Petersons In Brussels

THE CHARM OF

BEAUTIFUL EUROPE

We are safely home again in the USA, and it is good to be back home in beautiful Virginia!  We

returned from Bruxelles with many very special memories of the city, the work in Parliament, and our dear friends.   As we prepared to leave Bruxelles, we were so busy that we did not have time to complete the several mission blogs that we had started.  Rather than deleting them, we decided to finish what we had started, so that our record would be complete.  We hope that you will  enjoy this walk down memory lane with us.  

Each morning as I walk the four blocks to my gym on the cobblestones, I pass by this townhouse whose owner is a designer, and this is what she chose to display in her sidewalk window!  When the season changes, so do their outfits, and now the mannequins are in shorts, straw hats and sunglasses...even though at the first of June, it is still chilly here!

 

In the next block as I walk, there is a great lesson in life to be learned, by watching the miracle of flowers and trees that manage to find that one tiny place in the midst of the cobblestones, where they can grow.  This is a great lesson for all of us........"To Bloom Where We Are Planted", no matter how
difficult the circumstances may be.

                                   
                                                 I love the charm of the old townhouses of Europe!

You never know who you will run into in Bruxelles!


 

A late-night visit to a small Bistro, where a fabulous Hungarian gypsy violinist holds

forth with fire and passion, brings back fond memories of our beloved Budapest and our service there as Mission President in 2000-2003.

 

 

The incredible Roby Lakatos is a gifted virtuoso with a world-wide following.  Our friend,

Andras Lasslo, whose father was one of Hungary's foremost violinists, invited us to a late-night session with the maestro himself, where he had arranged front row seats for us in the small Bistro.  Andras knew the owner, and had told him that he was bringing the American Ambassador with him, which later explained why we were given the royal treatment, with front row seats and complimentary bottles of wine, which we very graciously declined (of course)!

 Following a fabulous performance, as we left our seats to depart, a Belgian gentleman engaged us in conversation, asking David if he was the American Ambassador that they had been told was coming, to which we replied "no".  He responded that he had been watching us, but could not detect any Secret Service present, which concerned him.  When we left the Bistro we asked our host Andras, if he had told the man that David was the Ambassador from America.   He  quickly replied  "Why yes..... you are an Ambassador........ you are an American, and the Ambassador of  your  Church to the European Union!"  We all enjoyed a good laugh at his explanation!

     Andras Lasslo is himself a Hungarian violinist, translator and entrepreneur living in Bruxelles. Several days later, he invited us to his home for dinner where he prepared Paprikis Chirka, which is tender chicken prepared in a special sauce, and is every missionary's favorite Hungarian meal.    Andras' 10,000 books in his study, added to the enjoyment of the visit.  Although he was not interested in the Gospel, he is a good man of faith, and loved going to Stake Conference  and other Church socials with us. 

 

Medieval Fair at Cinquantenaire Park

The Cinquantenaire Park is a 15 minute walk from our home at Square Ambiorix #40.
The  triumphal arch is a landmark patterned after the Arc de Triumphe in Paris, and
reminds citizens of an idealized past. We enjoyed the spacious lawns and oak-lined
paths leading to benches, where a pleasant hour of meditation or reading made a nice
interlude in the hectic schedule of most days.
 

 

These talented musicians greeted us with their music as we entered the park, where a very authentic
medieval festival was in progress.  We happened upon it one Saturday afternoon in June, and
were surprised by the diligent efforts being made to replicate the sights, sounds and foods of the 15th century. Just another day filled with surprises in Bruxelles!

 

 

These folks claimed to have made their clothing after the patterns of the past.
Could this be the first "North Face" branding effort?

 

These burley fellows own a costume shop and seemed to be having a lot of fun
engaging the crowd in animated conversations about medieval life and times.

 

 SURPRISE BIRTHDAY DINNER!

My surprise birthday dinner at the beautiful "Belga Queen" Restaurant in downtown Bruxelles, was
fabulous!  David had me close my eyes as we walked up the street and entered by way of a non-descript entrance....... but inside this is what greeted me! 

 

 

The huge skylight of this famous restaurant was a sight to behold!  Evidently
this building was originally a Bank, and the creative restaurant owner, who
happened to be an architect, designed the most beautiful interior skylight I have ever
seen.... and the food was great too!  I consider this one of Bruxelles' treasures!

Five sets of missionaries in the Bruxelles 2 Ward, posed for a photo on my birthday! 



