My 70th birth day! ===============

On the crisp morning of December 20th, amidst the chill of a Dutch winter, I awoke and entered the dining room to start my day. The warmth of a comforting filter coffee embraced me and amma wished me Happy birthday, as I realized it was my 70th birthday. To my delight, Priya, Giri, and my grandkids, Siddhu and Ani, orchestrated a delightful surprise, presenting me with a cozy gift – a woolen T-shirt and shorts.

The day unfolded with joy as they arranged a birthday cake, and my son Harish from California, USA, joined the celebration via Zoom. Laughter echoed through the virtual space as we indulged in the customary cake cutting, marked by fun and pun.

By 10 am, our excitement continued as we geared up for a journey to Ghent, a charming city in Belgium. A delightful lunch awaited us at Aahaar, an Indian restaurant in Antwerp, followed by a chilly walk through the enchanting lanes of Antwerp. Our day concluded with a stay at a splendid Airbnb in Ghent, a beautiful villa equipped with all amenities, including a Jacuzzi.

On the serene morning of December 21st, we enjoyed a leisurely day at our Airbnb in St. Niklas, Ghent. In the evening, we visited the Swaminarayan Temple in Antwerp, adding a touch of spirituality to our memorable journey.

December 22nd beckoned us to Brussels, where we marveled at the Atomium, a steel structure depicting the nine atoms in an iron crystal—an engineering marvel that left us in awe. A delectable lunch at Saravana Bhavan followed, and our exploration continued with a visit to the vibrant Grand Place market, making our day truly enjoyable.

As the adventure continued on December 23rd, we explored the picturesque city of Bruges, ascending the Belfort Tower and relishing a boat cruise. The day unfolded with joyous memories etched in our hearts.

On the morning of December 24th, we bid farewell to Belgium, savoring a delightful breakfast at Anna Vilas in Amsterdam. Our journey had come full circle, marking the end of a truly memorable trip to Belgium, celebrating my 70th birthday in grand style.