Once again we were offered Champagne for breakfast although on this occasion there were no strawberries so I opted for mixed fresh fruit instead. We had packed our cases before breakfast but before returning to our room to collect them we asked the hotel receptionist if he would book a taxi to take us to the train station at 2 pm. As we walked away from reception back to our hotel room I glanced out of the windows and commented that I thought it was going to rain today:
Mr C – No it isn’t.
Me (as we arrived in the room) – It Is going to rain today.
Mr C – No it isn’t.
Me – The weather has other ideas, look behind you!
Whereupon he looked behind and noticed the sudden sharp downpour much to the amusement of both of us. We took our bags to hotel reception (left luggage) so that we could enjoy the morning in Leuven and as we left the reception desk, the receptionist amusingly quipped ‘Enjoy our Summer’. Luckily it stopped raining and the sun started shining just as we were leaving the hotel.
We eventually (Mr C ignored my three tried and tested route directions) arrived at the Large Beguinage which Mr C missed whilst on his adventures in Waterloo. When he had finished exploring the Beguinage it was time to make our way back the Grote Market for an early lunch. I chose a waffle with fruit and when it arrived I pleased to see it was the waffle of the week, it was covered with mixed fresh fruit. It was delicious! After lunch we still had a little time to spare before we had to return to the hotel to catch our Taxi, so we returned to the botanical gardens for a short walk, enjoying the tranquil setting and the sunshine.
Once back at the hotel our Taxi was a little late arriving but it got us to the station in plenty of time to catch our connecting train to the the Eurostar in Brussels. On this occasion there were no delays, the Eurostar trains were running on time. During our journey we were served with a late lunch of lightly poached salmon followed by a chocolate dessert which I suspect was rather calorific and I regretted eating.
When we arrived at London station and looked at our tickets back to Stafford Mr noticed that they were first class tickets. He had forgotten he had booked them at a cheap price due to advanced booking. A first class ticket guarantees a seat and more luggage space, it also meant we were entitled to a meal which after breakfast and two lunches we did not need. We need not have worried because we soon found out that the meal option was a ‘Sunday Snack Service’. A box was placed in front of us and we were asked ‘would you like an apple’. On opening the box we found; a tiny bag of pretzels, a tiny bag of crisps, two half size crackers, a small foil wrapped soft cheese and a bite size chocolate crisp bar. Welcome to England!
As the train was cruising into Stafford station Mr C received a text message saying that our Taxi had arrived. We found it little odd that our Taxi had arrived at the station before we had. When we arrived home we quickly unpacked our cases and freshened up before walking round the corner for a late evening meal with Mr C’s Mum and Dad. The meal was delicious; beef casserole, cabbage and mashed potato followed by creme brulee. There was a cheese course but I declined.
Now back to my diet
there is nothing like strawberries and champagne for breakfast Cherie… but i would follow it up with some bacon buddies….peer:)
When on the continent I like to get into continental mode
Sounds like a wonderful trip!
I am surprised that you had the energy to visit your in-laws for dinner after all. You’re such a great DIL, I bet they love you,don’t they?
They were doing us a favour as it would be too late for us to cook
And it was Father’s day
I forgot to add a smile after that comment. I was not being facetious(but I am sure you already know that.)
Adoring this new way of bringing in Mr C, the poor, hardpressed chap. Photos stunning as usual, a fabulous read.
Glad you enjoyed it
Ha ha… Forget about your diet.
Forgetting my diet is not an option
i really loved the angular shot of the spires, CP… and the food description
Thanks Ayush. I forgot to photograph the food