We are so happy to see in-person racing is starting back up around the U.S. And, now we are starting to get the details on Europe opening back up to U.S. tourists. Here's what we know, and some tips for you to get ready to join in the fun. In-Person Racing We are already seeing in-person races being rolled out around the U.S. Europe is a little behind the U.S. in this regard, but in-person events have started up there as well. What changes can we expect in the post-Covid world? Limited number of participants has been the most common change so far. So, make sure you register for your race early -- or, join a tour with us and get guaranteed entry! Other common race features for Covid-19 safety: Mask requirements at the start and finish Limited pre- and post-race gatherings Staggered start times Pre-packaged food, or no food offered Single-use water bottles, or "bring-your-own water" requirement While the events may look a little different, we are excited to finally be gathering together and racing again! Europe Opening Yipee! The European Union “will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by EMA [the European Medicines Agency],” Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, told the New York Times. The three vaccines that have been approved for use in the United States—Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson—have all been approved for use in Europe. It's great to hear that all of Europe will be opening soon, but von der Leyen didn't give much information on when or exactly how that would be happening. Luckily, France was more concrete with their plans. French President Emmanuel Macron released a detailed road map for how the country plans to emerge from its current lockdown and begin
We are so happy to see in-person racing is starting back up around the U.S. And, now we are starting to get the details on Europe opening back up to U.S. tourists. Here’s what we know, and some tips for you to get ready to join in the fun.
In-Person Racing
We are already seeing in-person races being rolled out around the U.S. Europe is a little behind the U.S. in this regard, but in-person events have started up there as well.
What changes can we expect in the post-Covid world? Limited number of participants has been the most common change so far. So, make sure you register for your race early — or, join a tour with us and get guaranteed entry!
Other common race features for Covid-19 safety:
Mask requirements at the start and finish
Limited pre- and post-race gatherings
Staggered start times
Pre-packaged food, or no food offered
Single-use water bottles, or “bring-your-own water” requirement
While the events may look a little different, we are excited to finally be gathering together and racing again!
Europe Opening
Yipee!
The European Union “will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by EMA [the European Medicines Agency],” Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, told the New York Times. The three vaccines that have been approved for use in the United States—Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson—have all been approved for use in Europe.
It’s great to hear that all of Europe will be opening soon, but von der Leyen didn’t give much information on when or exactly how that would be happening.
Luckily, France was more concrete with their plans. French President Emmanuel Macron released a detailed road map for how the country plans to emerge from its current lockdown and begin relaxing restrictions. The plan includes allowing foreign tourists with a “health pass” to visit France again starting June 9. Greece is already starting a phased opening, and Italy and Spain are not far behind.
What’s a Vaccine Passport?
The truth is, we don’t yet know. France’s plan seemed to indicate that either proof of a vaccine or a negative Covid-19 test would suffice to gain entry. But, there is talk about a more strict requirement of proof of vaccine only.
A digital “vaccine passport” has been speculated by many in the travel and tourism industry, but actual details are not yet known. The E.U. is working on “Digital Green Certificates,” to prove vaccination status, recent negative tests, or recovery from the disease. We U.S. travelers may need to submit a proof of vaccine document to the country we plan to visit. That country would then issue us a digital certificate to meet the E.U. requirements. But, at this point it’s too early to know exactly what the process will entail.
We do know that Europe is eager for tourists, so I wouldn’t expect the process to be a difficult one.
Make Your Reservations
A travel boom is coming, so be ready to make your plans!
A Travel Technology Association survey found that over 80% of Americans plan to travel this year. And, AirBnB CEO Brian Chesky said, “we think there’s going to be a travel rebound coming that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.” We at Finish Line Travel agree – everyone wants to get out and run a race and TRAVEL!
What can you do to be ready to travel once the borders open?
Keep an eye on flights – there have been some good deals popping up, so be ready to snatch that flight when the price is right.
Pay attention to cancelation policies – most airlines are offering free changes and free cancelations. But, don’t expect those terms to last past the New Year.
