Alex and I have been keeping busy around Cologne for the last couple weekends. We filmed for 4 long (8:00am to 7:00pm) but fun days with House Hunters International, visited and toured another nearby castle, and watched a firework show along the Rhine river with friends. Now back to traveling!
A few months ago in Bruges, we did a walking tour and the guide mentioned that a beer voted “best beer in the world” was brewed in Belgium. Luckily for us, the little town of Westvleteren is about a 20 minute drive from Alex’s office in Belgium. The beer is brewed by Trappist monks just trying to support themselves and their abbey. So Saturday afternoon we made our way through tiny farming roads only passing bicyclists on the way to the brewery. When we arrived I was shocked by how many people were at this small cafe in the middle of nowhere. We grabbed a seat in their beer garden and ordered their famous (10.5%) beer along with a pound of their Abbey cheese (actually, very delicious). I don’t know if it was the best beer I’ve ever had, but it was pretty good. After we finished our beers we tried to buy a 6 pack to bring back to Cologne with us but they were sold out. We were told to come back Monday or Tuesday afternoon.
The next day we decided to do a little sightseeing around Belgium. We stopped in Ghent where we spent the afternoon walking around a flea market, eating delicious fries and drinking beers along the canal. There was a large festival going on so it was very touristy and most of the sights were covered by tents so it was hard to appreciate the architecture. We will definitely be back again when it’s not so crazy. We left and drove to Kortrijk where we took a quick look at the city then headed back to Ieper where we spent the evening eating fresh mussels (well, Alex did anyways) and enjoying the beautiful weather.
Monday afternoon while Alex went to work I headed back to the Abbey to get the beer. Side note, I was a little nervous because this would be my first time driving in Europe (ever!) and it would be in the middle of nowhere (I ended up having to pull to the side of the road because there was a group of about 20+ old people on bikes on my way back, but don’t worry I avoided them). When I got to the cafe I wasn’t expecting many people to be there on a Monday (did I mention it was in the middle of nowhere?) so I was shocked when I walked in and there was a long line to get beer. I got into line and I was nearing the front when I noticed the sign, “6 packs for 22.50€.” I was shocked, I thought it would be pricey but come on! I guess when you’re the “best beer in the world” you can charge whatever you want and it’s for God, right? I decided to get two 6 packs anyways (you’re only allowed 2 per person). And since I came all the way and it was such a beautiful day I sat outside and enjoy one of their blond beers.
It was a great week in Belgium and I think it’s safe to say that Ieper, as small as it is, is starting to become one of my favorite places to visit in Europe. Next stop Ireland!
followthesunny.com 
Sounds like a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing, Sunny! Excellent that you actually drove….Amazing what the “Best Beer in the World” will motivate one to do. Wish I could have joined you! 💞
LikeLike
Thanks for making it clear that you didn’t hit any, “old people”….Sunny Hempel: drive in Europe, CHECK…sampling best beer in the world, CHECK…trying mussels…nope…
I could go for some beer and cheese.
LikeLike
Ah, now the pound of cheese is making a little more sense. This all sounds so, so cool. Did you ever think that after only 6 months in Europe you’d be driving? I’m impressed! Also, you guys drink a lot. Mozzle, right?
LikeLike