Belgium > Netherlands > Norway

Brussels, Belgium

Overall the journey to Brussels was semi-uneventful, minus losing my wallet. Thankfully it's just a wallet and is replaceable. It was relaxing for the most part, again, minus losing my wallet. I made it to the AirBnB ok, but unlucky for me had to carry my big bags up the stairs. Brussels was boring. Mainly because it rained the whole time I was there, so I didn't do much. Quite a statement coming from someone who lives in a rainforest

 

The one day I did go out was to sit and read at Leopold Park, where the EU Parliament is. I walked around and read a bit until it started to pour and hail. Fun, fun. If I had the emotional energy, I would have liked to go to Bruges, which is beautiful. 

's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Going to 's-Hertogenbosch was the right move. If you plan on going to the Netherlands, I recommend staying here, over Amsterdam. Because there are fewer people, there is still lots to do. But make sure you bring cash with you! International credit/debit cards only sometimes work here. I learned that lesson the hard way.

On my first full day in 's-Hertogenbosch, I went to the Cathedral and walked around the town. On the second day, I went to the Hague and Amsterdam. The Hague and Amsterdam are about an hour's train ride from 's-Hertogenbosch. The Hague was better than Amsterdam, mainly because there were fewer tourists.

In Amsterdam, I mainly went to see the torture museum - the irony was I was being tortured by slow-walking tourists on my way to the museum. I would have liked to see the Ann Frank house, but I decided this was a "good vibe-only" trip. However, I may go to the Fragments of the Warsaw Ghetto Wall in Poland because it's important to acknowledge that part of our history. I don't think I can bring myself to go to a concentration camp. While in Amsterdam, I did get a weed lollipop, which was disgusting. 

Another classic Megan moment happened on the third night in 's-Hertogenbosch. While in the Netherlands, what is a trip without one? I brought some takeaway home after a long day. When I got home, my key broke off IN THE LOCK 🙃. Before I figured out how to get into my apartment, I ate and calmed down. I knocked on the neighbour's door and explained what had happened. They were so kind and got me inside without more drama.

Nothing super interesting happened on my last full day in 's-Hertogenbosch. I did go to a cafe in town that was amazing, any server that approached me spoke to me in English and while ordering a coffee the server translated the menu for me. 

Bergen, Norway

My journey to Bergen started with me running to catch a train because I didn't realise my flight was at 1:40 pm and not 3:50 pm. At first,  I was going to train everywhere. After I found out it would take a whole 24hrs by train, I opted to fly to Oslo and train to Bergen instead. After I learned it would be an 8hr train from Oslo to Bergen, I decided flying was the best option. So thankfully, my phone alerted me just in time to run to the train and catch my flight - which I ended up being early for. Since there were no direct flights from Amsterdam to Bergen, I booked one flight from Amsterdam to Oslo and from Oslo to Bergen. Sadly the journey to Berlin will be a long one, two flights and a 7 hr train ride if all goes well, but it will be worth it.

Thankfully, the first round of flights when well. Minus almost missing my flight to Oslo despite being early.💀 

While on the way to my Airbnb, I was trying to figure out the best way to describe Bergen. I was getting some Victoria, North Van, Whistler and maritime vibes. 

Bergen was a way better pick than Oslo. It's nice to change my surroundings from the concrete jungle that is most big European cities. My first day in Bergen was chill, and I walked near the Fredriksberg Fort. 

On the second day in Bergen, I returned to Fredriksberg Fort and walked around the nearby park. In the afternoon, I took the Fløibanen tram to Fløien and walked up Blåmanen. Before my hike, I, unfortunately, learned that German railway workers were striking on the 21st. So after panicking for a few hours and accidentally booking the wrong flight (I'm only out 75$), I settled on taking a bus for 9 hours.

After my beautiful hike, I went to Magic Ice. It was a tourist trap, but I had lots of fun. They give you warm ponchos, and you can sit in a deep freeze with ice sculptures. It's similar to the Kettle One experience in Whisler but cheaper and slightly more interesting. 

On my last day, I did more sightseeing in Bergen. I walked around the Rosenkrantz Tower and Sverresborg Fort. Although there are tourists, it's nothing like Florence. Bergen and 's-Hertogenbosch are my favourite places so far. Mainly because they aren't super North American. They both have some North American restaurants and cars. But for the most part, they stay true to their European feel.

Berlin is going to be fun. It's just going to be a bit of a pain getting there.