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Published: August 6th 2007
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Monday 9th April We packed our stuff and jumped on the treadlies to ride to Damme, a small town 5-10kms north-east of Brugge. Huge trees lined the canals which ran alongside the bike paths which linked all the towns in the area. It was good to see heaps of people out riding bikes, from kids to grannies, amateur to pros. It was easy to see why, the flat green countryside dotted with windmills, small farms and fields was ideal for riding (Paul you would love it!).
Damme was like Brugge was probably like 50 years ago. A coffee was first on the list (as usual) and as usual on the continent they were short but strong. You wouldn't buy one if you were thirsty, but I suppose thats what beer's for . Up the road a bit was an old run down castle/cemetary full of crows which had a freaky guy-with-three-heads statue sitting around the back. After checking out the local book market we pushed on towards some other smaller towns in the area. After losing Em for about half an hour (you gotta be quick!) and finding her again back where I lost her (maybe I was
Damme Bound
No wonder the Belgians are good bike riders. too quick) she decided to jump over into a huge green field to lay down and fully immerse herself in the environment. Jumping back over, she didn't quite make it and immersed her hand into a patch of stinging nettle plant which gradually made it's presence felt like a mouthful of jabanero's. I swear I didn't laugh (too much).
Time was sadly running out now, if we had another hour or two, we could have made it to The Netherlands as we were only about 5kms from the border. Another time. Back to Brugge and I furiously rode around looking for somewhere I could buy a bulk load of cheap beer I could take back with me, but alas, being Easter Monday most places were closed . Scored a few bottles of Trappist beer (brewed with holy water, I kid you not!) from the hostel owner, dropped off bikes, picked up car, drove down one way street, the wrong way, picked up luggage and rest of bunch and hit the road out of Brugge.
Cam's navigational skills (he needs a little more practice ) meant we didn't so much as head out of Brugge, but through and around
Damme Book Markets
Asterix in Flemish anyone? it, then the wrong way down the motorway. Never mind, an hour or so later we're back on track to Calais. In Calais, nothing was open except for a dodgy pub, where we had some dodgy fish n chips from a dodgy waitress. After nearly getting egged by some not so friendly Frogs in a car (now I know where their bad rep comes from!) we boarded the ferry to Dover thus ending our first continental adventure, weary and weathered but with a swag of great memories.
Tuesday 10th April No!!! Back to work.
Wednesday 11th April The tube was the worst I'd ever seen it, going to work, due to the Victoria line being down. The platform was packed about 6 deep all the way along, and when a train did arrive it was already chockers. I rode me bike furthur down the line to Stockwell but the situation there wasn't any better. 4 trains later I shoehorned myself in, contorting myself against the sliding door all the way to Bank. Ended up 20 minutes late. Gotta start riding to work!
Saturday 14th April Hit the Portobello Markets
The Flying Pigeon
Still locked up just in case. again, this time with Em. Browsed around, bought a few gifts for Lauzy, had a huge container of freshly cooked prawns (or were they...), stocked up on some olives, feta and sundried tomatoes. Went home via the famous bookshop Foyles near Tottenham Court Rd, a massive 5 storeys containing every book ever written. Well that may be a lie, but it was big.
Sunday 15th April Cam, Nat and I double-deckered it over to Putney to watch the Eagles inevitably woop the Dockers asses again in the Western Derby. The place was dead and it was only after the 2nd drink I asked when the Eagles were playing. The barmaid kindly informed me that the schedule had changed and it had already been shown earlier on. Doh!! We packed up bags and quickly bus'ed it down to the Slug in Fulham. This was more like it!! A pub packed with rowdy Eagles supporters (with the odd Docker fan, how did they afford the plane ticket to Europe??) with about 10 plasma's and 5 projectors all showing the great game. We'd missed the first half but it was still good to have a bit of a taste of
back home again. Go the Eagles!!
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