Zeebrugge; Our Window to the World

It's finally hit me we are flying back to Canada in a few days. And, as of today, the truck is officially on the ship back to the West Coast; Happy Valentines Day to the Toyota 4Runner(?).

How has 10 months gone by already?

We're back in Zeebrugge, Belgium staying in the same apartment where we began this European journey. Being next to the Northern Channel reminds me a lot of being back on Vancouver Island: The air heavy with salt and sea-life, long walks on the beach, super fresh seafood, and so many super crazy beers to choose from. No wonder it's so awesome here!

I've been doing a lot of thinking leading up to this week. As I'm really trying to digest this whole wonderful adventure...which is no small feat with all the experiences we've had while over here.

And as I ponder and swirl in my head, there is one thing that stands out more than the rest: Friendship & Kindness (okay, so that was two things...but they really do go hand-in-hand)

From the very first day we touched down in the EU, we have been blessed with connecting with so many incredible people. This time has given us the chance to create such crazy and fun memories with so many long-time friends and family members, both face-to-face and online! (Thank you technology!)

For those of you who have been following along with our stories and experiences online, by Skype, and by email - Thank You! It's awesome to know just now many folks around the world are taking the time to indulge in our everyday EU lives. And it's been a fantastic way to keep in touch too!

For those of you who have traveled all the way overseas to meet up with us - Thank You Too! We are genuinely shocked at just how many of you took time to meet up with us in 'whatever' location in Europe to just walk the dogs, share a drink, or play dice with us!! HA HA!! 😜

I cannot even count on two hands all the wonderful new people we have met along the way, and who we now hold dear as both friends and 'family'. And to these individuals, please know that you have made our lives even more full than we ever thought was possible!!! (😭....Ah, I said I wasn't going to cry....but dammit. I just love you all so so much!! Your kindness and generosity makes our hearts overflow 💖💖💖)

So, this brings me to the title of this post. Zeebrugge has truly been our 'window to a world' that, when this all began, we didn't even know was out there waiting for us.

[Note: unfortunately I don't have photos of everyone, but you all know who you are, and we love you!]