This morning it was easier for everyone to get up and moving. Which was good, because we wanted to see Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child” before leaving for the Maarssen region of Utrecht, in the Netherlands.
We packed up our backpacks and headed out looking for breakfast. Our girl found us a terrific place called That’s Toast, which was possibly the best breakfast I’ve had so far! Mine was toast with avocado, asparagus, and egg sunny-side-up, with purple sprouts and dressed lightly with balsamic vinegar.
Look how beautiful it was!
Next we set out on the cobblestone streets – did I forget to mention how pretty the streets are?
We then set out for the Church of Our Lady Bruges. We saw different examples of beautiful stained glass windows, interesting paintings on the dirt walls of several underground burial chambers, and fantastic sculptures by Michelangelo – including the famous Madonna and Child.
Here is the interior of the church, including Michelangelo’s piece: 
The Church was under restoration, and we were grateful it wasn’t closed.
Next up was our trek to Utrecht, in the Netherlands. I have to say that so far, this was the closest our train travels had mirrored my experiences with BART in the Bay Area…complete with official advisements over the loud speakers about pick-pockets, the kids observed first-hand as an (admittedly inferior) potential pick-pocket maneuvered closer to them during transit. I was oddly proud listening to them later about their observations…knowing they missed at least two others eyeing them as marks. Marc and I were separated from the kids by a row of seats because it was so busy; we could have changed this, but he chose not to, and it was a good learning experience. As he said to our son later, “what’s the worst thing you can lose?” Our boy said, “clothes,” in a tone acknowledging that’s something that can be replaced.
Also, our first intro to Utrecht involved a courier wanting me to sign for a package at our rental Airbnb. I refused, seeing as how it wasn’t addressed to me, and was pretty banged up; when I suggested the courier ask the neighbor who let us into the apartment, he said she wouldn’t sign for it. He proceeded to loop through the neighborhood, picking up a passenger with a larger package and appearing to case the place. Might explain the redundant locks on all entry points; while this place seems nice, all signs point to vigilance. I conspicuously took a photo of his van and license plate, which he didn’t appreciate by his gesture leaving the neighborhood, but will hopefully keep them away.
We then walked to a local market and picked up bratwurst, wild swine, potato salad with pickled cabbage, plus leeks and brussell sprouts to round out the meal. It was delicious (if I say so myself)…more insights tomorrow when we’ve seen more of Utrecht.
Here are some photos I snapped on our way to our Airbnb:
More from Utrecht tomorrow!
Travel Blog 