Exploring with Eddie, Beers in Belgium, Secret Santa in Stuttgart

We have been busy travelling and hanging with wonderful visitors.  Last month, our family friend "California Eddie" came to Stuttgart on his way home from an African safari.  

Eddie, Ira's BFF since before their Bar Mitzvahs, and I at the Esslingen Christmas Market

The sunset was gorgeous!

Weihnachts pyramiede in background-energy from the candle's flames make the top spin- ITS MAGICAL!

Eddie was mesmerized by a variety of Germany innovations, like the headrest at the bar's urinal and the utensil specifically designed for eating fries.

No messy fingers when dipping fries in condiments thanks to this handy tool

The famous Mercedes Benz museum was huge and informative.

Eddie in front of the museum - Terryl Gardner would appreciate this architecture

Many old school vehicles were on display along with random cultural treats (i.e. pics of Elvis).

I liked this bus - "La Perlita" 

Eddie liked Ringo Star's old car

The Pope Mobile was a bit peculiar.

Pope Mobile

 The following week, Scott and I went on a road trip to Belgium.  We stopped in Luxembourg since it was on the way and no one ever visits poor Luxembourg.

Luxembourg City is in fact an affluent and peaceful capital.  

Fortifications built in the 10th century in the background

 We strolled along the river and explored the Castle of the Counts and "casemates," an area once considered the "best fortress in the world."

Scott's favorite Lux site- street art in the underground rail

We drove about 250 km North to the Flemish City of Ghent, located between Brussels and Bruges.  

Scoots trying to open the giant door to our old building where we stayed for 3 nights

We were advised to stay in Ghent because it's a University town and not full of tourists.  We also found a stellar deal on airbnb.com.

Many of the cathedrals (like the one above) took several hundred years to build 

Ghent is a splendid walking city with magnificent structures and neighborhoods.

The Belfort (on left) and Stadhuis (right)

View of Graslei and the 16th century guildhouses along the River Leie

Het Gravensteen was known as "Castle of the Counts."

Medieval torture instruments on display inside


Beer & frites = Bloated fat faces

View of Graslei and the 16th century guild houses along the River Leie

Step-gabled house 

We frequented De Gentenaar for a beverage and were handed a phone-book thick detailed beer list.

Smiling confuses people in Germany but not so much in Ghent

Our first beers were delightful!  Scott ordered a Kwak (8% amber ale).

 Scott's Kwak MUST be served in a special long tube like glass with a wood handle

Later, we enjoyed a memorable dinner at De Vitrine (intimate setting not ideal for pics)

After our 3 course meal, we gallivanted around the Christmas markets!

The next day, we took the train to Bruges, known as "Venice of the North."

View from the roof of the De Halve Mann Brewery  

We toured the only working brewery in the city that was established in 1856.

We learned about hops (above) and how barley malts create beer strengths and flavors

Old Skool bottling process

The brewery tour ended with a delicious Bruges Zot (Bruge lunatic), a blonde beer named after a celebration when locals welcomed Maximillian of Austria to their city.  

We also ordered the quadrupple (strong ass beer - 11% alc)

The weather was cold and wet but that didn't stop us from exploring the city and "sampling" beers when we needed to dry off.

Best Chrismakkah Horse Ever

Bruges escaped major damage during both world wars and has many well preserved medieval buildings.  There are no billboards or high rises but plenty of tourists.

The Belfry (above) was built in the 13th century

When the sun set above the canals, we enjoyed a romantical stroll along the outskirts of the City.

Thanks to my beer peddling pal, Leon, I learned about sour beers years ago and have been a fan ever since.  They were invented in Belgium and are fairly expensive in the states.  The process for making sours, also known as lambics or guezes, is unique (google it- it's fascinating).

Sour Refreshments 

Rodenbach is one of my favorites and many bars had it on tap!

Scott prefers darker beers so we purchased a variety to bring back to Germany.  A "couchsurfing" contact recommended a local beer store, Dehopduvel.  The beer store was sampling free high-gravity beer thus shopping was hilarious and plentiful.

Nissan's trunck filled to capacity with sour, stout, blonde and Trappist Belgium beers

Traditional Flemish candies, only sold in Ghent, are called "neuzekes" (little noses).  These nose-shaped treats are made with fresh fruit (raspberries & blackberries) that's melted into syrup and baked (no preservatives). 

It was our only chance to buy some neuzekes that cant be exported and must be consumed within 3 weeks.

Ghent has a legendary store that sells traditionally made Tierenteyn mustard.  It lived up to the hype; we agreed it was the most potent mustard we have ever experienced.

Our jar being filled with fresh mustardy goodness to bring home- hooray

Obviously, the mussels were delectable and the portions were huge.  I preferred the traditional white wine and garlic sauce to the curry cream.  However, the frites were not impressive (I prefer Thrashers in Ocean City, MD).

Scott's plate (above) waterzooi - classic stew  from Ghent of poached chicken and vegetables in a creamy broth 

This trip may seem non-educational, so I must share that I did become an expert on Belgium waffles!  After intense Internet research, I discovered there are 2 types of waffles in Belgium!  Brussels waffles, resembling those sold in America, are made from batter and Liege waffles are made from dough.

Our 1st waffle, ordinary Brussels version- nothing special - in fact, disappointing since it was re-heated 

Eventually, we found the glorious Liege waffle!  I was confident it was what we were searching for when I watched the waffle man smash a big ball of fresh dough, coated in pearl sugar, into the waffle maker.

  Liege waffle and espresso from a cafe called Koffie 3.14 Thee in Ghent

 Leige waffles are more dense with a caramelized sugary crust.

3rd Waffle=WINNER!- crystallized crust covered in gooey warm spiced pears, melted Belgium chocolate, and homemade whipped cream!

One of many masterpieces from the walls in our apartment in Ghent

 In conclusion, Belgium is a completely underrated Country and we hope to return! 

We drove back to Stuttgart on Xmas eve.

This year, we celebrated our first Christmas in Stuttgart, with friends at the Pyatt's festive home.

Me, Mariel, Sasha (the generous host), Kelly, and adorable German Shepard named Rorschach

Many of our Stuttgart friends are from Charleston so we shared a delicious feast with good ol' southern flavors that made it feel like home.

Ham, Mac n Cheese, Roasted Veggies, Brussel Sprouts n bacon

  Secret Santa was followed by a few rounds of Cards Against Humanity

 (H. Bomb we owe ya for sharing this gem).

Scoots holding our gifts: rubber ducky and MRE ("Meal, ready-to-eat"- from Navy pal GI Joe)

Happy New Year blog coming soon: THE UK- McCarthy wedding and London