I went to the Royal Delft museum which was outstanding. Hard to find - but totally worth it once you do. (I had looked for this museum when I was in Delft in February, but never found it.) Thankfully Julia was here this time to provide me with directions.
Rembrandt's "Night's Watch" painted in Delft blue on tiles. It took over a year to complete.
We then met up for a delicious lunch of kroket, which is absolutely one of my new favorite things. I'm thinking about getting some right now actually. Steve and I then gave Julia 45 minutes to go to the Vermeer Center (Steve and I both agree that she has a bit of a weird obsession with Johannes Vermeer), while he and I shopped. I found an awesome ring and some cheese and mustard. SUCCESS.
We then headed to the train station feeling fully accomplished. (They also went to the two churches in town, which are both beautiful.)
Delft is beautiful, am I right?
We ended up not making the train that we thought we were going to; Julia and I happily set up in Starbucks as we waited and Stephen sulked (a little). Not only did he have to wait, but he was now headed out of the Netherlands (to Bruges). He wanted to stay in the Netherlands.
I got my wallet out to swipe my card as we got on the train, and then put it back in my bag. We ended up standing behind these Asian chicks that were taking FOREVER to put their bags away. Five minutes after we sat down, I realized that my wallet was gone.
Side note... I will admit that my guard was a tiny bit down. I trust Dutch people. Now, Rome or Paris? I'd be clinging to my bag like it's a lifeline. But the Dutch? They're just so nice.
I told the conductors right away, but there was nothing they could do. I had only walked through one train car, so I knew that someone in that particular car had stolen my wallet (most likely while I was waiting behind those girls). Looking under their seats and glaring at them didn't make anyone fess up, so I entered my state of depression. (AKA I slept). Julia woke me up for the next train, and I was then over it. Nothing I could do about it. And thankfully it happened when I was with her and not alone!
When we were on the next train, I looked at Julia with a sudden realization. "I am so happy that my wallet got stolen and not Steve's. I don't think he could have handled it." She agreed. Although some Belgians almost accidentally took his bag which I think almost gave him a heart attack. That was entertaining.
Next stop: BRUGES. Nothing could ruin my mood upon entering this wonderful town. Well, there was a really bad smell at the train station (like rotten sauerkraut), but we just moved away from that. From this point on, Julia was my sugar mamma. She was thankfully more than willing to take on the role.
After checking into our hostels, we met up in the square and enjoyed some fries under the bell tower. We then went to a wonderful bar where I was able to use my knowledge of Belgian beer to order some of my faves: some Chimay and Rochefort 8. To Die For.
I then returned to my hostel, where, after trying (and failing) to contact my banks to cancel my cards, I called the two people who were completely unsurprised by my predicament. Phil and Melissa, of course. I FaceTimed them while they called my banks on speaker phone... and through spotty reception (Melissa, at times having to pretend to be me) and over an hour's time, the task was complete.
I then settled in to relax and blog in my hostel's bar. I ended up chatting with the bartender, who, when no one else was left in the bar, asked if I would like another small drink. (I figured, yeah, I could take a small beer.) He returned with a shot of his personal collection of scotch. THAT is what he meant by a small drink. After taking at least twenty minutes to finish the scotch, I headed to bed with high expectations for the day to come.
If the day my wallet got stolen ended so well, I can handle ANYTHING.
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