In Bruges

Up at 5:45 to drive to Dover, drop off our England rental, catch a ferry to Calais, pick up a new rental and drive up to Bruges. 

Waiting at the ferry terminal for Todd to return the Fiat. 

Oh yes, there were some shenanigans. 

Then we hopped on a bus that took us through customs and dropped us off near the ferry. Just had to climb up 4 stories with all our luggage and car seats to get onto the ferry. 

Calais, France!

We managed to find a cab willing to stuff all of us as well as our luggage in and take us to the Avis store. However, the noon-2pm lunch break for Avis employees extended to 3:30 and we were left sitting out front with all our gear for almost an hour. Ahhh, the French!

Our new ride. It's very futuristic. Doesn't even have any gauges, just a touchscreen computer. It was a bit touch and go until we figured out how to select the language. Also, this is classified "intermediate van" by Avis. I can't even imagine what my minivan would be called. 

Our lovely hotel. It is an elegant 17th century mansion located in the heart of the city. 

Th back courtyard. 

Yep, a swan staircase. 

Across the street from us. 

A walk downstairs brings us to the pool!

Dads and kids had fun while the moms went out. Then we swapped and the dads went out for a little Bruges nightlife.