Here’s a fun fact you probably didn’t know yet about me: I have Canadian family! You can say what you will about Facebook, but it does give you the opportunity to find and connect with awesome relatives who live far, far away. In the sixties, my grandparents lived and worked in Canada for a few years. They’ve told me numerous stories about the life they had there, which was always fun to hear. Looking through the vintage pictures (how awesome is that car?) always makes me wonder how life would have turned out if they hadn’t decided to move back to Belgium. My granddad’s brother however, stayed in Canada and started a family there, so more Siroyts were born.

I got in touch with Jillian, Christian and Patrick (three siblings) a few years ago, and was very excited when Jillian announced that she was coming to Europe (Belgium included) with her boyfriend Mike. We – of course – met for drinks and dinner in Brussels, talked a lot, had too many cocktails and questioned each other about every Canadian and Belgian stereotype there is (yes, they absolutely love hockey and copious amounts of snow falls out of the sky during winter). The next day, we had lunch at my grandparents’ house which included way too much food and rekindling the stories of the past. It was honestly amazing to see and meet Jillian (and Mike, of course – such a nice guy!), I wish they didn’t live so far away. I’m sure my brother and I will try to visit them soon in Canada as soon as possible, I for one can’t wait to meet the rest of the Canadian Siroyts!