Goodies from Belgium

I'm finally feeling myself enough to share some of the goodies I brought back from Brussels. What a wonderful city full of history and great people. As soon as we rolled into town, it reminded me so much of Washington, DC, my home. The architecture, the avenues--it almost brought a tear to my eye. I knew right away I was going to enjoy it here. Once we got out to get our first cup of coffee/tea, I noticed all types of people. It wasn't only the "beautiful ones" of Zurich and Geneva, but more regular folk, like me. Yes, there were the lovely fashionistas dressed to the nines, but they were the minority here. It put me right at ease. Yes, I admit, at times I can feel out of place overseas, the typical American stereotype that I am--overweight and dressed in jeans, grin. But here I was, in a city with an abundance of shapes and sizes and quite laid back. It was the perfect place to end our wonderful trip.

After the hub and I had enough caffeine to get us moving, the hub started showing us around. We headed up to the first set of outdoor markets. We passed a shop that was in their "last days of business." I got this old hotel silver set for under 40 Euros! I can't decide if these handled pieces are strainers for tea or an old wine? Any suggestions? Regardless, I 'lurve' them. Had to have it. I also found this old Belgian candy tin, complete with lock! Now, that's my kind of candy box! hehe. They also
had old postcards, which I bought too.

We made it to the first, smaller, market; and it was mostly crafts. The kid bought a little bouncy cat and I some incense. We then moved over to the big daddy of outdoor markets. The hub said I had smoke coming out of my eyes. It was all too good to be true. My kind of stuff. Of course, there were lots of quite exquisite items--complete sets of antique sterling placesettings, oil paintings and the like--but mixed in were quite reasonably priced "stuff" (as the hub calls it) also. The old holy water vessel, above, was in a 1 Euro bin! After having my share of coffees and teas, all served with small demitasse spoons, I had to have a set. I found this set of six for 30 Euros! The 1913 Misal was 5 Euros and the old rosaries were 1 Euro each. I can't even imagine anywhere else in the world where you can not only have such items available in one spot, but also be able to afford them! Did I tell you smoke was coming out of my eyes? hehe. I was truly in my element here!

This old tin, perhaps someone can translate for me, was in the 1 Euro bin! Uhhuh. This antique piece of lace, complete with what feels like ivory beads was only 20E. I'm not sure, but it looks like a piece to cover a woman's head for Mass. Now, look at these sweet papers. I love the illustrator. Oh, and, of course, lots and lots of postcards. Everyone sold old postcards throughout Brussels.

I had previously told you about the old paper shop I found. A lot of the postcards and old maps and books, I purchased there--again from the 1 E box. Those are big there! Gotta love the 1 E box!