Through an underwater tunnel into Belgium
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We crossed the border from The Netherlands into Belgium, I think under water, in a tunnel. This was our first toll road in Europe. We just picked the toll gate that takes card payments, tapped my phone, the gate opened, and we drove into Belgium.
We drove into Brugge, navigating the tiny inner town streets, and found a paid parking spot in a street of cafes and specialty shops. Very pretty.
Again, no public toilets to be found. So, we walked into a cafe. Tom sat down to check the menu while Francis made a bee-line for the toilet. Then we discovered on the menu that they only take cash, not card payments. We hadn’t come across this previously in Europe. It mentioned the alternative of a particular app, but when I tried to download it, it said it wasn’t available for use with an account from my country (Australia). We checked with the manager who confirmed cash only. So, we apologised and went to leave, since we hadn’t brought cash with us. Then he said loudly “One Euro for the toilet”. We repeated that we had no cash, but could pay by card. He wasn’t happy, made a bit of a scene, then said “goodbye!” Embarrassing.
We walked a bit more towards the town centre, following Maps to what it claimed was a public toilet. It turned out to be a quite public urinal. Tom decided not to use it. We found a nearby cafe (which took card payment, no problem). They had their own toilet.
Nachos for lunch looked terrific, but had no meat or beans in it. It was basically chips, sauce and cheese. We think they made a mistake. Also not very friendly, but not rude.
The city and architecture were beautiful. The chocolates and chocolate sculptures (like this cow) were amazing.
But unfortunately they'll assume you're American unless given evidence otherwise.
Watch attitudes change once they know you're an Aussie! 😉