Mussels in Brussels

Topdeck done! And how great an experience it was. After my thoughts initially about the possibility for it being a booze/bang bus (may have been good or bad!) it was terrific. The average age was 27, there was a great mix of people, we had a fantastic driver and enthusiastic guide. The bus dropped us and 'waaaavvedddd gooood byyyye' after they stopped briefly for lunch at Brugge and it was back to the Brad and Mandy show! Missing the topdeck crew as made some great mates!!
Brugge was pretty, very medieval really. Had a great feel to it. Very touristy. We wandered the old town  fairy widely as it was very pretty and explored the canals too. Given so much of the Netherlands has been reclaimed from the sea it was interesting to see a few windmills remain! Non functional I assume!! After sampling Belgium beer and frites (belgium chips - quite a specialty) and more up Mandas alley waffles with whipped cream and strawberries and delicious Belgium chocolates we headed off to see Liams parents in Brussels on the train!

Thankfully, we met Terry at the station in Brussels as we'd have been lost without her! We spent 2 relaxing nights at Chateau Gallagher and were lucky enough to have Terry take us on a guided tour of Brussels to see all the sights and to share a meal together of moules-frites ('national dish' of mussels and chips). We shared our time here with Terry's Mum and Dad (Monica and Tom) who unselfishly shared both Terry and Martin which we greatly appreciated!
We only spent a short time (but good time) with Martin over a few Belgium beers (Leffe and Duvel) at their local bar which was equally relaxing!
Mandas highlight was a stop at Pierre Marcolini who could be argued is one of Belgium's forefront choclatiers combining amazing flavours with textures and colour and design. His chocolates to die for! To demonstrate this blokes creative flare he has just released his spring summer 2011 collection of chocolates called Pastel (and I thought only clothing was designed around the seasons); wow! At 1€+ each they'd want to be amazing!! Must say they are mindblowingly great! Good choice Manda (2 free samples that was)! My highlight was beer stop number 3 on Terrys walking tour at a belgium beer house called Delirium! 2004 Guinness record holders for the most beers available (2004 apparently the record they set): they have their own drop also; a blonde beer called Delirium which has a flying pig as it's mascot! Very cool. Also left our backpack here (contents including but not limited to all our cash and passports)... Remembered i was missing it about 45 minutes later so caught the train back to town and thankfully the bar staff had it. Honest locals. Too many Belgium delirium causing beers for Brad?!?
A huge thanks to Terry for her hospitality. It was just perfect!