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Belgium Trip Report- A Girl, Her Hubs and a Suitcase

Belgium Trip Report- A Girl, Her Hubs and a Suitcase

Old Oct 25th, 2013, 02:42 PM
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Belgium Trip Report- A Girl, Her Hubs and a Suitcase

Trip Report
Belgium 2013
October 25, 2013
Day 1 Gent

Grab your favorite Belgium beer, pull up a chair and join me for Day One of Brooke and Frank’s Belgium Extravaganza. We arrived here today after an absolutely flawless and uneventful flight on Jet airlines. I highly recommend this Indian Airline. They could not have been friendlier and more efficient. We picked up our cute little Astro 5 speed vehicle and Frankster assumed duties as chauffer. We were greeted into the wonderful world of Belgium with dreary grey skies and a balmy 57 degrees. It has been raining here for over a month-so we were grateful to be spared from that as Frank acquainted himself to the trafficy roadways.

We are staying at Europa Hotel (http://www.europahotel-gent.be/en/ ) . It is a little off from the city center, a brisk 20-30 minute walk, but it is located right on the canal. It is on a bucolic, quiet suburban street, right next to an elementary school. It is modern, clean, comfortable and has free parking. Driving through the labyrinths of city streets was very confusing as we entered this historic city. But with Frank’s keen driving and our trusty Garmen we arrived in one piece.

When we arrived at the hotel, quite early, 4 hrs. earlier than check in-the hotel accommodated us and allowed us to go to our room. Both of us exhausted by the fatigue of travel we pulled the shades and slept for several hours. When we awoke, we made our way leisurely towards the city center. We followed the canal, walking along the water. Dodging bike riders, tram cars and automobiles. We sat waterside, taking in the briny smelling -glass like water, shimmering with lights of the Friday night bustle. College kids nearby drinking cheap wine and smoking funny cigarettes, blowing off week long stress. We made a daring move and decided to eat at a crowded charming Fondue restaurant called gent’s fonduehuisje (http://www.gentsfonduehuisje.be/). We were escorted upstairs through a narrow treacherous staircase that I would not want to negotiate after one beer. We dunked our crusty French bread into the bubbling vat of cheesy loveliness alongside deliciously, delicately sliced fresh fruit. Accompanying my meal of sloth was a tasty sparkling, alcohol free apple cider. Frank had the traditional Belgium beer. It was a unique meal, in a lovely setting. Having said that, we have mutually agreed we would only partake in this type of activity once a decade.

After maneuvering our way down the staircase of death, we ventured out into the streets of Gent (http://www.visitgent.be/en/home) Gent is a historic city rich in modern beauty and architecture. The tree lined streets, with leaf covered sidewalks are quiet with the exception of a speedy bicycler whizzing by. The 3 story townhouses with unique architecture, tease the observer with open windows-showing off the splendors of these modern beauties. Alongside an occasional castle shadows the street. It is truly a surreal environment, and I was not really prepared for the cultural eye candy.

Tune in tomorrow for more exciting Belgium adventures.
~Brooke and Frank~
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Old Oct 25th, 2013, 03:30 PM
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Awesome! My husband and I love Ghent! Can't wait to read more!
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Old Oct 25th, 2013, 04:02 PM
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Cute report - more please!

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Old Oct 25th, 2013, 05:14 PM
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Great start....I hope you visit Bruge, my favourite Belgian city.
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Old Oct 25th, 2013, 05:17 PM
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I have my Belgian beer in hand, along for the rest of the journey!
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Old Oct 26th, 2013, 03:06 PM
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Thanks everybody. Here's the next installment...
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Old Oct 26th, 2013, 03:10 PM
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Trip Report
Belgium 2013
October 26, 2012

A girl, her hubs and a suitcase…………
Day 2

It’s story time my traveling comrades. This morning Frankster and I were experiencing time zone confusion and awoke somewhere between the hours of 4 and 5 am. It is 6 hrs. ahead here (tomorrow is actually Daylight savings-score one extra vaca hr.-wahoo) We felt it best to seize the day, although it was still dark outside. Our hotel has provided breakfast for us, so we began our early morning with some fresh, tasty Belgium breakfast. A still life picture awaited us of fresh fruits, delicate pastries and all the usual accompaniments. We walked into the damp still morning as the blue sky started to emerge.

