In Bruges

(My last blog broken up into 4 pieces)

Bruges was very nice. On the first day, I walked through the entire town/village and found my hostel. When I arrived, the first person I made friends with was also the very first Kiwi. But he wasn't native since he was born in South Africa but had lived in New Zealand for 10 years. He was actually celebrating the 10 year anniversary while traveling. We sat down for drinks in the hostel with a guy from Napa and then 2 New Yorkers who had just started their trip.

Unfortunately, the woman got in an accident while on a bike ride earlier that day. She fell so hard that she needed 6 stiches. I was just bummed for her since it had happened at the beginning of her trip. Anyway, she was interesting. She was a high school teacher in NYC. So I asked her what it was like to teach in the urban schools because I always hear mixed messages. She said it doesn't matter where the kids are coming from, income-wise. They're all going through the same stuff, teenager-wise, so the teaching isn't that much different. Honestly, she just seemed like a bad-ass. Fell, 6 stiches, still going.

The next day, I rode my bike up to the North Sea, which was awesome.

It was such a peaceful bike ride and felt great. It was also great seeing the North Sea but I didn't go in the water because it was just plain cold. Fortunately, in the time I was there, the cold and clouds that had been following me since Dresden burned off to reveal a fantastic sun. Oh right! It's the summer in Europe!

I biked into a beach community and walked along the boardwalk. It was one of those beach towns with the beach shacks to protect beach dwellers from the wind.

I still find those so funny. After eating my mandatory Belgian waffle and fries (unfortunately, missed out on the mussels because of price) and then taking a siesta on the beach in the sun, I hopped on my bike to ride around a bit more before heading back home.

My ass was absolutely KILLING me. I could barely bike without wincing. In fact, I could barely control my bike. At one point, I was going through narrow road construction and lost control of my bike. I avoided a grandfather, a grandmother, and a 7 year old boy but unfortunately, bumped into a poor 4 year old girl. Even though it was just a tap, she just BAWLED!! (probably out of fear) and I felt awful! I said Sorry and excuse me in as many languages as I could think of. Miscuzee, entschuldigung, es tut mir leid, Escuze moi, Day so lay. Everything was just rapid apologies. Unfortunately, they spoke Flemish and just stared and smiled. I motioned that I would offer to buy some ice cream but the grandfather and grandmother didn't seem too upset. I think they could see how apologetic I felt and waved me on.

Hitting a small child signaled my riding days were over for the day. So, I rode back, which was unbearable for my ass. At times, I wasn't sure if I would make it back to Bruges.

And then, I randomly ended up there. So relieved. I spent the evening chatting with the Kiwi, a Californian and two Londoners, where we talked like... guys? vulgar, sharing stories and just hilarious. (Although, at times, I was slightly shocked with what I heard. But I "learned" a lot, like if a guy takes you out, don't pick the most expensive sushi restaurant unless it's a more committed relationship). The guys, especially the Californian, worshipped this asshole guy. I can't remember his name but he wote a book about his adventures called, "I hope they serve beer in hell." Listening to them talk was interesting. It was like a sense of pride with guys to say, without question, that you're an asshole and do what you want. That would never work with a female because we would just be a bitch. Plus, we have a conscience and would guilty if we were mean. At least I would feel guilty.

Quick note on the hostel. It was fine. Well-stocked. However, the shower was hilarious. I had to pull on a chain to run the water. If wasn't pulling on the chain, the water would stop running. This resulted in me standing with one arm almost always raised while I took a shower with one hand. definitely a funny experience. But I know that it's not that bad. At least there was running warm water. It wasn't as bad as my Amsterdam hostel, where , for some reason, had unbearably freezing water when I took a shower.

So that was my last night in Bruges. Unfortunately, I didn't see the famous tower from In Bruges but I did get to see the North Sea, try some tasty Belgian beers and meet some interesting Americans, albeit most of them were Americans, who were probably inspired to go there from the movie.