July 23, 2017

July 23, 2017

Our French and Belgian adventure is over. We awoke and took the train to the Brussels airport for our flight back to the US. On the ride, we saw the tip of the Atomium rising over the trees. This distinctive structure is one of the icons of Brussels and is a remnant of the 1958 World's Fair. It made us think of all the Fair leftovers we have seen the last few years.

We enjoyed our time driving the countryside. France was mostly rural with lots of rolling hills and deep cut river valleys. There were cute cities and history everywhere we looked. Most towns retain much of their narrow winding medieval street plan. And a surprising number still have their protective walls. Driving was manageable once we deciphered the French plan for road signs. We did have our occasional adventure on narrow rural roads.

Our only disappointment was the food. We both had high expectations which were often not met. Partly because both France and Belgium have a craving for Mussels. It seemed every restaurant featured them and almost everybody ordered a bucket of them. Neither Aimee or I care for mussels. What was always good and inexpensive was the wine, cheese, and bread.

We are also tiring of French breakfasts. They like tiny cups of coffee and a long baguette that they get fresh every day. I am longing for a nice American breakfast. Aimee is also tiring of pay bathrooms with no toilet seat. I don’t concur. I had no problem finding outdoor men’s rooms.