the start of the Tour de France and we drove from Brussels to Rotterdam in the Netherlands to watch the start - and to watch Lance Armstrong come in fourth at the prologue time trial with a time of 10 minutes and 22 seconds, which is amazing!

Brussels is quite a city - from the plazas and cobblestone roads (which the Tour cyclists will endure on their start tomorrow morning) to the wonderful and friendly people. They mainly speak French here, but also some English and, of course, the national language Flemish. There are some unique views between the Flemish and French speakers, however - a bit like those with Yankee and Southern accents in the States....

Tomorrow will be the start of the Tour from Brussels into Spa, France (have to love a city named after one of my very favorite passtimes). Looking forward to both.