Our last day in Bruges came too quickly.
We only had a couple of hours in the morning before we needed to catch the train back to Brussels and then back to London.
We started our morning relatively calmly. We visited the Gingerbread Tea Rooms for a spot of breakfast. Famous for their breakfast bagels, we had the most wonderful experience there. The woman who runs the little café couldn’t have been more kind and accommodating. We spoke of her love for London and promised her we’d visit again the next time we return.
As far as the breakfast review?
Joe and I both picked simple breakfasts of toasted plain bagels with scrambled eggs. It was amazing, piping hot and a portion to fill up a king. If you go, I highly recommend sharing a breakfast with your travelling mate because it’s way too much food.
The coffees were fantastic and they serve up little complimentary cakes while you wait. I was sold.
After breakfast, we sadly had to make our way through the town to the station. We took the scenic route since we had a little bit of time.
Selfies were mandatory, obviously.
Eventually, we made our way to the station (it’s about a 20 minute walk from the centre of Bruges) and stood on the sunny platform before boarding an incredibly packed train. It was the weekend after all, and we were headed into the busy city of Brussels.
The journey was smooth as can be until we hit Ghent.
Our train stopped for a bit and we wondered what the hold up was. Living in London, we’re used to the tube being stopped for awhile so we weren’t phased. Until we saw armed police running towards the train.
Panic set in and we weren’t really sure what to do. I mean, what do you do? Do you get off the train? Do you wait to see what happens? An announcement came on over the train speaker system and we tried to catch some of it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t too sure what they were saying as I only know rusty French and Joe some Spanish. I asked the women sitting with us what they said and they replied that they were looking for a wanted suspect with a gun.
Yes, seriously.
This is the moment Joe and I immediately looked at each other and got up from our seats, hopped off the train and got onto the platform. I don’t know why we thought this would be a good idea. I was shaking from nerves. We knew that it wasn’t exactly the best time to be travelling in Europe, but you can’t pause on your life, can you?
After a little while, the train pulled away and the police seemed to disperse shortly after. Joe ordered us coffees and we stood somewhat transfixed as to what to do next.
As another train approached and slowed, we decided that we had to board. It was going to Brussels. Nervously, we rode the rest of the way into Brussels on edge. Once at the station we quickly made our way to the Eurostar. I felt drained.
We quickly tried to forget about what happened. After all, living in New York City and throughout America people carry guns all the time. Why did we fear this one person when we had lived in New York without too much worry? Is it living in London without this impending threat that spurred these thoughts? I’m not sure, but I’m still uneasy thinking about it.
Our trip back to London from that point on was uneventful. We snoozed a little bit and then picked up dinner on our way home.
A week later, Brussels was attacked.
With such horrible events that seem to be continuously happening in the world, it seems like now is the time that we’d avoid travelling somewhere new. But I think there’s something to be said about the bravery of everyone in the aftermath. The tragedies that occur don’t define how our modern society thinks. Travel won’t be stopped. People will continue to live, go out and try new things.
I think that’s the beauty of the human spirit, we’re resilient. I know that despite the unease we felt that day, I won’t stop travelling, learning and seeing the world. And I hope you’ll do the same.
Kelly xx