We runners are a big family. No matter how fast or slow we are, we are runners! A part of being in the running community is "The Wave." But, is the runner wave universal? Or, does the runner greeting differ around the world? As we run in Europe, we have come to notice some distinct trends, patterns or general etiquette of greeting your fellow runners when you're out there getting your sweat on. First of all, wherever back home in the U.S., big city or not, we find that runners tend to acknowledge each other with a nod, a quick wave or a brief "hi." Of course, this is a generalization, but you know what we mean. Of course, in big cities in any country there is always an element of anonymity, so you don't always acknowledge each other. Living in the mountains of Colorado, we don't have a lot of extra oxygen to expel when coming across a fellow runner, so we just give a quick little hand raise. Enter our travels...we read recently that the French do not smile at strangers (running or strolling) and that they find it odd when we Americans do so. They find it almost indicative of some sort of senility - that we think we know these people at whom we are smiling. We don't know if the French would agree with this. But, yes, the French culture is different than ours in the U.S. They are more to themselves, they're not going to mow you down with a big bear hug. So, when in Paris we've gotten used to not addressing anyone which was very weird at first, but then we adapted to their ways and thought nothing of it. But, at a race, it's a different story. The Parisian runners are
We runners are a big family. No matter how fast or slow we are, we are runners! A part of being in the running community is “The Wave.” But, is the runner wave universal? Or, does the runner greeting differ around the world?
As we run in Europe, we have come to notice some distinct trends, patterns or general etiquette of greeting your fellow runners when you’re out there getting your sweat on. First of all, wherever back home in the U.S., big city or not, we find that runners tend to acknowledge each other with a nod, a quick wave or a brief “hi.” Of course, this is a generalization, but you know what we mean. Of course, in big cities in any country there is always an element of anonymity, so you don’t always acknowledge each other. Living in the mountains of Colorado, we don’t have a lot of extra oxygen to expel when coming across a fellow runner, so we just give a quick little hand raise.
Enter our travels…we read recently that the French do not smile at strangers (running or strolling) and that they find it odd when we Americans do so. They find it almost indicative of some sort of senility – that we think we know these people at whom we are smiling. We don’t know if the French would agree with this. But, yes, the French culture is different than ours in the U.S. They are more to themselves, they’re not going to mow you down with a big bear hug. So, when in Paris we’ve gotten used to not addressing anyone which was very weird at first, but then we adapted to their ways and thought nothing of it. But, at a race, it’s a different story. The Parisian runners are full of smiles, high-fives and “Allez! Allez!” (Go! Go!)
Enter Belgium, where we forgot our manners and weren’t quick enough to respond when we got thenod. Yep, it’s thenod. It took passing a few more runners to get into the nod ourselves…those who we encountered earlier in our run probably thought we were rude, nope, just slow on the draw!
Fast forward to Switzerland…we got a mixed bag, but one super enthusiastic and terribly cute older gentleman who we came upon on a woodsy trail stands out. He was really chatting us up…in German. (We don’t speak German.) He was asking about one of our obvious injuries and trying to explain his. We commiserated with hand gestures and each then went on our way.
Even stateside, enjoying a run along the beach in SoCal, you get a “hang loose” hand gesture. Everyone’s got their thing!
And circling back to France, when in Brittany, running on a lovely path near a quaint little town complete with a cathedral (seriously, it could not have been more idyllic), we received an onslaught of “bonjours” complete with smiling faces. Who’s senile now? Well, so much for all of that business about the French. (You can read our rant on why the French aren’t rude here.) Perhaps, like in most places, it’s just a big city thing there in Paris. Enjoying all of the beauty of Paris while running is certainly “bonjour” enough. Enjoy all of the greetings (or lack thereof) along the way!
*We would like to make the disclaimer that generalizations are abundant in this post as we certainly did not cross paths with every runner of each country mentioned and hopefully no offense was taken by any smiley, wavey, chatty international runners (wink, wink).
