Was not looking forward to traveling through Belgium so soon, but to get to see our dear friend Carly is and was very much worth it. She was my maid of honor in our St. Maarten wedding ceremony on the beach for our friends who could not travel to the states. It has been quite some time since we last saw her. Probably like nine years or so.
We once again had a stressful, yet thankfully uneventful drive through Belgium on our way to Middleburg Nederlands.
We stopped at McD’s for a quick lunch. I kid you not, I have eaten at more McDonalds than I ever have in the states. The ones here in Europe do not make my stomach want to leave my body and they are all along the major highways. Besides that, they always have free wifi to connect to the world, find directions and make hotel reservations on the road.
We were both so happy to see Carly and her beaming smile. She has the loveliest of spirits and hippie vibe going on. She is truly one of the most outstanding unique individuals I know. Very true to herself, sincere and the real deal.
After catching up some, walked through and into the lovely town centre of Middleburg. Carly lives so close to everything, yet her street is exceptionally quiet.
Please see all the pictures. The rentals and homes for sale are quite reasonable, the area has everything you can imagine to offer in stores and restaurants, calming water scenes, close to the beaches, tons of activities and not overly touristy.
I relished the community so much that I could easily picture living there. I was coveting many of the houseboats lining the canals. Oh the life!
The former city hall turned university is a perfect example of Gothic architecture. It is one of these buildings that photos do it no justice and where you could stand for hours looking at it, yet not see every detail.
A scrumptious dinner was eaten at De Herberg. They do not have printed english menus, but all the sweet girls spoke great english and of course I had Han read it to me. Carly and I both had the Couscous met Marokkaanse kip (Morrocon Chicken) and it was delicious and a huge portion. I shared some with Han.
The rest of the evening was spent relaxing, catching up on life and listening to Leonard Cohen’s first album from 1967. How wonderful. I retired a little early since I have not been sleeping well. It was comforting to hear two friends chatting together in the distance.
July 27
I woke up this morning with a funny description about the Belgium infrastructure and just had to share it here.
The best way to describe it is a cross between a rat maze and gerbil wheel. That is literally how it feels.
Lots of coffee, too much coffee! Carly makes it in a french press and it will light a fire underneath you.
We had some very fine croissants freshly from the corner bakery and sat in the sunshine on her terrace, (while it lasted) The rain chased us inside.
We had passed a little clothing shop last night where the prices looked very reasonable. It was closed then, so I decided to leave Han and Carly to talk some more, and walk into town to check it out. I borrowed her coat and umbrella and set out like any normal Dutch person facing the normal dutch weather.
I purchased three pairs of pants for only 50 euro. The prices at “Prosecco” are great and all the clothes are made in Italy. One unusual note to mention is that almost everything has unmarked sizes, so you definitely have to try all clothing on. The ladies were lovely and helpful.
I did not get lost and made it back for more chats, before we had to climb back in the car for our return trip to Jabeek where his brother lives.
Han tried to keep us in Holland, even though it took a little extra time, it was worth it.
Can someone answer me this? Why is it that the Dutch who have some of the biggest feet have some of the smallest stair steps I have ever encountered? I can barely fit my 6.5 size foot and most times I have to walk down sideways. Just one of those things that make you go hmmmm.
Note:
In the EU, in many cities there are traffic lights meant just for bicycles. Pay attention or you might be running a red light.
Also mopeds, scooters, wheelchairs, bicycles and razor scooters are all considered to be one and the same and they share the same lane in towns big enough to offer them their own lane. It is NOT for walking. If there are no bike lanes offered; walkers and all the modes of transport above share the pathway. All bikes appear to be outfitted with bells and walkers will be alerted before being run over. Consideration is well established here. Driving a car you’d better assume that in cities, towns and villages ALL slower traffic has the right of way.
We ate breakfast in our room, since we bought some groceries at our little store. I am enjoying this change of pace, as sometimes I just don’t want to sit in a restaurant.
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