Bruggians

Today we were back in Belgium. I got off the ship with Kat, Kristin, and Kevin. We took the shuttle into Blackenberge, and paid for train tickets into Brugge. Since we had an hour to kill, we thought we could use the time to search for places to exchange some money. Our first thought was the bank, but it had a posted sign refusing to exchange. I stopped in a small grocery store, and the lady suggested the tram station. When we got there, that lady said “OH NO!” as if we had ask something absurd and suggested the place next door, a tourist stop that was basically another bank. But after we saw the line, we gave up. By then, the train was just about at the station so we got to our seats and waited to leave.

Once we arrived in Brugge, we followed the crowd out of the station and across several streets to the city. We wandered around; I was the only one who had been here before so they were taking in the new view. We saw a church above the houses and headed in that direction. Inside was beautiful; tapestries that hung from the walls and ancient paintings. The pamphlet said there was a fire but the cathedral was restored. We continued towards the city center after the church, laughing as Kat pretended to be the tour guide and made up various stories about interesting buildings. At one point, she was going on about “Bruggians” and their mermaid ancestry. Never a dull moment with her! :D

We made it to the square, which was the first thing that looked familiar to me. My goal had been to find the amazing sandwich place we had ate at last time, because I have been crazing one of those delicious baguettes. But I was so turned around and after seeing a map in one of the souvenir shops, there was no WAY I was going to find it! The city is a huge maze and of course every street looks the same. I sadly gave up my dream and focused on my other goal of the day- WAFFLES. Kristin’s fiancé insisted she try a certain beer so she chose a place to eat so she could have beer and Kevin and I could eat waffles. It was a nice restaurant and we sat on the terrace, with a perfect view of the square.

I decided to take a bathroom break here; I had refused to go at the train station because I think paying 50 cents is RIDICULOUS!!!!!!! I don’t live in Urinetown!!!!!! But OH MY GOSH, what a new experience this was. Kevin and I went in search of the bathrooms, which turned out to be a unisex, conjoined bathroom. I was really confused when the bartender pointed to one door. I opened it expecting two separate rooms, but saw a pair of feet and a urinal. I shut the door, embarrassed because I thought it was the men’s room. Then the pair of feet came out, and it was a lady. So Kevin and I bravely entered, and I tried not to weird myself out and get pee anxiety.


Back at the table, I ordered my waffle with strawberries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and chocolate sauce-the works. We talked about our plans after this contract; Kristin’s move to Arkansas and adjustment to being a wife, Kat returning to school to be a teacher, and my…..unknown. Once their beers and Kev and my cokes came, we drank to our futures. Then our waffles came and they were ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. The waffle was so fluffy and the chocolate was definitely Belgian chocolate. Kev and I finished those up, tempted to lick the plate but resisting to be well mannered. We saw Jade walking down the street and I told her I had no idea where our sandwich place was in regards to where we are now. She told me the place was closed anyways, proving to me yet again that everything happens for a reason.

We had difficulties getting our bill; I think our server was avoiding eye contact with us. I think he is on European time and didn’t want to help us rush out of there since meals are usually several hours. It was a bit crowded though as we stood up to enforce we were ready to pay, because he brought over other customers to take our place. I thought this was rather rude! After I untangled myself from the ladies, we headed back towards the train station. We made a quick stop to buy some chocolates, and Kat came in to report she had been literally coughed all over by an old man in the street. She was horrified and wanted a shower. I told her, chocolates will make it ALL better, you’ll see! LOL.

We caught the train and shuttle with plenty of time for crew on board. The weather was perfect, the food was amazing, and the company was great- what more could one ask for?