After the parade we walked back through the city and all of the celebrating. We made our way back towards a park where the kids could play and we could sit at a cafe and have a beer. We got to talk a some more and have a snack. Too soon it was time to go home though, but at least we were going to catch up with Auntie Naomi for a drink later.
The girls were really excited to view the parade. It was quite a bit of fun and participants and spectators were all in such a good mood. It was a fun and inclusive atmosphere which we really enjoyed.
Feeling fortified we headed off to find a good spot to watch the pride parade. This is the first parade of the year in Europe and usually draws a big crowd. There were heaps of excited people in the streets and lots of energy. We really enjoyed seeing all the different people and the celebrations happening on every block. We found a good spot to watch the parade from near the start of the route and set up to cheer.
We were all excited about the day as we were going to go to the pride parade but first we had to take care of some business. MV and TV ventured out to get sim cards for the next part of our trip and they explored the city a bit before things really kicked off. We all then got ready in rainbow kit to show solidarity before heading into the city. We went and got lunch with Auntie Naomi and her family to make sure we had enough energy for all of the cheering.
We were excited to be back in Brussels together, especially because we had such a lovely apartment right by the city centre. We were even more excited to see Auntie Naomi and her family. KT of course got to see them last year, but for the rest of us it has been several years. The girls really enjoyed meeting each other and being able to ride in the cargo bike. After a nice catch up we went back to our apartment to unpack and play before bed time. Tomorrow will be a big day.
Bruges is known for their chocolates and for their beer, other stuff too perhaps. We walked through the town looking for both, starting with chocolate. The town is so picturesque though it was hard not to stop and take photographs along the way. The sweets shops were not hard to find and we made sure to get a few things to try. KT also showed us the apartment in which she stayed last time she was here. SV soon pointed out that we needed to hydrate and beer was on offer. We stopped in at De Halve Maan brewery which produces Straffe Hendrik beers amongst others. We had a lovely little lunch and a drink in the warm brewery.
We really wanted to walk to the top of the Belfry of Bruges. EV was quite apprehensive about going so high up but managed to work through her fear with the help of KT and another lady. It was a great view and for the rest of us quite fun to climb the narrow stairs. The view of Bruges was unparalleled and it was cool to see some of the bell machinations too.
