UK and Europe 4 month sojourn!

[Scash]

I actually travelled around most of Australia in the 80’s (I was in my 20’s) on a motor bike and had some memorable experiences. We would mainly camp but every so often would get a room in a pub for about $10. We certainly met some interesting characters.

 

[Scash]

So playing a bit of catch up now. We left Berlin and spent a couple of nights in Brussels and are currently in Bruges. The train trip from Berlin to Brussels involved a change of train at Cologne. We had time for a quick wander around and found the massive Cologne Cathedral just outside the station. Photos aren’t very clear sorry.

 

[Scash]

As per our usual MO we did a free walking tour of Brussels. This was not your usual tour of historical buildings etc but also covered off on some of the other important things Belgium is known for…beer, frites and waffles! The guide also spoke about comic books and of course Tin Tin.

 

[MARTINE]

Home – Magritte Museum

Not sure if you like the artist Magritte but the museum is wonderful - reopens Saturday
Its fascinating

 

[TheRealTMA]

So playing a bit of catch up now. We left Berlin and spent a couple of nights in Brussels and are currently in Bruges. The train trip from Berlin to Brussels involved a change of train at Cologne. We had time for a quick wander around and found the massive Cologne Cathedral just outside the station. Photos aren’t very clear sorry.

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Cologne == Kolsch! Good beer halls, pork knuckle and chips and Kolsch!

 

[OZDUCK]

So playing a bit of catch up now. We left Berlin and spent a couple of nights in Brussels and are currently in Bruges. The train trip from Berlin to Brussels involved a change of train at Cologne. We had time for a quick wander around and found the massive Cologne Cathedral just outside the station. Photos aren’t very clear sorry.

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I see the crane and the hoardings have been removed from the Cathedral façade since last August.

 

[Scash]

I see the crane and the hoardings have been removed from the Cathedral façade since last August.

So many of the historic buildings in the different cities we have visited have had cranes and scaffolding around them and I’m guessing there is a lot of restoration and maintenance work happening.

 

[Scash]

The city is dotted with murals with quite a few in honour of Tin Tin.




And of course the famous (infamous) Mannekin Pis. The costumes are regularly changed to represent aspects of Belgium life.



A replica pink Manenkin Pis in a waffle shop. Not sure if this helps sell any waffles or what the topping flavour is .

 

[Scash]

A few photos from the Grand Palace earlier in the morning before the crowds descended.

 

[Scash]

There is a newly opened beer museum in the recently renovated old Stock Exchange which was a bit of fun. Cost was €14 for over 60’s or €17 normally. It was interactive plus you got a beer in the Sky Bar afterwards. Worth a visit.

 

[Scash]

Stairway to Heaven…well actually stairway to the sky bar at Belgian Beer World and a free beer but almost the same thing



Views from the Sky Bar.

 

[Scash]

Now on to Bruges. It is a lovely little place with lots of history and of course the location for the movie In Bruges! We were only there for two nights and instead of the normal historical or political type tour we did a free food tour. To be honest it was quite disappointing and the “food” consisted of a few frites, small samples of chocolate and waffles and a small beer. The guide was also unimpressive. We did tip but it wasn’t as much as we usually would.

Market Square, Province Court, Bruges Belfry and St Salvatore Church.



City Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood

 

[Scash]

Some of the same places but as night was falling.

 

[Scash]

And of course a few local brews needed to be sampled !

 

[Scash]

Our room in Bruges was a little unusual, although we experienced something similar in Paris a few years back. This is taken from the bed. The toilet is on the left, shower in the middle and basin on the right!

 

[Scash]

And just some random shots around Bruges.

 

[Scash]

We departed Bruges by train and headed to Amsterdam via Antwerp. We had a stop at Antwerp and changed trains to the Eurostar to Amsterdam. We had enough time for a look around and a coffee. Antwerp station is so majestic and worth a look if you’re in the area. We had quick window shop of the diamond and jewellery stores that are just outside the station and I was thankful Mrs Scash didn’t have enough time to pick something out .

 

[Flyfrequently]

Some of the same places but as night was falling.

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Love the pics of cities at dusk @Scash

 

[Scash]

Love the pics of cities at dusk @Scash

Thank you!

 

[Scash]

Our accommodation in Amsterdam is a bit dated but at least it has room for two open suitcases! Plus the views aren’t too bad either.