Eventually I got it together, thanks to this little teeny tiny blonde toy someone send me. To bring along. I forgot I had her, but she made me smile. And so I carried on. Not really any choice was there? Nope. The show must go on.
So, the bus was full but luckily I sat in the aisle seat and no one sat beside me. I think I was the only one who had that. The other singletons got stuck with strangers. That, and I had my grump face on for just such a reason. Couldn't deal with that today, I just couldn't. The commentator was awful. Truly. Frank was his name, and no, Frank - Mr. Chain smoker - you are not eating aa tip with you lackluster commentary and tsk tsk directed at those of us you tsk'd for not following your recommendations regarding food and drink and boat cruises. No. You get a kick back for it - I saw them give me money based on the people that came inside - so just NO. I do not need to pay 24 euros for lunch when I can go across the road and spend 5 euros for a grilled cheese, fries and a coke. No. This was highly reminiscent of the Stonehenge debacle of the 90's but I will save that for another day. Some of you know the story. No tip. I don't care what you say.
So. Now that I have all,the grump and bawling out of the way and a fresh cup of tea.what did I like? They took us to the cathedral in Ghent. We really only had about an hour in that town. I wandered around in the crypt .........and it was kind of......crypt- y and creepy. And cold. Lots of old things from the middle ages though, so,that was kind of interesting. Went and got a coffee and wandered in the shops, which might have been the beginning of the melancholy, because the shop owner was so nice, and the little dog so friendly. I never should have pet that dog. It was the beginning of all my troubles.
Bruges is very very beautiful. My dad would have loved it. I wish I could post pictures on this dumb thing, because I would like to show you. The architecture and the buildings. So pretty. All the canals and little shops. Easily could have spent several days there exploring. The only down thing is all,the tourists. Because there are thousands of them. Me included. I couldn't help but think that the locals must hate it. There were two elderly ladies, helping each other down one of the side streets, where it was quiet, and they were just shaking their heads at the craziness. Not that I blamed them. It was chaos. But beneath all that.......really beautiful.
I was going to take a canal cruise, as they suggested, but it started snowing. Yes, snowing. Where are we? Canada? Hehe. It was so so so cold.......I just couldn't face getting colder. Yes, mum and B, I had a sweater and a coat and a scarf, and I was still cold! BRRRRRRRR! Anyhow, it was a lovely lovely afternoon, despite the cold weather and the breakdown. If only my leg felt better. Ugh. I am becoming a cripple. Luxembourg tomorrow will be a challenge. But the show must go on.
Bruges is really beautiful......the swans and the horses and the Lake of Love. I will,post pictures when I get home. Let's hope no. Bawling in Luxembourg ladies. I can't take any more. I'm allowed one, that's it. And I've had it.
You know, there is something comforting about watching Back to the Future, after a sort of meh day. Even with the Dutch subtitles, it makes me feel better.
T.
Xxx