Chocolate, Waffles & Beer

We set out on a Eurostar journey to Bruges, Belgium to find chocolate, waffles & beer last weekend to celebrate Cory's birthday. Luck would have it, we were successful in all three categories and had a wonderful weekend!

We did a little bit of research before our trip, but mainly focused on things to do in Bruges rather than learning anything about Belgium. I mean I could point to Belgium on a map and Cory could tell you that Hoegaarden beer comes from Belgium, what else did we possibly need to know. On our train ride over we were talking and neither of us even knew the official language of Belgium. We both thought Dutch, but learned a little history lesson that in fact Belgium has three official languages - French, Dutch & German. Depending on the region that you are in one language will be more predominant. Bruges is in fact the capital of the Flemish region and Dutch is the first language for most people. Neither Cory or I speak one word of Dutch so thank goodness everyone there also speaks English.

One of the things that Cory and I both thought was cool about Bruges is the architecture is all super old. Not 1800 old, we're talking some of the buildings dating back to the 1200s. Our hotel was right off of the City Market which is in the center of the city. There were tons of restaurants, shops and beautiful architecture everywhere we looked.

Highlights of the Trip:

• Delicious Waffles served with ice cream & chocolate syrup.  Not kidding you these things are AMAZING! 

• Brady pointing at the Belfry clock tower and saying "Look, Big Ben".  He amazes us every day at what he picks up on.  Even if it wasn't actually Big Ben, I was impressed.

• Wonderful meals - Everything we ate was fabulous!  Cory even tried Mussels which is the local specialty. When we started the bowl was overflowing.

• James greeting us at the Hotel entrance.

• Seeing the Holy Blood at the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

• Visit to the De Halve Maan Brewary- Brady had impeccable timing and slept for two hours in his stroller while Cory and I sampled the local brews.

• Walking through more than a dozen chocolate shops and seeing all of the different things chocolate can be molded into - Probably not appropriate for the blog, but can't resist posting.

• Watching Brady get so excited by the horse drawn carriages and listening to him say over and over "Another one coming" as the horses went by.  We took a horse ride Sunday morning and he was so excited!

• Seeing one of the only Michelangelo Statues outside of Italy - the Madonna.

• Random restaurant that wanted to charge 3 Euros to see the owners train collection.  We watched the trains for 20 minutes without paying - Shush!

Here are some more pictures of our weekend.  Enjoy!

Meat, Meat & More Meat

Cory's birthday was on Sunday.  To celebrate, we had the week of MEAT.  It all started with a roast the weekend before his birthday.  Finally we visited the local butcher.  Cory selected a fine piece of beef at the small price of <GASP> 27 pounds.  Yes, you got that right, 27 pounds, which equates to roughly $42 for a roast.  It was good, but for $42 I'm expecting fillet mignon, not roast that I dip in ketchup.  It made Cory happy though so that's all that matters during the birthday week.

The weekend of his birthday we continued the meat theme and ate at several new places.  First stop was the Fine Burger Company for burgers.  Decent burger, nothing too exciting.  They did have large flat screens at the tables to order food from.  Great concept, but not the most user friendly.  The did have a button to remove mayo from our burgers which made both Cory and I very happy.  Mayo is a staple here.  They even dip french fries in Mayo which in my opinion is plain gross.

Next stop was Bodean's BBQ which has been on our list of places to try since we have arrived.  If you read about Bodean's it has close ties to Kansas City.  The owner actually got his inspiration from OK Joes.  Bodean's did not disappoint and was the closest thing we've had to a good KC meal since we arrived.  Brady loved his hot dog.  I had a solid pulled pork sandwich and Cory liked his pulled pork & brisket combo.  Bodean's plays American sports on the TVs and generally has a sense of a good Midwest BBQ. 

Last stop on the meat tour was a visit to the Rotisserie on Cory's actual birthday  The Rotisserie is quickly becoming a local fave.  They have a good rib eye, nice starters and a delicious pancake dessert topped with carmel and ice cream.

Happy 31st birthday Cory and thanks for letting Brady and I participate in the week of gluttony!

Pictures from weeks of 10/25 & 11/1

Getting caught up on pictures that have been taken the past month. My mom was in town for 10 days so we were really busy exploring the city & surrounding areas.  Yes, Brady has a black eye in many of the pictures.  He seems to get in minor accidents frequently these days.

Around the neighborhood & the Zoo:

View from Primrose Hill:

Near Buckingham Palace:

Big Ben:

Football:

Hanging out:

Nanny:

Double Rainbow at Windsor Castle:

Oxford - Bridge of Sighs