Twenty years later I am living in Brussels and I have developed a scarf obsession. I found my most recent scarf at Port Stephanie while I was walking to the Grand Plaza to fix Elisabeth's violin last week. It was mid-May and I was wearing my grey winter coat. It had just started to rain - typical of Brussels. I still had quite a long walk ahead (and the tram ride back to pick up Kate from school at BEPS). I saw a splash of pink pastels in the window. I couldn't resist. It was just what I needed on a cold, wet and rainy day in May: color!
I didn't hide my purchase. I wore it as a badge of honor: Spring had finally come to Brussels! Rich came home from work that night and said, "Is that another scarf?" I understand his concern as I've bought more scarves than anything else in Brussels. However, in my defense, the scarves are inexpensive. Moreover, it is just bone chilling cold and damp here in Brussels! Scarves provide that extra layer of warmth and protection from the cold whether I am indoors or out.
It's quite possible that my scarves will sit on a shelf in my closet in Falls Church, Virginia for the next twenty years. They are a bit avant-garde for Falls Church City, Virginia. Perhaps in a few months after our return Elisabeth and Kate will enjoy them for dress-up....
