Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium
Arrived safely in Brussels this morning at 8:30 am Brussels time which is 2:30 am Cobden time! A little tired – but it was a great flight. Met my seating partner in the line to board the plane and she was awesome. The plane was 2 seats, 4 seats and then 2 seats unless you had spent a fortune and had your own little pod!! I wish – maybe next time! We were in 2 seats with her at the window and me at the aisle. It didn’t seem that long as we were fed supper and then watched a movie (everyone had their own screen to watch or listen to whatever they wanted in the line-up).
Upon arrival at the airport it was very smooth getting through customs and I had a little wait for the luggage to come from the plane. I was met from one of the organizers at the exit gate and directed to the Antwerp Express bus in fine style. The bus delivered me right to the Hotel which is the Crowne Plaza Antwerpen. My room was not ready and I thought for a moment I would just break down in tears as I was so tired because I did not sleep on the plane. The check-in clerk was able to get me a room that was ready which I greatly appreciated. I ordered room service which I thought was a grilled chicken sandwich turned into something I have no idea but thankfully there was french fries and I ate those and immediately slept for an hour or so.
The shuttle picked everyone up at the hotel that was renting a motorcycle and took us to the American Lifestyle Harley Davidson Dealership. All the bikes were ready to go and I just had to pick a helmet out (a helmet that covers my ears which seems very stifling and should be hot riding) before getting my bike. A 2014 black street glide special. Ben — the staff member that had been dealing with everyone by email was very happy to finally meet everyone face to face and actually came off vacation to serve us personally. I met 4 other Canadians from Montreal Quebec (2 couples). They have an advantage in the language barrier as they are able to speak french of course. Most people can speak English and are very good to try to speak English while I am in their presence. Geertz the director of the Posse Ride met us at the dealership and was very happy to have everyone so enthused about getting started.
It seems every where I go there is something that illustrates Route 66. And of course a sign of Route 66 that is for sale all the way over in Antwerp, Belgium! Love it!
Everyone was escorted back to the hotel via motorcycle and it was a good thing we had an escort – they are very good riders and are extremely organized with a proper sweeper at the back to ensure everyone gets in the proper lanes as we headed to the hotel. Thankfully we ride on the right side of the road as the only place in Europe that rides on the opposite side is in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Ireland, etc.).
After arriving back at the hotel I immediately headed to bed for a nap again! Another shuttle picked us up at 6:30 pm to return to the dealership for a party and bbq supper. When I met everyone outside of the hotel it felt like I should be saying good morning instead of good evening as I had just woken up! After supper thankfully there were a few more people that were ready to return to the hotel. I am heading to bed shortly as we meet again at 7:30 am to pack the truck with luggage, then breakfast and off for a two day ride to Berlin. Tomorrow will be one of the longer rides and I will be well rested and ready to go with a big smile on my face!!
