Narelle Visit - Dinant and Beersel

Pictures

Fortunately, I managed to get back from Oz just in time to overlap with Narelle's big adventure in Europe. She flew in to Belgium for the weekend from Lisbon (having spent time in London, Paris and Bangkok) before heading back to London, then Rome and back to Oz.

We kicked off the weekend with a visit to Grande Place in the centre of Brussels, and a visit to our fave pub there, Delirium Tremons. Narelle was suitably impressed with the encyclopedic menu of beers on offer. She was also impressed by their granting to Tasmania of independent country status... go tassie! We were able to provide evidence of the Belgians' lack of comprehension of 'vegetarian' with the poster for the vegetarian plats - complete with an array of delights from the sea (and not talking seaweed).

After extensive research we decided on a visit to the town of Dinant on the Saturday. Very picturesque (but bloody cold!!!!). Again, missing the 12-2 lunch hour, we wound up having demi poulet et frites at some little snack bar. I'm sure there is fine dining to be had in Dinant though.

At the Bier Circus on Friday night, we had been approached by a man at the next table who was intrigued by Jamie reading his beer guide and photographing beer. He was the beermaker at a very well rated brewery (in the beer guide), located in Beersel. He had a chat and gave us a few tips about other worthwhile breweries and visiting spots. We decided to head along to Beersel on Sunday and check out the brwery cafe. The food lacked a bit (namely anything green!!!!!!!!), but the beers were great. Jamie had a nice bio one, and Narelle and I a tasty Kriek (cherry beer). We also checked out the local castle. Very pretty, and worth a wander around, but I think for all of us we have lost the castle-awe factor.

Giving a taste for winter to come, Narelle's flight was delayed and delayed again. We will be training over winter I think. Was great having her over to visit. Just hope she gets compelled to get a WHV underway next time the department gives her the sheets (never!).