The downtown Bruxelles Marriott became our favorite place for many delicious Saturday morning breakfast buffets over those two years!  The Doorman, the Manager, and Chef "Austin Friday" all knew us by name, and treated us royally each time we were there, serving us special fresh Strawberry Smoothies, compliments of the Chef, and not on the menu, on each visit.  All of our children  enjoyed the same special treatment and perks, whenever they visited! 

Thank You Marriott!!

With our good friend Chef Austin Friday



 

 

THE BEAUTIFUL BRUXELLES OPERA HOUSE

Friday Afternoon Concerts

Most Friday afternoons, we would treat ourselves to a concert at the beautiful Opera House. We would make an effort to arrive early so that we were first in line to buy our tickets, as we liked to sit at center back from where this photo was taken, on a red velvet settee, which provided an unobstructed view right down the center aisle.   Each week we would sit in the same place, absorbed in the beautiful surroundings, and listen to heavenly music by featured members of the Bruxelles Opera Orchestra.

 

On this particular occasion we sat on our favorite settee, but this time the chairs in front of us had no aisle, and the chairs completely filled the room.  Just prior to the concert starting, these two very large fellows plunked themselves down directly in front of us, blocking our view!!! 
I just had to take this photo!! Music lovers come in all shapes and sizes:)

 

 

BACKSTAGE AT THE OPERA
 

On this particular afternoon, we were allowed to go backstage after the concert to where

the costumes were stored.  It was so interesting.  I especially loved the polka dot skirts and the full hoop petticoats hanging from the ceiling, looking like lampshades!

 

 

As a young girl, I spent many years practicing my violin, at the strong urging of my mother.   But this base fiddle is MUCH larger than my violin....... and I just couldn't resist this picture!!!

 

ANNUAL "OPEN DAYS" AT THE

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Take a look at these huge loaves of bread!

 

Once a year they open all the buildings of the European Commission for public tours.  It is a festive occasion where the streets are blocked from traffic, and there are flags, music, food vendors of every kind, and people everywhere!!  This bakery's display and the samples were incredible!!  In fact, the bread on the right was stuffed with whole hazel nuts, whole prunes, dates and other delicious morsels!  I bought a small piece, and it was so delicious that I am still searching bakeries everywhere in Bruxelles, trying to find it again!!  YUMMY!  Now that we are home again in the good old USA, I have to admit one of the things I miss most are the European breads!!  My waistline however, is grateful I now rarely eat bread!!



 

Striking a pose in front of the interior entrance to the European Council building!
This is where Heads of State and Governments come together to decide the large strategic issues facing the European Union. With the addition of Croatia on July 1st, there are now
28 members of the European Union.

 

The Nobel Peace Prize was recently awarded to the European Union. This was largely because of the
peace in Europe during the last seventy years, after the bloodshed of two World Wars.


 

It was amusing to us that when we were leaving the "Justus Liptus" building, where the European Council meets, the hostess nodded her head to David in acknowledgement and said...........
"Mr. Ambassador"

(It must be the silver hair and dark suit that does it.)

 I love this Photo Opt inside the Berlaymont Commission Building, just a block from our apartment !

 

 

 

MY FAVORITE CITY IN BELGIUM

CHARMING ANTWERPEN 

 

 

 

We enjoyed a wonderful visit from David's third cousin Dan Miller of Alexandria.  He     was President Peterson's Stake Executive Secretary in the Mount Vernon Stake.  Dan previously served in Antwerpen with the State Department,  and was anxious to give us a personal tour of "his city".   It was BEAUTIFUL and we loved it!!!!!!!

 I love this classic European car we saw parked by Dan's former apartment!

 

 

 

 

It was a beautiful day in Antwerpen.

The birds were singing and the Bride was beaming!

Here she is arriving at a gorgeous Chateau for her special day!  

 

 

 

 

We were so fortunate to have Dan Miller as our "tour guide" for the day.  Since he lived in Antwerpen for several years, he knew just where to go!   Around the block from the wedding Chateau, was the most pristine and beautiful housing area that I have seen.  The homes in this area were gorgeous, and most of them dated back to the 1920's. 

 

 

 

 

 

 I'll Take This One!

 

 

 

 

And in the middle of all of these stately old homes, is this beautiful ultra modern home, said to have been built by a man from India, and who was possibly one of Antwerpen's Diamond Dealers.  Notice on the right and left the sculptures of two reclining women with golden arms stretching out to the name of the dealer on the house (and probably the diamonds) 

 

 

 

 

While on our day's tour of Antwerpen, Dan treated us to a fabulous dinner that took us through

multiple courtyards and alleys, and through the gate, to finally arrive at an old, charming and fabulous restaurant, where the food was stunningly delicious...and beautiful to behold!!

