Saying Cheers and Farewell to Europe

There is nothing like celebrating with a good champas in your hand, and this is exactly what we thought when we booked a tour through one of the oldest champagne houses in France, Pommery. We were given a glimpse at the 18 kilometres of wine caves which are still in use on the original property and of course, the best part, tasted a few of their champagnes! 

The following day we headed back to Belgium for a short visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery at Passendale which was built following WW1. This is the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the world and it was a privilege to be present and walk around the memorials.

Our final European destination was unfortunately upon us, Bruges in Belgium! We didn’t have too many expectations for the medieval town but after only 24 hours I can safely say we left one of the best until last. Bruges was everything we could have hoped for, a small town with good atmosphere, you can walk pretty much everywhere and not to mention the stunning architecture or the compulsory diet of waffles, chocolate and beer. 

It usually rains in Bruges so we headed out straight away while the sun was still up and ducked in and out of chocolate tea rooms until we were full of traditional hot chocolate and Belgium waffles. After seeing the town during the day, we couldn’t wait to see it at night and hid in a cosy bar called De Garre until the sun dipped below the buildings. De Garre is a must for anyone visiting Bruges, while a little tricky to find, it is well known for its house tripel (which you can only buy from there) however, don’t stay too long because at 11% they sure do pack a punch when you try and stand up and pay.

We wandered through the city admiring the canals, bridges and buildings until well into the night before heading back to Big Karl. The following day was slow (partially because of the triple and partially because it was raining) so we reserved our visit into town for brunch at bagel shop before some last minute European retail therapy. 

A short drive up the road and we were at Zeebrugee, ready to board our 14 hour overnight ferry to Hull in the United Kingdom. All I can say is that the upgrade to a cabin was the best money I have ever spent as we steadily rocked our way across the Channel in search of picturesque landscapes and good gin.

C xx