Today ...

Winter this season seems intent on extremes ... yesterday we were engulfed by a small snowstorm, today we have sunlight streaming in the huge windows near my desk.

Yakup came in and commented, having almost frozen while he and Lisen wandered in an incredibly cold and snowy Amsterdam.

The children went back to their mother's this morning, signalling their reluctance to go to school by sounding like baby elephants being pursued by lions ... so noisy.

Today is the beginning of our guests preparing to leave ... it's kind of sad as we've had so much fun, seen and done so many things. We'll wander the city some, visiting the Turkish shopping street so they can educate me about which food and tea labels are good and which to avoid. Maybe we'll fit in one or two more Antwerpen places ... Ruben's tomb or the old walking tunnel under the river, used as a bomb shelter during the war.

Tonight, they're catching the train to spend just a little more time at Spa - they loved the experience that much! They come back for the farewell party at our place tomorrow night ... one of those United Nations type parties, with kiwis and Americans, Canadians as known guests.

Airport in Brussels on Sunday and it's over ...

A good day to you, whereever you are :)