We walked to Citadel Park (http://www.visitgent.be/en/node/8791/?context=tourist) a beautiful park, nestled in the city. We were the only ones in the park with the exception of AFLAC’s Belgium’s cousins quacking away. We sat on a bench pond side, and as if on cue, the reddish and gold hue leaves sprinkled down in a silent air raid, littering the moist earth. There was a Hue Heffner-esque grotto which prompted Frank and his monkey climbing ways to scale the funky shaped rock. But, alas after a swift bump to the noggin-those escapades ended quickly. We were taking our time waiting for the museum to open. First ones in the door-That’s how the Edells play the game.

As it happens-sadly we were the second ones in the door. But, no fret- no other patrons were seen during our Museum shuffle. The museum we were visiting is Museum Voore Schone Kunsten, or as the locals call it MSK. (http://www.mskgent.be/nl) A lovely museum on the grounds of the park, vastly large, with massive open space, comfortable seats in every room, and more importantly, very enjoyable art. A significant portion of the museum consisted of Flemish masters-artists from this region. There is a restoration in progress in the museum of the Gent Altarpiece-which you will hear more about tomorrow. But, it is an important religious and historical work of art that holds great significance. We used an audio guide to assist with the tour and found it easy and informative. Exhaustion, jet lag and mind mush began to settle in, so we took a much needed coffee break in their lovely café and sat on the terrace outside. The weather was absolutely glorious and we were informed that it is unseasonably warm and unusually sunny. Um, thank you and yes-I will have some more, sir. After the much needed caffeine injection (which I never, ever drink, except in rare emergencies-and YES- this was one) I was running up those museum steps like Rocky, ready to tackle some early 19th century.

We left the museum-thoroughly satisfied and leisurely walked back to the hotel. We took a light nap in preparation of this evening’s main event- A Night at The Opera. We took a taxi to the opera house. (https://vlaamseopera.be/en/#!/) The production we were seeing was Tristan and Isolde. The one detail that prevented us from truly following the production was it was sang in German and translated in Dutch. I was very lost on the story line, but I closed my eyes, let the music settle over me. It was a stellar orchestra as well as a sopranic delight. After the opera, we went to a local Italian restaurant called Pane and Vinno. (http://www.pane-vino.eu/) It was packed to capacity and apparently very popular. We slid in a table and took in the young, hip crowd. Frank had Lobster with pasta – a bib would have been quite helpful (and a hose). And, I had pizza with eggplant. The meal was delicious, not greatly expensive and very satisfying. We walked back to the hotel, in the cool autumn night, reminiscing about the fine evening.

Tune in for more Belgium adventures……
~Brooke and Frank~
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 09:15 AM
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Sounds like a success so far. Looking forward to following this report. I have not been to Ghent, tho we almost got there last May. So it will be interesting to learn of your adventures.
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 09:50 AM
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Hi Brooke, nice report. Weather has been unusually warm this week in Belgium, but stormy today. Will you be going to Antwerp as well?
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 12:45 PM
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Trip Report
Belgium 2013
October 27, 2013

A girl, her hubs and a suitcase…………..

Day 3

Hello-it’s Brooke your friendly blogger reporting for duty. Let’s discuss the amount of steps my poor tootsies did today. According to my pedometer 23,696 steps. As we speak, they are propped up, throbbing, even with the 4 Motrin coursing through my veins. But, never you mind- I am on vaca, living life to the fullest, and if a little foot pain is my crisis of the day, I think we are in good shape. So, this morning we awoke with the wind howling, the sky black and the rain pelting down. No sunny skies today-but again, a minor annoyance in the scheme of things. After an enjoyable breakfast we drove in our cute little Astro to Bruges. Bruges (http://visitbruges.be/en/index.php/ )is an adorable little medieval town stuck in a time capsule. It is also swarming with camera snapping tourists, tour groups hogging the sidewalks, and throngs of people congesting the streets. Fortunately, for us, this was our second time there and our visit was very purposeful. On our last visit, there was a museum we wanted to go to-but it was closed for restoration during our stay. Being that we were only 40 minutes away-we had to put this on our to do list.

