Brussels, Belgium

While Lona was here visiting we took a trip to Brussels, Belgium.  This was a great trip!  When we arrived we found out we accidentally booked the wrong Marriott.  Lesson learned!  Thanks to the Brussels Marriott Hotel for being so hospitable and accommodating!  This is a wonderful hotel centrally located and very short walking distance to just about everything.

During our stay we visited the Grand Place, The MagritteMuseum, Galeries St-Hubert, Manneken Pis, Place Royale, and a few brew stops.  The beer is so much better in Belgium so beer was definitely at the top of the list for Rob.  Rob was able to try some amazing beers that are very difficult to find back in the states (and proved difficult to find in London as well, despite the close proximity).  Some notable beers, a number of Westmalle’s, Delirium Nocturnum, Straffe Hendrik Quad, Taras Boulba Extra Hoppy, Duvel Tripel Hop, Rodenbach Grand Cru 2010 vintage, Liefmans cuvee brut, Gulden Draal, Floreffe Dubbel (one of the best dubbels he’s tried before), and Brusseleir, just to name a few.  As you can tell, there was a focus on this trip, and Rob got to try A LOT of great beers!  It was a really special experience for him with his involvement in home brewing, and Belgian beers are one of his most favorite styles. 

Brussels is a beautiful city!  Around every corner is another amazing cathedral, or monument.  I love the detail in all the architecture throughout the city.  I could just walk around and read about the history of each structure for an entire day (with a few “Rob mandated” stops for a pint).

With Love,

The Flemings

Cambridge

One of the places we really enjoyed for a day trip so far was Cambridge.  This is such a beautiful part of England!  Cambridge is known for their universities.  Sir Issac Newton, John Milton, and Charles Darwin are a few great minds that went to university here.  The architecture and history are incredible and is what draws most tourists to this area.   We had a great time exploring the colleges and admiring this great city.  For lunch we dined at The Anchor.   The Anchor is a wonderful restaurant located on the River Cam.  We lucked out on this sunny day with a table outside on the terrace with a beautiful view of the river.  I don't care where we go, Rob and I are a sucker for dining on the water!  While enjoying our lunch we watched everyone punting on the river.  If you do not know what punting is, it's a flat bottom boat steered and propelled with a long pole.  You put the 16 foot poll straight down into the water until it hits the bottom of the river and gently push.  Think Venice Italy with a wider boat.  Lona and I were going to see if we could get Rob to try this out for us on our own private boat, but I felt bad lying.  After reading more about this, many of the locals find it humorous to watch tourists attempting this for the first time and falling into the ice cold river.  We did not have a change of clothes for Rob so we decided on the guided tour with Scudamore’s Punting Company.  We had a wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide and definitely recommend trying this.  If you find yourself in Cambridge, punting is a must!  Until our next adventure...

With Love,

The Fleming's