Mid Winter Slump

We are well into the new year and I am feeling the drag from the mid-winter slump. We’ve almost made it out of January but this time of year in Chicago turns bitter and snowy. I enjoy winter, and I try to make the most out of these house bound days: cooking soups and stews, baking bread, curling up with good books. While I enjoy this time of year to slow myself down and do a bit of nesting, I need something to look forward to.

Already in a month and a half, is my next trip to Belgium and France. I am almost disappointed it is so early in the year, not having something to look forward to longer, but I truly like that region of Europe in the early spring time. The wet, grey, rainy days remind me of living in Lille. The itinerary is finalized: Brussels, a stop in Antwerp, Bruges, beer tasting in Westvleteren and Rodenbach on our way to Ghent, a short drive down the Lille and then rounding out the trip with 3 days in Paris. I have been to all of these stops before (beside the beer tasting and overnight in Ghent) but this trip and the planning for it feels different. My last vacation preparations were centered in Paris or around France, where I speak the language and have no worries about figuring out the cultural nuances or bureaucratic quirks. This trip will be the first time renting a car in Europe, a Renault Twingo. We have been studying roadsides and basic rules. I even looked up how and where to fill up with petrol. I made reservations at a restaurant though their online portal in only Dutch. I feel a sense of adventure and unknown I rarely let happen, being a planner and all.

I’ve made a point to alternate weekends with big plans with weekends where I do absolutely nothing but cook and watch Netflix. Last weekend was Milwaukee, next weekend is my yearly trip to Michigan and soon after that is a trip to Missouri. Before I know it, the snow will be melting and the crocus will be peeking through.

Hang in there everyone!