With incomparable joie de vivre, bright eyed curiousity, infectious energy and an ability to make friends wherever she went(a trait I didn't inherit) Mom is one of my most favourite travel companions!
Fall 2004 - Europe - I discovered Bruges online (now its this hugely talked about tourist attraction in India - back then we were the only Indians visiting) and instantly fell in love with her!
For our stay - I chose this fabulous B & B (in small quaint towns I prefer a good B & B over an impersonal hotel any day - it always adds value to the stay) called Studio 11 - run by Paul and Annie - a Dutch artiste and his muse! Paul was the affable face of No 11 - and Annie the mainstay - Annie who worked faster than a machine - serving the most intricately beautiful brekkies - and maintaining the house in a manner which would make even the Royalty proud! And all this with one big unfaltering smile!
Charming charming Bruges - straight out of a fairy tale as it were- with its cobbled streets - chocolatiers - market square - Da Vinci's Madonna - winding canals and horse drawn carriages, beautiful cafes and bistros that serve impeccable meals. I so fell in love with Bruges that I canceled our onward journey to Paris (believe it or not)- fortunately when ma is with me - she is happy if i am happy - bless her!
Our last night we decided to go to Bistro de Eetkamer for dinner - highly recommended by Paul and Annie!
Bistro de Eetkamer - this perfect spot tucked in a corner across the market squarerun by Steven and Paul - who I discovered was a couple and shared that info promptly with my Mom as I pointed out to her who wore the pants in that relationship - though much impressed by my worldly-wiseness she wasn't quite sure of its authenticity at that moment! After all, I was a 'child' (lol)! A fabulous meal was had midst lot of laughter!
Next morning, Mom full of child-like curiosity reminded me to cross check with Annie - she wasn't going to let her first conscious encounter with a couple of a different orientation be shrouded under a cloud of uncertainty - she had to be sure!
At the breakfast table I verified with Annie and much to my Mom's delight - I was correct in my assessment, down to the last detail! My Mom's pride in me grew a
notch! :)
We have had plenty fabulous meals across the world - but for my Mom Bistro de Eetkamer will always have a special spot for that lovely couple - who added an extra dimension to her evening and her romantic imagination!
This one's for my mom - without a single judgmental bone in her kind body! Thanks for teaching me how to live life!
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