Long weekend in Poland

My mom, sister, and niece just left to go back to the States this morning after spending 8 days with us. I haven't seen them since October (when I went back for my sister's wedding) and this was their first time visiting our place in España. So, even though I've been meaning to share these pictures from our Memorial Day weekend trip, I've been too busy catching up with them, showing them where we call home, and just generally enjoying having a casa full of family.

When planning for the long weekend away, I had only one requirement - to go somewhere new. As much as I love España (and Portugal...and France) I was ready to explore a different area. After a quick internet search for flights we decided on...Poland!

Una Cerveza

In España, when you are out and want a beer, all you have to do is say "una cerveza, por favor." A beer, please. There's no need to ask for a menu or check to see what's on tap, as most places offer just one brand. The most choice you typically get is whether you want a pequeño or grande, though that is nothing like the giant mugs that are so popular in the States. 

Estrella on tap and tapas in Granada.

Here in El Puerto, what's on tap is normally Cruzcampo, which is brewed in nearby Sevilla. Depending where you are in other parts of Andalucía, you may get a Mahou, Estrella, or an Alhambra. Though some people claim to have favorites, and Cruzcampo is somewhat a source of regional pride, most Spanish beer is generally the same - light, pale, pilsner-style, with very little flavor or body.

Bruges: beer, beauty, and bicicletas

Over the MLK Day long weekend, we headed norte to Bruges, Belgium.  It only took a car, plane, and train to get there.  

Our first train ride together, from Brussels to Bruges.

After checking into our hotel and getting the great news about the arrival of our niece, Abbi, we headed out to get dinner and some celebratory beers.  On our way to the pub, we passed through the main square.  Even though Christmas was weeks before, some of the buildings still had lights and decorations up.  We could see why the city is such a popular holiday destination, even without it's Christmas market.