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| For this year's challenge, my theme is The Fun in Writing. Each of my 26 posts for April is aimed at illustrating fun parts of an author's day. A writer doesn't only write. Creating a story or an essay requires research, revision, editing, and lots and lots of coffee and chocolate. W is for Wallonia to Wisconsin
Wallonia is the name for the French Belgian area of the country, the southern part. The northern part is Flemish, and in the very center is the capital, Brussels. The Kingdom of Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. A number of non-official, minority languages and dialects are spoken as well. English is widely spoken throughout Belgium as a second or third language.
My father's ancestors moved from Mehaigne, Belgium to Mishicot, Wisconsin in 1856. In 2007, I took a trip to Belgium to visit relatives and experience the country of my heritage.
For a virtual tour of this beautiful country, please visit the blog site that I had so much fun compiling after the trip, and will use as research material for future stories. Featured are Brussels, Gent, Bruges, and all the little historical towns of my ancestors; plus the swans, beer, chocolate, and Mannekin Pis:
Just south of Namur in the Ardennes village of Profondeville is the gracious Villa Gracia. The owner, Gisele, arranged a room for us for three nights in the hotel originally built as the secondary home of Belgium Army General Gracia.
Lacemaking in Brussels
Rooftops in Bruges (Brugge) built with stair-like roofs for easy exit in case of emergency
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It looks like a story book picture. How fun to travel back to the homeland.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mary, especially when relatives you've never met before greet and treat you like immediate family!
DeleteThat is awesome you got to visit. I'd love to go to Europe and visit France or Holland because that's where my family came from.
ReplyDelete~Ninja Minion Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
Visiting homeland changes the viewpoint from tourist to "coming home". Everything takes on a new importance.
DeleteBruges is such a lovely place. Must go again soon!
ReplyDeleteJemima Pett
Whenever I get the urge to see Bruges, I watch the DVD "In Bruges". Cheaper than a flight to Belgium, Jemima!
DeleteThe decoration of the houses makes me think of gingerbread cookies. (Is that totally random?) Especially the bottom photo. I think it's the coloring and the outline in white. Maui Jungalow
ReplyDeleteThe houses do look like gingerbread cookies, Courtney! The roofs with their step-like frame are designed to be used as an escape route should the house catch on fire.
ReplyDelete