Damme, Belgium’s Beautiful
Since I was a little peanut, I’ve known Victor. We met at La Colombe D’Or and stayed close. This is somewhat of a modern miracle because we’re going back to the days of no Facebook or WhatsApp. Once a year, our dads or moms would call each other and give us two seconds to say hello because long distance is pricey. It was awkward but somehow did the trick.
23 years after meeting Victor poolside, he’s more of a brother than a friend. I tortured him by straightening his hair once (whoops) and he witnessed all of my awkward years. I’ve also seen him successfully adult – he’s married and has a beautiful little girl. We sometimes go a year or two without seeing one another, but we always keep in touch and it feels as if no time has passed.
One of my first Fridays in Paris, Victor drove the 2.5 hours to visit me so I wouldn’t eat alone. As a result, it was my turn to return the favor and visit him.
So, off I went! I took the TGV, which is insanely easy and convenient.
I got off at Lille, France where he then drove me the extra 45 minutes to his historic town of Damme, Belgium. This place is straight out of a fairytale. He has an old school windmill across the street that’s probably older than America. Known for book stores, fries and a famous dog (all my favorite things, mind you), this town is a dream.
Also, he informed me that when people’s last names are “Van [something]”, that means that they’re originally from the [something]. SO, for example, Jean-Claude Van Damme’s family is from Victor’s town! It’s probably all a lie but I liked it anyways.
In any case, my first morning was spent as all mornings should. Victor cooked everyone breakfast, I saw Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (highly recommend despite the holidays being over), and we took the two dogs on a walk.
For lunch, we all piled into Victor’s car and went to a seaside town called Zeeebruges (which literally translates to Sea Bruges). The restaurant, ‘Twerftje, known locally for its great food, was swamped. It felt like everyone from the town had come to lunch. Though it was cold outside, we bundled under heaters and sat on an indoor/outdoor patio.
They have crevette gris which are sweet, itty bitty shrimp. We also got local oysters and croquetas. Local Belgian beer, Brugse Zot, and a cherry beer topped off a great meal.
From there, we went into Brugge. I’ve been here a handful of times or so (because it’s close to Victor) and love it more with each visit. We started off by going to a museum, perfect for Victor’s little one (and I because we have similar interests). Historium Brugge, the museum, was well done and had a VR exhibit at the end where you could take a virtual tour of Brugge in the 15th century. Big fan.
From there, we wandered through the city. It has canals that run through the city similar to Venice, Italy.
Upon leaving, we stumbled into a Venician parade. No idea why. No idea what the significance was. I did know, however, that I was into the costumes. Victor's lil peanut was too. (Again, we have the same interests.)
At that point, we needed a beverage. Champagne did the trick at a castle-y-looking hotel. You know, as one does. It was fun for the four of us to enjoy some time to just sit and chat in such a beautiful setting.
From there, we went back and enjoyed a beautiful meal that Victor cooked complete with truffles and wine. I saw Oceans Eleven for the first time and we all snuggled on the couch.
At the train station the next morning with a slight (read: significant) headache, it was bittersweet saying goodbye. Since we’d been kids, Victor and I had talked about what it would be like to both live in the same place. While we’re not quite in the same city, it’s mind-blowing to be this close. I couldn't feel luckier and am already excited for many more of these weekends to come.
