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| Along the Groenerei Canal is a unique site. This is the only place in Bruges where all seven different styles of early buildings are represented. Cami arrives around 10 a.m. at the Snuffel. "Close your eyes. Don't peak. I need a minute," she says. "Ok. You can open your eyes now. Happy early Birthday! " 😁 she says. I look down at the table and see a cherry tart lit with several candles. "Since your birthday is still a week away and you won't be here, I wanted to celebrate it with you," she says. Thank you so much, Cami! You are amazing! |
"Are you ready?" says Cami. I finish my cup of cocoa and nod. "I have a place I'd like to show you," she says. So, Cami and I leave the Snuffel and climb into her car. After a 15-minute drive northwest of Bruges, Cami pulls over and parks. "This is Wagglewaterbos. It's a national forest. I like coming here to walk," she says.
In the middle of Wagglewaterbos is a small lake. Cami and I sit on the dock and talk. It's overcast, breezy, and cold today. Nevertheless, it is a lovely morning to watch the leaves blow around the lake's surface. Sitting here with Cami, I am grateful for our time together. Cami planned out a couple of great days. She selected places special to her, knowing they would be things I would love to experience. As a result, my time in Bruges has left a strong impression. I would have never expected to spend so much time around greenspace. Somehow, Cami felt that this was what I needed.
The two of us drive back into the city in search of Poke. Poke is a Hawaiian Dish that usually includes raw fish. It has become popular all over the world. Not only does it taste good, it is also way healthier than eating fast food. Plus, it can be customized, and it is fast. I chose Quinoa, instead of rice, as the base for my bowl. Then the tex-mex toppings get piled on. This is the first time ever my Poke bowl has tortilla chips. Strangely, I don't mind them.
"We have just enough time left to take you to the train station," Cami says as we clean up the table after lunch. Good choice. That was delicious! I love Poke and enjoy experiencing local twists on the dish, I say.
I expect Cami to drop me off at the train station and am surprised when she parks the car. "I'll come with you. I don't have to be at work for a little while," she says. We walk up to the platform together, waiting for my train to arrive. When my train arrives, Cami kisses me on the forehead and makes a cross on my forehead with her thumb. "Do you know what this means?" she asks. I tell her I remember my grandmother doing it but cannot recall. "You are loved and blessed by God. Continue your journey. I always travel with you," she says. I hug her, grab my pack, and walk onto the train before it leaves.
The two-hour train ride to Antwerp is uneventful. We'll be nearly uneventful. Shortly after leaving Bruges, the conductor asked to check my ticket. "This is first class. General seating is through those doors," he says as he points to the front of the car. I laugh at myself. At least I'm on the right train. No wonder it was easy to find a seat. 😂
It would have been better to stop in Antwerp after leaving the Netherlands since I passed through the city on my way to Brussels and Bruges. However, Isabel was not available yet. So I am okay with backtracking for 21 Euros. I have grown quite fond of traveling by train and enjoy it much more than being in the car.
Isabel meets me outside the train station. As I walk up to greet her, I notice a strange feeling. I am questioning what I am doing here in Antwerp and why am I staying at Isabel's house? Of all the people I have visited thus far, I spent the least time with Isabel. Even though I am a bit uncomfortable, I remembered Isabel insisted I stay with her when I visited Antwerp. So, I lean into the discomfort and look forward to what lies ahead.
"It's so good to see you. I wish the Ivo and Céline could have come too, but I never hear from them," says Isabel. "It's great to see you too. I just visited with both of them before coming here. They both say hello, I tell her. "My house is about 15 minutes away by bike. We can rent a bike just over there using my daughter's membership card," she says. And just like that, I hop on a rental bike and follow Isabel to her house.
The two of us spend several hours catching up around the dining table. I say, catching up, but it is almost as if we are getting to know each other. Nevertheless, the conversation never wanes, and after a short period, that uneasy feeling disappears. I realize I am blessed to have made such good connections in my travels. "Your room is upstairs. If you need anything, let me know. While you are here, you can use Mila's bike. Mila is my youngest daughter, and she will be staying with her father for the next few days," she says.
After dinner, we head out for a walk as darkness sets in. "You'll have a chance to meet Boots, my boyfriend, later tonight. He's a DJ. When I met him, he had rings on his fingers that shot laser beams into the smoky air," she says, raising her hands over her head and mimicking Boots DJ'ing. I laugh. 😂 Sounds fun! I can't wait to meet him. I say. "Unfortunately, my girls don't like Boots. I think they are afraid of replacing their father. So, Boots and I don't live together, and we are mindful of how much time we spend together," she continues.
Isabel does not own a car. She and Boots ride their bikes everywhere in Antwerp. I remember talking with her a lot about her experiences in Antwerp when we walked together on the Camino. I am looking forward to experiencing life on a bike. How will Antwerp compare to Utrecht?
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