To prevent the continuation of travel stressors, we decided it would be a good idea to arrive at the train station an hour before our train was to depart to Bruges. We thought we could sit down, have some breakfast and coffee, and relax before our departure! However, when we arrived, we had to wait in a long security line to board the train. I bought a coffee and croissant while waiting in line, only to be told I couldn't take drinks past the security. Luckily the line was long enough that we were able to finish the coffee! We successfully made it through and to the train, and were very happy to be on our way to Bruges!
By the way, have you seen the movie In Bruges? If not, check it out! Although it is not the most upbeat movie, we were glad to have seen it before visiting.
On the train, we enjoyed listening to Rick Steves' audio commentary of Belgium, which got us really excited about waffles, fries, and beer! Our iPhone and Kindle both came in handy for listening to the Rick Stees' audio guides. Best of all, his app and guides are free!
We changed trains in Brussels. Here is Jamie with our new train!
We were so glad that we packed light enough that we could carry all of our belongings on our backs. We strolled right past all of the strugglers with their huge rolling bags, and felt very proud of our packing accomplishments.
Arriving in Bruges (also spelled Brugge) felt magical. We were so ready to leave London!
Jamie was such a gentleman -- he carried both of our backpacks for the 20 minute walk from the train station to our bed and breakfast!
The magic of Bruges really came out as we walked to our bed and breakfast:
And Jamie continued his chivalrous deed!
When we finally arrived at our bed and breakfast, Jamie was ready to stop carrying those bags!
We were so excited to have a huge bed, and a window!
The view was so quaint. We loved it.
We headed out right away to get "lunch". We found the best spot on this little street:
Two words: Bitter Sweet.
And let the party begin...
Best beer and waffles we'd ever had!
And the owner was so sweet - she brought us this flemish pudding to try... yum! (Reality = the flemish pudding is made of egg and very high proof alcohol... yikes! and not so yum...)
Then we ventured out to find Dumon, where we purchased a selection of delicious Belgian chocolates.
And still then, we discovered Chez Vincent... like wow! Best. Fries. Ever. Probably the best presentation, too.
After all of this fun, we went to the grocery store and purchased 7 beers for 1.50 (euros) each, so we could sample the local flavors.
We then enjoyed these beers (although not all at once) with our chocolates!
And our favorite beer was... La Chouffe! I found it in Cambridge, when we returned:) (Here it costs $14 for a double bottle... quite a premium price!)
We thought it was interesting the way they pictorally marked on the bottle that you shouldn't drink while pregnant. Something different than in the US!
Finally, for dinner, we visited Bierbrasserie Cambrinus. We were happy we made a reservation in advance, as the family next to us said they waited an hour for their table. We enjoyed a sampling of their draught beers, as well as some yummy traditional Flemish food... of course served with fries!!
It was on this day that we learned to love french fries with mayonnaise :)
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