We love the café scene in Paris. Sitting at a sidewalk café sipping a rosé and maybe enjoying a "croque" while watching the world go by - it's relaxing and exciting at the same time. But, there seems to be a million cafés to choose from. How do you know you are finding a good one, and not a tourist trap? Here are 3 quick tips: 1. Get away from the busy tourist spots. Sometimes we want to sit with a front-and-center view of the Eiffel Tower. But, just know that you are over-paying for that glass of wine, and the atmosphere & service may not be top-notch. So, when you find yourself on a busy square surrounded by tourist sights, walk around the corner, or just down the street. Or, better yet, find a quiet alley nearby. You will be sitting with the locals, rather than other tourists. The service will probably be better and prices will not be inflated. 2. Look for a busy spot. This may seem to go against tip #1, but if you can get away from the busy tourist area, and find a busy café that means that you found a good spot. If the locals are flocking there, you want to be there, too. It could be that the café has great happy hour specials, or it means the food, drinks & service are great. Either way, it's a win for you! Now, it can be a little uncomfortable -- you will probably feel like you are sitting on the lap of a Parisian. But, it will be worth the effort. 3. Sit outside, facing out. Many cafés have cute interiors, but when in Paris, sit outside. If it's cool, don your scarf and sit by a heater. If it's warm, find a
We love the café scene in Paris. Sitting at a sidewalk café sipping a rosé and maybe enjoying a “croque” while watching the world go by – it’s relaxing and exciting at the same time.
But, there seems to be a million cafés to choose from. How do you know you are finding a good one, and not a tourist trap? Here are 3 quick tips:
1. Get away from the busy tourist spots. Sometimes we want to sit with a front-and-center view of the Eiffel Tower. But, just know that you are over-paying for that glass of wine, and the atmosphere & service may not be top-notch.
So, when you find yourself on a busy square surrounded by tourist sights, walk around the corner, or just down the street. Or, better yet, find a quiet alley nearby. You will be sitting with the locals, rather than other tourists. The service will probably be better and prices will not be inflated.
2. Look for a busy spot. This may seem to go against tip #1, but if you can get away from the busy tourist area, and find a busy café that means that you found a good spot. If the locals are flocking there, you want to be there, too. It could be that the café has great happy hour specials, or it means the food, drinks & service are great. Either way, it’s a win for you!
Now, it can be a little uncomfortable — you will probably feel like you are sitting on the lap of a Parisian. But, it will be worth the effort.
3. Sit outside, facing out. Many cafés have cute interiors, but when in Paris, sit outside. If it’s cool, don your scarf and sit by a heater. If it’s warm, find a table under the awning, or just bask in the French sunshine! Outside is the place to be!
Our favorite cafés have all the chairs facing out to the street. Sometimes, you just can’t find that setup, but when you do, grab a spot! People-watching is a favorite Parisian pastime, so a table with both seats facing out means that everyone get’s to take part. Sit back and watch the action of Paris.
Please note: European (and, Parisian) restaurant etiquette and procedures are a little different than how it works in the U.S. Keep an eye out in the next week for our post on tips to make you seem like a local.
Have you tasted Swiss wine? If you answered "yes" then you must have visited Switzerland! Over 98% of the wine produced in Switzerland is consumed in Switzerland. The Swiss know how good it is, and they keep almost all of it to themselves. Your tour to the Swiss City Marathon will give you an opportunity to try it! After your scenic ride through the Alps from Lucerne to Lausanne (on the shores of Lake Geneva) you'll spend a day touring vineyards and wineries with our private guide. Switzerland produces some varieties you are probably familiar with, like Pinot Noir, but their most plentiful white is a relatively unknown grape - Chasselas. It is a dry white wine which pairs perfectly with, you guessed it, raclette and fondue. (You will be hearing all about raclette and our private, post-race raclette dinner in another post.) We are very excited to share this delicious little secret with you on your next running tour to Switzerland.
Have you tasted Swiss wine? If you answered “yes” then you must have visited Switzerland! Over 98% of the wine produced in Switzerland is consumed in Switzerland. The Swiss know how good it is, and they keep almost all of it to themselves.
Your tour to the Swiss City Marathon will give you an opportunity to try it! After your scenic ride through the Alps from Lucerne to Lausanne (on the shores of Lake Geneva) you’ll spend a day touring vineyards and wineries with our private guide.
Switzerland produces some varieties you are probably familiar with, like Pinot Noir, but their most plentiful white is a relatively unknown grape – Chasselas. It is a dry white wine which pairs perfectly with, you guessed it, raclette and fondue. (You will be hearing all about raclette and our private, post-race raclette dinner in another post.)
