Sunday evening I stayed in a lovely place (guest room) in the home of a retired lawyer. He was a maritime historian named Hans whom I met in the town of Vlissingen…
…after walking about sixteen miles.
He drove me to the town of Westkappele…the same spot where the ferry would have dropped me off.
He kindly gave me a place to spend the night and in the morning served me a beautiful breakfast of fresh juice, eggs and cheese, and blueberries.
It was very good! He then gave me a sightseeing tour of the area since he was born and raised here and has lived here all his life. I just loved all the historical facts of the region. The countryside was so beautiful and splendid.
Hans showed me the sites of the seashore and the nearby wealthy resorts.
Then I entered into Belgium, and the red bricks turned into cobblestones.
I made my way into Bruges and to the hostel. I called early to check in so I could put my backpack into a locker. I said my goodbye to Hans and thanked him for his hospitality and kindness, for my new acquaintance on this journey.
Today is my second birthday. It’s a long story, but basically we always celebrated my birthday when I was growing up in Traverse City on June 19. When I turned 16 I went to get my driver’s license, which required a birth certificate. I got the birth certificate at the hospital, but told them that the date was wrong. “I was born on June 19!” I said.
“No, honey, this is your birth certificate. You were born on June 10!”
So ever since I celebrate TWO birthdays.
Journey Janet au Jardin 