Tuesday 2/27
8am (BRU)
As I write this first entry in my first ever travel journal, I’m nearly finished with a very pleasant overnight flight to Brussels from New York – I can’t believe the 1st day of the trip is over.
Our little team of Dr. Mark Allison, Paulcy Cangé and I met yesterday afternoon at PHL, where I had to say, hug, and kiss a tearful “Goodbye” to Linds and baby Isaiah. We breezed (well, Dr. Allison and I, not Paulcy, who brought liquids) through security, had a surprise run-in with a delayed, yet jovial Dr. Kevin Bauder, and enjoyed a very brief hop to JFK on a tiny twin prop puddle-jumper. There we had a long enough layover to eat a leisurely dinner and make phone calls (my third to Linds whom I was already missing profoundly). We then boarded a Boeing 767 and due to a partially empty flight, I chose a exit seat (no heroic aspirations, just the insatiable desire for more leg room). A surprisingly tasty dinner was served and I fell asleep shortly afterwards. And I just woke up – Good morning, Brussels!
Tuesday 2/27
10pm (BRU)
Today was an unforgettable experience. Having landed in BRU we deplaned and were transported by moving sidewalk down a mile-long corridor to the baggage claim. There we met George McConnell and then ordered drinks while we waited for Paulcy’s brother LouLou to arrive. He did, with his wife, Sonia, and we drove their two small cars, packed full, around the outskirts of the city to the small but quaint town where LouLou has a gorgeous home. They shared a delicious breakfast of bread, cheese, and tea with us before Paulcy loaded our team back into the VW to see Brussels.
Brussels is amazing – the ancient architecture, history-drenched sculptures, bustling cafes run by pushy waiters, and extravagant luxury shops combined to make a wonderful afternoon. We enjoyed hot chocolate at Paulcy’s favorite café in the Grand-Place, “The Golden Boat,” right next door to a house owned by novelist Victor Hugo. Before we left the old city, Paulcy bought me a hot, genuine Belgian waffle – why hasn’t anyone in the States figured out how to make those things?! Oh, did I mention that all this fun was accompanied by a steady, cold rain which is apparently the norm this time of year? It couldn’t stop us. We slogged around the cobblestone streets taking photos, hurtled through traffic snarls in the VW, and finally ended at the little Baptist Church where Paulcy grew up. The Pastor, Benny, just lost his mother, and Paulcy stopped to offer his condolences. While there, we met Paulcy’s childhood friend, Jean, and invited him to dinner at the Cangé’s. After we filled up the Jetta (US$50 for 14 gallons), we returned home, napped, and sat down to an unbelievably fine fondue and self-grill dinner. The variety of meats and cheeses was like no meal I have ever eaten. After dinner, we chatted until Anushka, Florio, Deborah, and LouLou started playing music on guitar, flute, violin and piano – they’re good, and it was fun. We finished the evening with tea and dessert and said goodnight. I am sharing a room with Paulcy and hope to wake refreshed and ready for my first sight of Liberia – Good night!
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