Wednesday 24th April - A long day of travelling

We got up early to ensure we had everything packed and time for farewells. David's bike had to be checked in at least 90 minutes before departure. All 4 of us travelled from Bruges to Brussels together and had our final coffee and waffles at the station. Serena and Fergus went off to discover all the "pissen" statues in Brussels.

We headed through the long lines at security and passport control before boarding the Eurostar. We were in Standard Premier seats and were pleasantly surprised at the lovely lunch served to us on board. It felt like "Princess class".

In 2 hours 15 minutes, we were in central London at Kings Cross St Pancras station and lugging our baggage down the street to Euston station. Dark clouds were building up and our Belgian sunshine was left behind. Unfortunately, our train was cancelled which meant our reserved seats were no longer valid on the next train. The Virgin Railway staff could not have been more helpful. They ensured that someone took us directly to the platform ahead of the crowds to get us settled on board and make sure there was space for the bike up front as it didn't fit in the luggage racks.

As we headed across the road to our hotel, the first few drops of light rain began. It was a relief to finally stop. We have already booked our tickets to return to London tomorrow and made sure the bike will be catered for too. Serena and Fergus are still waiting for their flight to Dublin as we eat dinner, then they have a 2 hour drive back to Galway.

What a brilliant time we've had together once again! It was "See ya Later!" rather than good-bye, as we plan to visit one another at least annually. The latest idea was to meet in Spain or Portugal if David heads back to Belgium next year.

Last day together in Bruges - Tuesday 23rd April

Despite getting in late last night, David was up and ready to ride to Nederlands just to set foot in another country. He rode to a gorgeous little town called Sluis.

Meanwhile, the rest of us enjoyed a bit of time to do puzzles, explore a final museum or two or just walk the streets for pleasure (OK I got a bit disorientated and took the long way home!) I did find a second hand shop, where I bought a beautiful blouse for just 15 euro. According to the label, it was made in Italy but born in Belgium!

David packed up his bike then we went to meet Alex on his lunch break for a final cheerio.

Whilst David did a load of washing, Cathy, Serena and Fergus found their way back to one of our favorite lunchspots near Astrid Park. Cathy had discovered a swing inside the St Astrid's church so we had to go in and try it out! We were also impressed by the homeless Jesus bronze statue outside so Fergus bought a replica. Cathy bought a bit of silk and lace on the way home to remember the lovely lace and tapestry shops by.

Before long it was time for our final dinner together. We had heard of the fantastic tiramisu at La Carlito's so had booked there for 6pm. They opened soonafter!! Service was slow but food delicious. Cathy had prosecco that came out in a Terra Serena glass. Serena stayed with Brugge Zot beer, David tried Kaiser beer and Fergus moved from Coke to Canada Dry. Trips to the toilet were exciting as one toilet had a light but no wash basin. The other had a washbasin but no light!

After dinner we wandered the streets window-shopping before choosing a trusty steed to guide our carraige across the cobbled streets. Paul was our driver with Bulantonio our horse for the half hour tour. It was fun to look once more at the sights we had enjoyed and feel like there were still more if we ever return one day.

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As the evening temperatures fell, David reached for a blanket and Cathy snuggled him in.

Monday 22April - Poppies and Last Post at Ypres

It was a day of remembrance and learning more about WW1. We caught the train both ways to Ypres which made it a long day, but definitely worth the effort. We passed through flat Belgian fields where graves marked so many lives lost. The Flanders Field Museum was quite an experience but didn’t have much to say about Australia’s involvement.

That was remedied at the Menin gate, where the names of over 56,000 people lost in war are recorded even though their bodies haven’t been found. The Last Post is played every night at 8:00pm sharp. A somber and reverent reminder.

On a lighter note, burgers and ice cream had to replace donuts on the indulgence list as David’s favorite donut shop was closed.

Sunday 21st April The big bike ride to the seaside

Cathy was on the doorstep as the bike rental shop opened at 9:30 to collect a trusty bicycle for the day. David geared up too with the route loaded onto his GPS. Aloak clung to the basket and whizzed along enjoying the views.

The bike routes are marked with numbers so we could have navigated by a list of numbers if we’d preferred. Lots of people of all shapes, sizes and ages we’re on their bikes. Even a man in his 70s in suit and tie with his wife peddling along behind.

When we reached the coast we navigated past a big marina and rows of high rise apartments shading the beach until mid morning. It was cold in the shade with a brisk wind, but ok in the sunshine. All sorts of pedal machines were out and about at the beach. We loved the pedal go-karts, complete with refueling stop for the kids. The beach boxes were all white but colorful areas with seats and umbrellas were set up to rent for the day. We continued up the coast past the port of Zeebruge to Knokke where we ate lunch in the sunshine. Then we headed back across the fields and beside canals to get to Bruges again. All up, we did 66km. It was great to be outdoors and riding again less than 6 weeks after my arthroscopy. Hoping to get back running soon too. I’ll need to burn off a few calories after my week of holiday eating and drinking.

Saturday 20th April – National Shopping Day

Cathy couldn’t believe her luck when she saw the signs for a shopping day today. Determined as ever, she climbed the 366 steps to the top of the Bellfry tower and learned about the history of the bells first. At different levels, we learned about the bells, the deeds of the city stored in iron chests and other interesting facts.

At the top, we could see for miles in all directions. There were rows of wind turbines beside the canal to the sea. The Markt square below got busier and the queues to climb the tower got longer. We queued for an hour as only 50 people can be up there at a time.

Next, we did make it to the market in time to buy clothes better suited to the sunny weather. We resisted the baby chicks and rabbits. We also bought ready cooked Belgian delicacies to heat up for dinner. Followed of course by Belgian ice-cream and strawberries.

We did of course have our mid-afternoon pre-dinner beer whilst the clothes were washed at the laundromat.

Good Friday April 19th - An early start for a brilliant day

It was time to put David back on his bike - complete with his new cap - "Ride like a Flandrian".

Cathy headed out for an early morning walk before the crowds and found a "green lung" around the old town with bike track and walking/jogging track that goes for about 9km.

Even the canal boat drivers were hard at work watering their flowers early in the morning.

Meanwhile, Cathy and Serena dragged Fergus off to the hospital - the St Jons hospital and apothecary from medieval times. It was full of artworks and ancient surgical instruments, but we loved the pharmacy with rows of herbs and bottles to cure all sorts of ailments.

Typical medical adminstrators

Didn't know they posed to take selfies back in those days!! That's what it looked like on the carving anyway
Serena was keen to find the church with vials of Christ's blood, whilst Cathy was more insterested in the Diamond museum so we headed in different directions.

After having some fun learning about diamonds, Cathy rented a bicycle for a few hours to cycle around the canal track and find a few other attractions on her 3 day museum pass.

She conquered her fear of heights to climb up a windmill. Later she climbed the spiral steps of Gentpoort to see how they defended the city in years gone by. It gave the knee a good work-out but no swelling and only a tiny bit of discomfort at night.
David had a great ride with the boys and was home by 5pm so we could celebrate the day and head out to dinner.