Navigating the canals in Bruges
on the city’s ancient and modern build-
ings. Even at night, the ornate and
majestic edifaces of the city’s markt
(market square) and 14th-century
stadhuis (city hall) are striking sights.
A woman’s red umbrella contrasts
the darkness, like a solitary poppy in
a field. Such flashes of enchantment
boost me up after a few days of solemn
tributes in Ypres. Yet they’re also fitting
reminders of why Canadians made the
ultimate sacrifice: To ensure a better
life and to give us freedom.
On this day, my freedom takes
the form of a culinary exploration.
Belgium is known for its many deli-
cious offerings, including frites, waffles,
beer and chocolate—any visit is sure
to be a gastronomic one! Big on meat
and potatoes, steak frites is a common
dish throughout my trip. I also devour
heaps of fresh seafood.
Whether you opt for steak or fish,
wash it down with one Belgium’s
1,500 beer styles. Other tastes not to
be missed: Passendale cheese, a mild
and creamy cow’s-milk cheese, and
cuberdons (also called Ghent noses)—
purple cone-shaped candies with hard
shells and fruity, liquid interiors.
My sweet tooth jumps for joy at
the chocolate shops around every cor-
ner—they’re more common than Tim
Hortons back home. And each one
seems to offer a new take on the coun-
try’s legendary chocolate. Mary Artisan
Chocolatier, legendary purveyor to the
royal house of Belgium, crafts sumptu-
ous truffles. For something completely
different, I try a chocolate shooter
at The Chocolate Line in the Bruges’
historic centre. This unique experience
involves using an apparatus to inhale
cocoa through your nose, which is said
to enhance the chocolate taste percep-
tion. (I still prefer eating it!)
As my trip winds to a close, I stuff
my suitcase full of chocolate souvenirs
and gifts made of lace and cloth (more
Belgian specialities). But I know the
heaviest thing I’m taking home can’t
be physically packed: Pride in my
Canadian roots.
Visiting Belgium is a profound expe-
rience—in more ways than one. There
are few trips that can shock you with
unspeakable horrors, yet leave you
with a sense of optimism. As photos
and history books fade, Belgians and
Canadians continue to remember. This
land is as much a part of our legacy as
it is theirs. We live in one of the best
countries in the world, but sometimes
you need to leave to appreciate it.
The
Essentials
Before heading to
europe, remember
some travel basics,
plus perks from ama
BEFORE YOU GO
enjoy peace of mind
while abroad. purchase
travel medical insurance
prior to departing. ama
members save 10%:
AMATravel.ca/
TravelInsurance
make sure your passport
is up-to-date. plus and
premier members get
one free set of passport
photos per year
MONEY
Belgium, France and
the netherlands use
the euro. pick up euros
at any ama centre
Belgium’s famous
frites; Bruges by
carriage (right)
dRIvING ABROAd
consider getting an
international Driving
permit, available exclu-
sively at ama ce ntres
Save up to 20% and earn
up to $25 in reward dol-
lars on hertz car rentals:
AMARewards.ca/Hertz
ama.ab.ca
AMA InsIder
summer 2017
41