New Machines!

Last week my gym installed all new machines: cardio, free weights, and weight machines are all brand new. I did feel a bit sad that my old familiar machines were gone; also they've moved to more basic machines as far the displays and no more individual TV screens on the cardio machines (which I didn't use anyway). I guess that is part of the bargain for our gym changing its formula and my membership going from 46 euros/month to 23 euros/month - I suppose they have to save somewhere. And personally I'm very happy to pay the lower membership fee every month! I did feel a bit discombobulated as I made my way through my usual workout. But change can be good, right?  I couldn't help but notice a new cardio machine I had never seen before - it looked like a cross between an elliptical and a stair stepping machine.  Apparently it's called a Vario (by TechnoGym).

It can also be used with different strides: more of a stepping movement, an elliptical movement, or a running movement. I tried it out and it was definitely a different feel than the elliptical I am so used to; it was also challenging! It will take a little bit of getting used to, but I think I'm going to enjoy it! I'd be curious to know: have any of you ever tried this machine?

Royal Encounters

Yesterday was kind of exciting!  In July, King Albert II of Belgium abdicated the throne in favor of his son Filip.  King Filip and his wife, Queen Mathilde, will visit each provincial capital in Belgium to mark the start of his reign, and on Friday they kicked their tour off in our town, Leuven, which is the capital of the province Vlaams-Brabant.

So my friend Kristel and I walked downtown on Friday morning to line up with the crowds that were already waiting in front of the town hall:

The weather was gorgeous and people were in good spirits.  As we waited in the sunshine and enjoyed the performances by the circus school, the local parcours group, and an awesome drum band, flags were flying.

Little by little more and more security, press, and local politicians and dignitaries began to arrive at the town hall.  It was really fun to watch the TV reporters interview people, and to point out celebrities to each other.  Finally, the cameras all assembled themselves, our mayor came out on the front steps, a few police motorcycles with flashing lights flew by, and then this car drove up:

You must be pretty important if your license plate is number 1!  The King and Queen were welcomed with lots of cheers and waving flags and after a brief stop to wave at the crowds, they were welcomed into the town hall, where they were to meet the mayors of every town in our province.

We knew they were going to greet the crowd when they came out, so we waited with everyone else while the reception with VIP's went on inside.  Our mayor must have made a long speech because it took about 45 minutes!  But we were having a good time chatting with the people around us, and I was busy taking practice shots with my camera held up over my head, because all I was hoping for was just one decent picture.

The King and Queen finally came out, to more cheers, and they started walking along the barriers where all the crowds were waiting, greeting people and shaking hands.  Then they split up, King Filip greeting veterans and school children opposite us, while Queen Mathilde kept advancing in our direction.  As she came closer, I was ready with my camera.

And just as I took this last shot, I noticed the lady just in front of me had put her hand out to greet the Queen, and on an impulse I put my hand out as well, and Queen Mathilde shook it!

I was quite amazed, and tickled to death - all I was hoping for was a picture, honestly, and just to see our royal couple in person together.  Having the opportunity to shake her hand really made my day!  She comes across as a lovely, intelligent and kind person, and together, they're going to make a wonderful King and Queen for our country in the years to come.