A funny thing about Holland and golfing is most courses here and other parts of Europe require that you play a certain level of golf i.e., have proof of a handicap/players card. So unlike the US, where you can play at public courses, we had to create Kirk's players card via finding one on the internet and having the Creative Director of his company alter the name.
Once this little problem was resolved the Haley's and Johnsen's headed off to Belgium. The Haley's rented a car, it was huge, boxy, roomy, the ultimate soccer-mom mobile, kind of a ridiculous hunk of metal. We stopped over in Brussels first for some browsing and a bite to eat. We walked around the plaza and visited the Manneqin Pis (a lot smaller than I expected). We heard various stories of what the boy was peeing on - one being that he peed on a bush that would of burned the whole city down. His heroic act saved many lives.
Next stop, the Statue of Everard 't Serclaes. For years visitors touch the bronze arm and hand for good luck! Everard 't Seclaes was made famous by his recovery of the city from the Flemish.
We headed down a narrow alley housing many restaurants - too many to choose from. We stopped at the last restaurant since the waiter stated "all of the places here serve the same thing....and we will give you a free drink". Sold. Mussels in Brussels!!!
Kirk and Michael spotted a large/scary ride that they had to go on. Court and I watched and took pics. We all made it on the ferris wheel. It was a beautiful view and an unexpected way to really see Brussels.
We made it to our final destination, Les Bons Villers, which is about a 40 minute drive outside of Brussels and into the country side. We spent some time on some questionable dirt roads, but eventually made it to the Golf Club De Pierpont.
I believe we were the only ones staying there. It's a small/cottage type place. Kirk and Michael got up for an early tee time and Courtney and I made our way to the clubhouse for some breakfast. Our breakfast was actually waiting for us on the table - yummy croissants, ham, cheese, cereal and all the flies that practically covered our food. After a round of golf, we drove to Mons. Like other major cities in Belgium, Mons has a beautiful plaza, unique structures, and good mussels.
During lunch we were lucky enough to meet Georges - WWII vet, fought with the Canadian airforce at the age of 17. We talked about his wife of 55 years, 6 children, when he worked in San Jose and Vancouver for Exxon, and now he is back in Belgium. He loves to email and is up to date with the latest technology. He was so sweet and handsome all dressed in his suit and tie. Such a kind soul. Georges asked if we would have a drink with him and we most certainly didn't refuse - we had Westamlle Trappist Dubbel and Chimay (blue and red). Talking with him and hearing all about his stories during WWII really made me think about how lucky we are to be here, how amazing it is to really capture the history, and what better way to hear a war story but from someone who was there. Sure makes you appreciate the people that fight for our country.
Before dinner, we took a bottle out to the golf course, played some holes, mainly goofed around. The sun started to set and we were the only ones out there, listening to Bob Marley and having a grand old time!
That night we had a wonderful dinner at the club, Courtney and Michael brought a special bottle of wine, and kindly shared it with us and the staff. We spent most of the night having drinks in the bar, watching Courtney swap stories in French, and laughing with the staff. The night ended with a innocent stroll on the course, the moon was big and bright and once again Bob Marley played in the background. Great couple, great time, great memory! Definitely look forward to our next golf trip with the Haley's!
