Kyle: I want to go to Bruges and drink Belgian beer all weekend.
Well, alright then.
Head over we did, with VP and Dom for a beer-soaked weekend in the Flemish countryside at the end of March. Arriving on Friday night, we had just enough time for a late meal at Christophe, before heading off to bed.
The next morning we started exploring Bruges properly. We wandered through the (cough) four streets soaking up the atmosphere. Having had a pretty mild winter, spring was starting to flex its muscles so it was really lovely - quiet, still and low key.
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| Turns out, you CAN have too much mayo |
Lunch consisted of the famous frites soaked in mayonnaise. And when I say soaked.... We needed this fortifying nourishment as we were about to embark on our first bike tour in over a year. Four hours through the countryside with a guy who took exception to Kyle's pink shorts.
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| Picturesque warfare residue |
It was fantastic. We saw operational windmills, canals built by Napoleon and a farmer herding his flock of sheep. Randomly, we also were introduced to the local cattle, famous because they have been bred to produce offspring so huge that the cows can't give birth without surgical help. So they all have visible scars from their caesarean sections... Weird! But interesting! To top it all off, we stopped in a wee village called Damme for a beer and a real Belgian waffle topped with chocolate ice cream. Amazing.
After a wee rest, we were back on the streets for some dinner. It was at this point that the birthday boy really started to see out his aim for the weekend. Beers were sampled while food was consumed. We roamed the streets and found a couple of bars, one which was practically underground and had to be entered via a very low, almost Hobbit-door. Eventually, one poor beer was pushed under a table to hide it from view... but, alas, it was too late.
The next morning, we quietly rose and gently made it to a cafe for a coffee and a croissant. We were then rudely serenaded by an idiot constantly blowing his whistle whilst strutting about with a bass drum strapped to his stomach. Just what we needed. Kyle especially was not amused.
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| Sunday morning punishment |
Not to be deterred, we made our way to our lunch reservation. Unable to get a table for dinner at this place the night before, we settled for a three course lunch instead. VP, Dom and I had a marvellous meal. Kyle enjoyed his half an apple juice.
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| Only I found this funny at the time. |
Then, there was just time for a final wander through the streets. We made it into the courtyard of the bell tower, but none of us could really face the queue or the climb up to the top. Thank goodness we didn't have time. Instead, one of our party took the opportunity to have a wee power nap, which seemed to have an amazing restorative effect. Suddenly perky, it was time to head back to train station and return to London.
Overall, a good time had by all but, sometimes, you have to be careful what you wish for.
M&K
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