Day 32 - Bruges

Today we tried hostel breakfast, it's included in the price so we thought we may as well. The orange juice didn't taste like orange juice, the thick black coffee spluttered out of the machine like it was diseased, and the bread was hard. The was jam tho, always a silver lining! Today is Bruges day and we are excited.

We got a double decker train to Bruges and sat on the top deck. Trains excite us now, this makes me a bit sad. We got a map at the station and made our way to the Markt, passing St Salvadors Cathedral and a man dressed as a devil on the way. There is no shortage of cafes here, I am going to hunt down some Belgian Waffles. Markt reminds me of our France and Belgium trip in Yr 10, as soon as we got here I remembered it. It was where our meeting point was when we were allowed to split up and wander. I even remembered where the Tin Tin shop was.

We drooled past some chocolate shops and to the basilica where they claimed to have a vial of Christ's blood. They were venerating the vial when we got there and it was all very solemn. It was €2 to walk past the vial so I just lit a candle instead. I wasn't tall enough to see inside anyways. Out we came and we jwent straight to 'chips and dips' to get our fix of mainland mayo. No idea what they put in it but it is amazing. We did what all good English/Irish gals do and we put the chips on our butties. It was gooooooood.

Our next stop was an obvious one. We had been in Belgium for a day now and so had to get us some waffles. Oh they were good. We made a complete mess of ourselves but it was worth it. A hot melting handful of Belgian loveliness. We were happy. So happy that we went straight into a chocolate shop and bought presents for home. I have a very heavy bag of presents for home which I shall have to try and resist.

We had a stroll along the river, taking some nice pictures and ten made our way back to the station a we were beginning to wilt. This was our last train of our trip. Our passes expire today so this was a big moment for us. The ticket man acknowledged this by oohing at our list of journeys and commenting on it being our last day. We have enjoyed our journeys (well most of them) and its going to be strange not getting trains everywhere now. We'll be doing a few day trips to Southport just to get our train fix.

We are all still stuffed after our chips and waffles in Bruges so we have bought salad like good healthy girls. Also, if I eat anything heavier then I'll be sick. Tomorrow is going to be spent mooching around Brussels ad trying not to spend too much money. Can't believe we only have three days left on our trip. Madness.

Ps, Mammy please will you buy me some strawberry activa? I miss yoghurts.

PPs, my dearest Caitlin. The memories came flooding back when I got to Bruges today. 'Hello poppet' was rattling round in my head like no ones business! Couldn't find the little tin tin shop tho and I was a bit gutted. Bruges wasn't the same without you and the girls! Our 'hitler tour' (as you named it) has been unbelievable, had he most amazing time, just like you said we would. Missing you lots, hope you are all settled in the US. Muchos love x x

PPSS, Patrick I am missing your gorgeous little face loads. I CANNOT WAIT TO SQUIDGE YOUR CHEEKS!!!! MWAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH