Rick Visits Our Friend Pat in Belgium

Left from Amsterdam to Seraing. Relaxed all afternoon at Pat's and for dinner had his signature chicken béarnaise and mashed potatoes.

Drove into Liege. Walked around downtown and had lunch at Nun's. Climbed the 400 steps at Montagne de Buren to nice views of Liege from above. Went to Gare des Guillemeins, the Liege train station, and Mediacite, a mall that felt somewhat like a spaceship. Enjoyed another home cooked meal.

Drove into Brussels and went to the Atomium (atom of iron) the symbol of the World Fair of 1958. Rained very hard, went to lunch at Skievelaat and had yummy appetizer sampler with Blood Sausage. Went to the Magrette museum and then down to the Grand Place, known as the most beautiful square in the world. They were just finishing the Flower Carpet (created once every 2 years). Met Pat's friends for a nice dinner at Houtsiplour and then drinks overlooking the Grand Place for the Flower Carpet celebration.

Drove to Reims. Wonderful lunch in Reims and then toured the Moet and Chandon Wine Caves in Epernay. Visited the Notre Dame cathedral back in Reims and had dinner outside by the hotel.

Visited Basilique Saint-Remi in the morning. Drove to Dinant and had a traditional Belgian lunch at Les Marroniers (The Chestnut Tree). Drove through Warnant (Pat's hometown). Had drinks at 7 Meuses overlooking the river valley, drove through Namur a bit. Dinner at Pat's.

RAIN RAIN RAIN. Set up Camp Quizmo on the couch and enjoyed a 6 Feet Under marathon. Visited Pat's office and then enjoyed a nice Italian dinner at Gravius in Liege.

Visited Namur and the old fortress on the hill known as the Citadelle. Walked around town and had a tasty cheesy sandwich lunch. Dinner in and cheese desert with Ollie and Cath.

Long haul home, Brussels - Munich - San Francisco and jet lag city.