 

 

 

An interior courtyard at the restaurant "Sir Anthony Van Dijck." 

 

 

 

 

A passageway under the "Sir Anthony Van Dijck" restaurant, added to its charm. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If only these old walls could reveal the secrets from centuries past!   

 

 

 

 

 

FEDERATION PRO EUROPA CHRISTIANA 

PAUL HERZOG VON OLDENBERG 

 

 

Our good friend in the cause of religious liberty, Paul Herzog von Oldenberg,  Director of

the Catholic Federation, Pro Europa Christiana.  We maintained a close relationship throughout our time in Bruxelles.  We felt a bond with the Catholic Church, as we stood together on many important issues including marriage, the family and decency in general

 

 

 

 

Just a few blocks from our home at Ambiorix Square, "Pro Europa Christiana", occupied a beautiful old townhouse and was the site of many pleasant evenings of intelligent discussion with leaders from

around Europe and the world.  Here David is engaged in a conversation with H.I.R.H. Prince Bertrand of Orleans - Braganza - Prince Imperial of Brazil, who spoke that evening. 

 

 

 

 

 Just some of the charm of Bruxelles

 

You never know what you will see when at the "Grand Place" (pronounced "Plas") in Bruxelles.  This colorful juggler was quite entertaining on a Saturday morning! The arcade behind him
exemplifies the early 20th century grand style of Bruxelles over 100 years ago.

A fun example of how they decorate buildings around the city.  By painting the exterior of their buildings with colorful scenes of everyday life, neighborhoods take on a distinctive

character and identity.

Another familiar everyday scene in beautiful Square Ambiorix Park, just in front of our building.    These mostly Arab men would gather almost every day for a round of cards.  I would walk past them each time I crossed the park to catch my favorite #63 bus downtown.  I asked permission for the photo before taking it, just to be on the safe side. :)

On The Road Again

Once again in the train station.....this time headed for Strasbourg, France, where the European Union

has a second full size Parliament facility.   The entire membership travels there to meet during the fourth week of each month.  It would be like the members of Congress in Washington D.C. having a second identical facility in New York City.  It is really quite ridiculous!!!  However, France

insisted on it at the founding of the EU.

We enjoyed many smooth travels on the fantastic rail systems of Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The only drawback is an occasional strike in France where that is the favorite means of

social protest.  On our journey to Strasbourg for an important vote on religious freedom on June 13, 2013, we were delayed by a strike, but thankfully re-routed through Metz, France where we enjoyed a charming outdoor lunch. We learned that the Members of the European Parliament travel between Brussels and Strasbourg on a "secret" high speed train for MEPs only, which takes only two hours via Paris instead of the normal five hours. No delays for them and their staffs!

Strasbourg, France - EU Parliament

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on June 13-14, 2013, was a very nice conclusion to our mission, and consisted of a "victory lap" of goodbyes and fond farewells.  Here David says "aufwiedersehen" to the President of the European Parliament, Martin Shulz (Germany), one of the most powerful leaders in Europe at the present time, while at lunch in the members dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ambassador William Kinnard of the United States warmly recognized and greeted us in the Parliament dining room in Strasbourg, where he was also saying his own "goodbyes" as our Ambassador to the European Union.  He wished us a safe journey on our trip home, and much future success in Washington.  Here we are with him on an earlier occasion at the United States Embassy. 

 

 

 

Our good friend, Graham Watson of Great Britain, a Member of the European Parliament,

at the Strasbourg meeting where we said our "goodbyes." The debate and vote on new

Guidelines for Religious Freedom and Belief for the EU foreign service had just been successfully concluded and marked a culmination of our work in Europe.

If this doesn't speak to the charm of Europe, I don't know what does!!  While attending meetings at the second Parliament facility in Strasbourg, France, David discovered this "Boucherie"on an early morning walk!  You have to agree that you would never see this  in a butcher shop in America!!  Classic!!  Don't you love this!! 

The beautiful old Cercle Royal Gaulois club was the venue for a meeting with

the United States Ambassador to NATO, Ivo H. Daalder.  In the background, with a

red tie, is my friend, Jan Techau, Director of Carnegie Europe. When I discussed our

work of the past two years with him, and emphasized the Savior's call to his

chosen disciples to "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt. 4:19)

he responded: "And the fish are hungry! Techau shares a belief that there is a

great unsatisfied yearning among the intellectual elite of Europe for more

spiritual substance.

 

 

"Au revoir" for now!