East Via Northwest: Europe Adventure: Goeiendag (Part 2 of 3)

Hallo/Goeiendag and welcome to Belgium!

By the time we left The Netherlands, we knew how to say hello in Dutch, "Hallo" (obviously a 2 year old could figure that out), but now we had to add Flemish to our vocabulary so we could attempt to say Hi in Flemish, "Goeiendag" when the need arose in parts of Belgium.

Day 4: Westmalle

Outside of Westmalle Abbey

Our first stop in Belgium was Westmalle -- the land of cute houses, farms and the Westmalle abbey; a brewery of sorts with trappist-style ale supplied by monks from the local monastery -- tasty drinks! Let's just say Ryan was a happy guy after his first true trappist beer! Plus, we found the abbey without getting lost (one point for the Burlesons)! After our mini-break in Westmalle, we continued to Brussels.

Westmalle Abbey

Day 4 (still) - Day 6: Brussels

Town Hall

Minus one point for the Burlesons. We got lost in Brussels for a good uuumm 90 minutes before we found our B&B in the city. We have never been so happy to find our temporary home for the weekend. So what is there to say about Brussels? Lots!

First off, Brussels is much bigger and more diverse than I imagined. My lack of studying the city led to this pleasant surprise (my bad). With that said, I was not disappointed. Our first stop was the amazing and literally breathtaking Grand Place, the central square in Brussels. Trying to explain the emotions you feel as you walk into this medieval square is simply impossible. You're surrounded by guidhalls, the city's Town Hall, a museum, and the bread house -- all built around 1400 or later. Incredible. Of course, we found a cute restaurant where we could linger, enjoy drinks and take in the detailed architecture surrounding us. I should also add that at night the buildings in Grand Place light up different colors every 20 seconds. :)

As for the rest of our Brussels experience ... we hung out at a local bar, listened to local bands, and tried Gueuze beer, Belgium beer that tastes like fruit syrup mixed with hoppy beer (an acquired taste) -- one with the locals. We became friends with another couple at our B&B who happened to speak English and loved TripAdvisor -- must have missed Americans. We went on the "European Walk" of Brussels, which took us on a four-mile trek around several different areas of the city, including the Cinquantenaire Park and shopping district, with special attention given to the Eurocrat (rich) area -- eye opening. We indulged in pomme frites with mayonnaise and stopped along our travels for more Belgium beer -- our theme in Belgium. We also found a small, local restaurant for a romantic dinner, finishing the night with creme brulee and homemade ice cream -- delicious.

When our time in Brussels and with the ladies of the street (did I mention the blocks in Brussels change quickly from nice to sketch to rich to ghetto?) came to an end, we jumped in Hubert and headed to Ghent. With only 40 minutes of drive time to our next destination, we had faith -- Hubert would not lead us astray. Alas, I would. I never said I was good with maps. :)

Town Hall shining bright!

Grand Place - central square in Brussels

Another shot of the Grand Place

St. Catherine's Church

Inside St. Catherine's Church

Outside St. Catherine's Church

Cool monument - can't remember the name ;)

Cinquantenaire Park

Pomme frites with mayo

We may have had a dance party one night ;)

Day 6 - Day 7: Ghent

Ghent. is. adorable. quaint. walkable. picturesque. perfect. After we found our B&B -- we only got lost for 20 minutes this time -- Tom, the B&B owner, gave us the lay of the Ghent land, offered us several touring tips, and then sent us on our way. I have to add that Tom reminded me of characters from the movie Notting Hill so I was Tom's biggest fan.

Ghent was just what we needed after leaving the big bustling city of Brussels. Its quiet streets and friendly residents made us feel at home. 10 points for Ghent! During our 24-hours in Ghent we .... found a Seattle-esque cafe where we reminisced about our home town-- sappy us; we toured the Gravensteen Castle and learned all about torture techniques back in the 12th Century -- so glad we live in the 21st Century; we indulged in a Belgium waffle with whip cream -- satisfied tastebuds; we walked along the canals and admired the medieval architecture -- meticulous and fascinating; we toured a few churches -- moving; we survived a crazy rain storm -- yay us; and we had a traditional Belgium meal during a candle lit dinner along the canal -- evening of love. All in all, we couldn't have asked for a more laid back yet captivating experience in Ghent!

The next morning we enjoyed a typical Belgium breakfast with Tom -- meat, cheese, pastries -- and then we took Hubert south to France - destination PARIS! We had one more stop on our way to Paris that involved driving deep into the countryside for the "best beer in the world" or so we were told. Read more about it and our time in Paris in my next post! Coming your way soon. :)