Category Archives: Belgium

Belgium, Events, Travels

Nocturnal Shopping & Knokke

Two days ago, there was a nocturnal shopping event at a garden and pond center. After a light dinner, D and I departed from home at around eight o’clock, determined to buy a certain pond filter that D had his sight on. Unfortunately, these were completely sold out even before this particular event. Ah well, D bought two filter balls, which entitled us to a serving of pasta and a glass of beer each. Pasta was out when we were queuing up, fortunately while drinking our cold beers. So the coupons are for next time, and by then D and I may chose to have hamburgers or braadworst.

Yesterday while having lunch, D proposed that we go to Knokke in the afternoon. What am I supposed to say to that?! 🙂

It was a hell lot of walking in Knokke! So much so that we needed to rest and drink at a beach bar. D had two cocktails, whereas I kept to non-alcoholic drinks. I have learned to pace myself when surrounded by the known triggers of fainting: suffocating heat, loud noises, alcohol and too much food. I was not risking it…

The best part of Knokke was the walk on the beach. Shoes and socks off, feet in the cooling seawater, refreshing sea breeze, and the scenery.

When we reached home, after an hour drive, we grilled a sea bream (dorade in Dutch) for dinner. Our barbecue meal also included some grilled potato wedges, and a lettuce salad.

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Belgium, Events, Flashbacks

Babyborrel

Yesterday afternoon, D and I went to the baby shower of our next door neighbour. I have lost count of how many baby showers D and I have been to since we moved into this neighbourhood in 2010. The baby from my first babyborrel is now a teenage girl of thirteen!

At Raf’s baby shower, neighbours current and past grouped together as usual. We drank, took photos, chatted, laughed, ate appetizers and hamburgers, and drank some more. The weather was gorgeous, the location lovely, food and drinks were in abundance, and we were amongst people we know and care about.

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Belgium, Events

Sinksen 2023

This Pentecost Sunday, D and I enjoyed Sinksen 2023 celebrations in Kortrijk. We walked about browsing at endless flea market items, listened to music, watched performances, drank beers, met and spent time with D’s mom, and ate at the Barrio Cantina food truck festival. I had tamales from a Peruvian stall. I have been craving for tamales for the longest time! That, made my day.

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Belgium, Events, Food & Drinks, Travels

Beers & Bites

After our dinner on Saturday evening, D and I cycled to the city square to attend the third edition of Harelbeeks Bierfeest. I was pleased with the beer selection, but must admit that the highlight of my day was the short bike ride to the event and back. I was worried about being on the bicycle again because my balance has been an issue since my fainting episode.

On Sunday, we went to Gent Smaakt. The few hours in the city were spent eating (tasting), drinking new beers, strolling about, and just simply enjoying one of my favourite places.

It has been a fun weekend. 🙂

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Belgium, Movies, Books & TV Shows, Travels

Marke & Gent

Last Sunday afternoon, D and I went to Marke for its annual garden fair. It was rainy, but that did not stop many die-hard gardeners from doing their rounds. This year, D and I did not purchase any plants; nor cheese, sausages, honey, or soap. Instead we drank beer in the rain, under a tree, next to the stand. Before heading home, we bought a few bottles of beer (the ones that we have not tasted) and a small jar of paté.

A few hours later, D and I were on our way again, this time to Gent. D won a couple of movie tickets, and Supereroi is only shown at a limited number of cinemas. The weather was miserable in Gent as well, but I can always make allowance for my first European city.

Why was the film Supereroi categorized as a comedy? I did not hear a single laugh during the entire movie, even though there were only five of us in the theatre. To me, it was not funny ha ha, but intense, complicated, and sorrowful.

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Belgium, Events

May Day Concert

Yesterday evening, D and I went to our first free music performance this year. Kortrijk, music, people, a couple of beers, a burger to share – spring activities are back in business!

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Belgium, Events, Numbers

Paasfoor Timing

Yesterday afternoon, D and I went to Kortrijk to check out the paasfoor (Easter fun fair). Because it was a Friday, we have avoided the weekend crowd, but still get to be amongst people who were out from school and work. Dark clouds, cold wind, and the occasional light rain did not help cheer things up. But that’s that, D and I saw the paasfoor and even rewarded ourselves with some oliebollen at the end of our little outing.

While in Kortrijk, I did some currency exchange at an ATM. My exchange rate yesterday was 1.099, today the rate is at 1.106.

When we reached home, it started to rain heavily!

Yep, we have good timing.

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Being Human, Belgium, Events, Food & Drinks

Easter Coffee & Cakes

D and I spent Easter Sunday afternoon with the family at the parents’ house. We had cakes, coffee, or tea (depending on preferences). After the visit, my head hurt, my world spun, and my ears rang from all the loud chatters.

Oh well, you win some, you lose some. The cake, coffee and tea were good. And it never hurts to strengthen one’s social ties.

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Being Human, Belgium, Wealth & Creativity

The Winner

The previous generation of world class cyclists have trouble understanding what happened at Gent-Wevelgem. Why would someone not want to have his name written down in cycling history? Why did Wout let Christophe crossed the finish line before himself? Bla, bla and bla…

You did what you did, Wout. No regrets. We ALL damn well know who won. *thumbs up*

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