We arrived in Bruges in pouring rain. Armed with umbrellas did not help us as the strong winds were flipping them inside out. We made our way to the Groening Museum. (http://www.vlaamsekunstcollectie.be/ ) It is a moderate sized museum consisting of Flemish artists. It was very crowded, but the masses moved rather quickly. We spent a couple hours there satiating our previous disappointment from the closure. After the museum, we picked a nice scenic spot overlooking the canal and had a light lunch of sandwiches. The sun popped out for a couple minutes-just enough to make our picnic perfect. We made a quick stop at a chocolatier shop, indulging in Belgium’s version of crack- battling our stubborn umbrellas against the assaulting weather.

We drove back to Gent and succumbed to a short nap. After the nap, we walked back through the cobblestone streets to Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. (http://users.skynet.be/sintbaafskath...N_welcome.html) It is a cathedral erected in the 1200’s. It is not the most beautiful church I have been in-but it does hold the altarpiece I mentioned in yesterday’s blog. The altarpiece was painted by Jan Van Eyck in 1432 purposely for this church. It has an extensive history that Frank researched at great length for months. Briefly, it was stolen many times-once by Napoleon, once by the Nazis (even hidden in a Polish mine shaft at one point!). After World War II it was returned to its rightful place and is the national pride of this country. As we entered the church, a choir welcomed us like angels in harmony. It was short-lived , as the concert was ending-but very enjoyable.

After visiting the altarpiece, we walked around the city center. It was Sunday evening, and there was a quiet hum in the city. Everybody tucked in for the weekend and getting ready for the start of a busy week. We stopped at a place called Lucy Chang (http://www.lucychang.be) specializing in Noodle and Thai dishes. I had a mammoth sized bowl of Veggie Rice Noodle soup. Piping hot and chuck full of crunchy veggies, it was a yummy slurp fest. Frank had the traditional Pad Thai. It was an economical meal that was filling and healthy. The only drawback –and actually this has been a common theme-is no credit cards-and, no tap water. Both of these issues-sorry to say- affect my tipping generosity. Just something to be mindful of if ever traveling to this region.
With bellies full of food, we made our way back in the dark evening.

I am sorry I am lacking in any witty stories, tales of European histrionics, or Belgium hijinks. But, folks we are only on Day 3- and tomorrow we will be in France-----so one never knows…..

Until tomorrow-

Love and yummy dark chocolate truffles………..(of course-Belgium dark chocolate-silly!)

~Brooke and Frank~
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 03:46 PM
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Sounds like you are having a blast! Now go rest those feet... There's plenty more walking to do in France!
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 04:49 PM
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And I thought "no tap water" was just because our waiter was grumpy.. You write very well and looks like all of us are enjoying your efforts.. Keep 'em coming!!
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 06:04 PM
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Loving your enthusiasm and the report/blog (with the very minor caveat that the adjective is Belgian, not Belgium...something that has bugged me since an Olympic event decades ago when the announcer said "And here come the Belgiums!!!" ) I haven't been in Ghent for decades, but loved hearing about it, as well as Bruges, which I haven't visited for several years now.

23,696 steps? You go girl! That's impressive! Keep it coming. Love this!
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 07:00 PM
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No tap water is pretty common in a few European countries - they just don't drink tap water (water is often hard and has lime deposits in it). They also wouldn't dream of serving it to someone else. Mineral water ('stil', still, or 'bruisend' / 'sprankelend', sparkling) is the go in Belgium. Yes, you have to pay, that's just how it works : -)

Lavandula
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 10:27 PM
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Thanks everybody for your comments. Interesting about the adjective of Belgian. Good to note. I am a nurse in my real life, this travel blog is just to help out the fellow traveler. I have past blogs from St. Petersburg Russia, Ireland, Prague and Scotland. Help yourself. Updates to come....
Also, pictures may be found on http://brookums71.wordpress.com/
not too many yet....
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Old Oct 27th, 2013, 11:38 PM
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Hi Brooke, another bit to add to the van Eyck in Gent; 2 of the panels were stolen in the 1930s. One of them was recovered, the other one never seen again. It is a subject that regularly returns in the media, when someone thinks he has a lead. The supposed thief's dying words, were that no-one would be able to get to the panel, without attracting attention. Therefore some think it is still hidden somewhere in the cathedral.

Lucy Chang is a popular chain in Belgium - inexpensive and fast. No tapwater is common. Restaurants in Belgium are having a hard time making a profit, with very high wage costs. Giving drinks away for free is not an option. After all, you expect someone to bring the water, will need a place to sit and a glass, and perhaps you will not order a paid beverage; so it is not really without costs for the restaurant. If you demand free water, the restaurant looses out.

