A 3-Country 30th B-Day!

Last year, we decided we were coming to Europe one way or another in 2008 to celebrate the Simone Olympics. Yes, the Simone Olympics. A couple of years ago, Simone figured out that she had been to Europe in '96, '00, and '04, so naturally she must return in '08. And, while we were at it, we could celebrate her 30th birthday on July 17th. So of course now we live here, which made the whole getting-to-Europe thing much easier for Simone Olympics, but I needed to follow through on celebrating the big 3-Oh. Hmmm . . . how about a 3-country b-day to kick-off Simone Olympics that would be celebrated for 7+ days in the Italian Lakes?!?!? Sounded good to me too.

The intention was to leave Brussels before 10am and lunch in Luxembourg, but we got a late start (what's new, eh?), so we decided to eat lunch on the road and get an afternoon coffee in Luxembourg. Belgian fuel stations actually have good delis . . . for real. I'm serious. Anyway, it is good food for being located within 30 ft. of a gas pump. Trust me on this one. Here's proof of Simone in Country One . . . Belgium.

OK, so we're in the car, and neveryoumind about me taking pictures while I'm driving . . . I'm still a better driver while taking pictures and eating lunch than pretty much all Belgian drivers who are not eating lunch and taking pictures while driving. One thing I must note is the very nice phone call Simone got on her mobile/cell/GSM (whatever you want to call it) while we were on the road from her mother for the traditional Linda Howell Birthday Piano Serenade. It meant a lot to Simone to get her birthday serenade from her mum . . . especially from over 5000 miles away! Country 1: Belgium - Complete.

Luxembourg City is nice, but the traffic was unbelievable, especially given that it was a Thursday and a rather small city. After a cappuccino followed by a short walk through the central square and the city ramparts, we got back on our way to Strasbourg where we would spend the night. Country 2: Luxembourg - Complete.

For Simone's 30th B-Day dinner we dined at the Maison Kammerzell, a charming Alsatian restaurant in the heart of Strasbourg. It was an excellent 3-course French meal . . . perfect for Simone's birthday.

After dinner I had the good people of Strasbourg put on a light show, accompanied by classical music, on the façade of the Cathedrale of Notre Dame. (Ok, so the show was already planned and not exactly for her birthday, but whatever. Details.) Country 3: France - Complete.

We'll have more on Strasbourg later (we loved the city, and stayed over again at the end of our holiday). Take a look at the short video below to get a feel for the light/music show.

Simone's 30th birthday in 3 countries was a success and served as a grand opening ceremony to Simone Olympics '08!