Belgium Chocolate and Old Lace

From the Thursday onwards a steady stream of Tractions advanced up the coast from Calais and Dunkerque to the seaside village of Wenduine just north of Ostend (or Oostende because this is the Flemish speaking region of Belgium). By the Friday afternoon nearly all of the expected 35 cars had arrived and were parked in sweltering sunshine on the seafront.  That evening we drove in convoy to the Three Kings Café for a peasant supper.  The weather on Saturday was just as sunny, but thankfully there was a cooling sea breeze. We visited the Permeke museum at Jabbeke, and then took lunch at Snellegem.  It was a short run from there to Raversijde where we could vist the royal villa, the Atlantikwall or the newly reconstructed Walraversijde village archeological site.  Dinner that evening was in the Great Barn at De Haan.

           

On Sunday we met up with an "old-timers" rally at Zeebrugge, then a coffee stop in Damme where we squeezed into the quaint town square.  By the time we reached Brugge a slight drizzle had developed, but we all enjoyed a walk around this historic city.  Then onto the interesting Fort Napoleon at Oostende.  The guided tour of this museum was followed by a reception (canapés and oysters) and just about the best dinner that a TOC tour has ever enjoyed.  Fish in this part of Belgium is well known for its quality, and the chef certainly lived up to his reputation.  Walter & Noëlla Callens-Von Schil were warmly thanked for their hard work in organising such a well planned rally.

We can't wait to come back.