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Published: March 12th 2013
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And before you ask........... there will not be any photos of a young female Aussie who returned to the mixed dormitory in the Youth Hostel in Brugge at 5 am, completely drunk and who then elected to strip off completely naked before jumping into her pit. I of course was awoken from a deep slumber and thought I had gone to the pearly gates of St Peter. Was I dreaming? Was I in heaven? No, however she was there in the flesh, and being the British Gentlemen that I am, I just did not know which way to turn. I did the honourable thing and turned over before trying to get back to sleep.
My journey continues and has taken me from Dunkirk, along the coast across the border into Belgium where I have been sampling some of the local beers and chocolates. My first night in Belgium was spent in the quiet seaside town of Bredene, where I elected to camp as the hostel which I had previously booked was shut.
The following day, I cycled into the delightful city of Brugge, where I climbed the 366 steps to the top of the Clocktower. I'm glad I wasn't
RTW Trip 2013
One of the many wartime cemeteries the only one feeling the strain climbing up the stairs. Judging by some of the red faces and huffing and puffing going on, I really thought that I was going to have use my First Aid skills in anger for the very first time.
The weather in Brugges had in the meantime deteriorated. What else do you do on a rainy day in Brugges? Visit the local brewery of course. And God do the Belgians know how to brew a good beer. Apparently, there are over 1132 different types of beer in Belgium and 500 of those were produced in the last 4 years!
Another thing that Belgians are good at is producing chocolate and a visit to the chocolate museum was of course a must. Being a chocoholic, sampling the choc drops at the entrance to the museum and a praline on leaving the establishment was an absolute pleasure.
Leaving Brugges behind, I elected to cycle to Gent. I had not really heard much about Gent and therefore my expectations were low. I have to say however that I was blown out of this world on reaching this medieaval city. A real gem, with lots of
RTW Trip 2013
Entering Belgium photo opportunities and many great things to see and do.
The cycling between the cities, has been pleasant with little traffic and fantastic cycle routes. The countryside is a little same same, however this is made up by the charm of the cities and its people.
From Gent I cycled to Antwerp, where I met my first other touring cyclist Cedrik, who like me has an English, German background and who is cycling around Europe for the next few months. A few beers later, after comparing notes we went our separate ways and may meet up again, perhaps in Turkey next time.
Leaving Antwerp behind, I made use of the warmshowers hospitality website, where touring cyclists elect to host other touring cyclists at their homes should you be travelling nearby. I was very fortunate to be welcomed by a Belgian Gentleman called Toon, who in conjunction with his parents and fiancee looked after me admirably, feeding me copious amounts of delicious Thai food and lots of Belgian Trappe beers brewed by the local monks.
On waking up this morning the whole landscape was covered in snow. By all accounts this would have caused a meltdown in
RTW Trip 2012
Lots of monuments along the coast of Belgium the UK, but here in Belgium the people go about their normal business, driving or cycling into work on beautifully cleared roads.
The temperature on a sign I rode past indicated 0 degrees, however with today's wind, the forecast predicted a wind chill temperature of -9 degrees. I rode a quick 18 miles to the Netherlands border where I walked into a pub/cafe and had 3 hot chocolates to allow my feet to warm back up.
A further 10 miles, I am now sat in the comfort of my warm hostel in Valkenwaard, where I am drinking another monk brewed beer and enjoying the tranquility of the hostel during the low season. I am having another day off tomorrow before I cross the border into Germany where I shall be visiting my relatives.
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Nigel Bird
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Belgian Beer
Too right - the Belgians brew excellent beers, and to a much greater strength than we Brits are used to. Go carefully on that bike Sturdmeister!