BELGIUM

We were home hosted in Leuven by Greta and Dany and kept in close touch. Several years later they contacted us to let us know that their two young grandsons requested a trip to NYC as a gift. They wanted recommendations from us for sights appropriate for a 7 and 10 year old as well as reasonably priced hotels. Of course, we recommended “Hotel Ziegler.” They came and we thoroughly enjoyed taking them to kid-friendly places. One of the venues was the Coney Island Aquarium – wonderful, followed by hot dogs and French fries at Nathans, a walk on the boardwalk, and a few rides.

The oldest boy chose The Cyclone, and his brother, in tears, was not tall enough to go on the ride. Grandpa Dany and Grandma Greta took one look at the ride and declined to accompany Gus. The host supreme, Ivan, stepped up to the plate and made Gus’s day.

Post-script: The kids want to know when the fun people they stayed with are coming back to Belgium

—Sheila and Ivan Ziegler