I know that in the US you get free tapwater - circumstances are different there. Don't expect it in Belgium.

Tipping is not expected in Belgium. You round up; bill is 19 euros, give 20.
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Old Oct 28th, 2013, 05:44 AM
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Interesting report. Looking forward to more pictures. The night picture is lovely!
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Old Oct 28th, 2013, 12:29 PM
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Tulips,
Thanks for the interesting facts. My husband read a book cover to cover about the altarpiece. I was aware of those interesting facts too. Also, thanks for the tip advice. We were tipping as we do in US. Leaving 15-20%! Usually I do research as we are seasoned travelers, but this trip I neglected to. Very helpful. Thanks again.
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Old Oct 28th, 2013, 01:37 PM
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If tipping in Europe you do only a round up amount. The waitpersons do not expect tips and the locals are not happy with the tipping attitute as it upsets the status quo for them. Often, in some countries, a service charge is included so there is no need for extra. Have been told this by several European residents in Spain, Germany and Ireland, including service providers. So we round up only!!
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Old Oct 28th, 2013, 02:20 PM
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Trip Report
Belgium 2013
October 28, 2013

A girl, her hubs and a suitcase…………..

Day 4

19,702 steps (if you are keeping track) 7 miles!!!

Raindrops
Raindrops are such funny things.
They haven't feet or haven't wings.
Yet they sail through the air,
With the greatest of ease,
And dance on the street,
Wherever they please.
- Anon.

Reporting live from Lille, France (pronounced “LIL”) it’s your friendly blogging couple Brooke and Frank. This morning we wrapped things up in Gent, checking out of our lovely hotel. Some positive things I would like to report about Europa Hotel. Very good service, great breakfast and free parking. I was very pleased with everything regarding the hotel. So, we set off for Sanctuary Wood Museum in Ypres, Belgium. (http://www.ypres-1917.com/hill62.html) About an hour drive from Gent. The museum is a sobering reminder of the horrors of trench warfare that took place during World War I 1915-1917. On our journey to the museum, we traveled through farms and open fields of countryside. The museum was full of interesting facts, terrifying pictures and barbaric war weaponry. It was packed with indifferent school age kids loud and rowdy. The most interesting thing in this museum are the original trenches that were left there as an open air memorial. As I wondered the grounds, I could almost hear the battle cries. And, as the cold rain pelted down on my face, I could scarcely imagine the harsh conditions these brave young men endured. The field we were traipsing through was sacred ground. The silent echoes of these courageous men lives on in this field where many of these men died. We left the museum in silent appreciation for the freedom we have.

The rain started to come down pretty heavy after that –as we made our way to our hotel in Lille, France. Other than circling the block no less than 17 times, our arrival was uneventful. The 17 times of circling the block was due to a major lack of parking spaces. But, fortunately for us I think we took the only last spot available. Lille, France is right on the border of Belgium and France. We are staying at a lovely boutique hotel in the center of town called L’esplanade. (http://www.esplanadelille.com/en/) It’s a 3 story brick townhouse with beautiful, modern studios. Our room is a spacious studio with all contemporary furnishings. We plopped off our things and made our way to Palais des Beaux-Arts Museum. (http://www.pba-lille.fr/) It took us about a half hour to get there. The rain came in cool bursts then retreated. The wind at times was monsoon – like. The museum holds many works of art by Masters such as Goya and some lesser known artists. But, the real treat is the basement floor which was all German Medieval and Italian pre-renaissance art. It was very enjoyable and made the whole visit worth it. We took a small break in the café and had some coffee and spent 2 hours there.

After the museum, we went out into the wet, windy evening and walked through the bustling city streets. The smell of tempting street side waffles hung in the air. There was every store you could imagine, shoppers out in droves. We walked and walked and walked-looking for possible dinner options. Apparently, the amateurs we are forgot dinner does not happen until late in France. So, we searched and searched. After much debate, we finally found a café/brasserie called Le Square (http://www.le-square-d-ramis.com/). A nice eclectic pub with good service and FREE tap water . Dinner was pub grub with the highpoint being a decadent appetizer of a deep fried ball of brie accompanied with tasty jam chutney but from there it kind of petered out. (No photographic evidence remains)

After dinner, we walked back in the cool wet air-a rain reprieve for now.
Tune in for more exciting travel tales………

Love and Rain Drops-
~Brooke and Frank~
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