Rainy Brussels

I proposed an ambitious “cocktails followed by an early supper” plan for tonight, with the added bonus of it being a shakedown for our rental hybrid bikes.

It was an adventure.

We found the bikes waiting for us in the hotel parking garage, ready to go. After a few spins around the garage, we are headed out. After driving e-bikes all week, it was a transition back to “regular old bicycle”: the biggest change wasn’t missing the electric assist, but rather that the e-bikes shifted gears automatically. Suffice to say the first couple of kilometres involved a lot of gear-grinding on my part.

Our first stop was The Eight, a rooftop bar about 2 km away. Navigating Brussels streets was a level-up from Liège: twists, turns, cobblestones, and “always yield to the driver on the right” to remember. We made it.

The bar was pleasant, with a nice view. A light drizzle kept us inside, keeping us from the full-on rooftop effect.

After a drink and a snack we headed to nearby Fin de Siècle, which promised hearty Belgian fare. It delivered.

We shared the Carbonades à la bière—beef stewed in beer served with mashed potatoes—and the Salad maison—the salad to end all salads, with bursts, sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto, Parmesan and pickled onions. We did not require dessert.

By the time we were done supper the drizzle had turned to full-on rain, and our 3 km ride home was soggy and more uphill than we’d have liked. The moral of that story: always (always) travel with the rain gear.

We’re settled in for the night now, checking our lists, packing our panniers, nervous about what day one holds.