We are in Alsace, France right now, and we are enjoying the Crémant d'Alsace! What is "Crémant d'Alsace," you ask? We first need to start with a little wine education. Many people often use the word "Champagne" for any sparkling wine, but that is not correct! If you are a wine-geek, you already know this, but the word "Champagne" can only be used for sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France. So, you can get sparkling wine from California, Italy, Spain and from a bunch of wine regions in France -- almost anywhere in the world where wine is produced. But, it's only called "Champagne" when it comes from a certain small area of France. So, Crémant d'Alsace is the sparkling wine of Alsace -- the wine-producing region in Eastern France right along the German border. They make some great wines here - lots of Rieslings, Gewurztraminers and Pinot Blancs. But, they also make great sparkling wine. Crémant d'Alsace is generally a bit less expensive than Champagne, but the taste is outstanding. (The fancy name "Champagne" can often add a few bucks - or more - to your wine bill.) We love to drink local and our taste buds are thanking us for Crémant d'Alsace this week. (It's a scorcher and it sure is refreshing!) But, even between tours to Europe, we look for wines to remind us of our adventures - so, check your local wine shop for a Crémant d'Alsace and give it a try.
We are in Alsace, France right now, and we are enjoying the Crémant d’Alsace! What is “Crémant d’Alsace,” you ask?
We first need to start with a little wine education. Many people often use the word “Champagne” for any sparkling wine, but that is not correct! If you are a wine-geek, you already know this, but the word “Champagne” can only be used for sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France. So, you can get sparkling wine from California, Italy, Spain and from a bunch of wine regions in France — almost anywhere in the world where wine is produced. But, it’s only called “Champagne” when it comes from a certain small area of France.
So, Crémant d’Alsace is the sparkling wine of Alsace — the wine-producing region in Eastern France right along the German border. They make some great wines here – lots of Rieslings, Gewurztraminers and Pinot Blancs. But, they also make great sparkling wine. Crémant d’Alsace is generally a bit less expensive than Champagne, but the taste is outstanding. (The fancy name “Champagne” can often add a few bucks – or more – to your wine bill.)
We love to drink local and our taste buds are thanking us for Crémant d’Alsace this week. (It’s a scorcher and it sure is refreshing!) But, even between tours to Europe, we look for wines to remind us of our adventures – so, check your local wine shop for a Crémant d’Alsace and give it a try.
As we run over here in Europe, we have come to notice some distinct trends, patterns or general etiquette of greeting your fellow runners when you're out there getting your sweat on. First of all, wherever I am back home in the U.S., big city or not, I find that runners tend to acknowledge each other with a nod, a quick wave or a brief "hi." Of course, this is a generalization, but you know what I mean. Of course, in big cities in any country there is always an element of anonymity, so you don't always acknowledge each other. Living in the mountains of Colorado, I don't have a lot of extra oxygen to expel when coming across a fellow runner, so what I do is give a quick little hand raise. Enter our travels...I read recently that the French do not smile at strangers (running or strolling) and that they find it odd when we Americans do so. They find it almost indicative of some sort of senility - that we think we know these people at whom we are smiling. I don't know if the French would agree with this. But, yes, the French culture is different than ours in the U.S. They are more to themselves, they're not going to mow you down with a big bear hug. So, when in Paris I've gotten used to not addressing anyone which was very weird at first, but then I got in the zone and thought nothing of it. Until I got to Belgium, where I forgot my manners and wasn't quick enough to respond when I got the nod. Yep, it's the nod. It took me a few more runners to get into the nod...their predecessors probably thought I was rude, nope, just slow on the draw!
As we run over here in Europe, we have come to notice some distinct trends, patterns or general etiquette of greeting your fellow runners when you’re out there getting your sweat on. First of all, wherever I am back home in the U.S., big city or not, I find that runners tend to acknowledge each other with a nod, a quick wave or a brief “hi.” Of course, this is a generalization, but you know what I mean. Of course, in big cities in any country there is always an element of anonymity, so you don’t always acknowledge each other. Living in the mountains of Colorado, I don’t have a lot of extra oxygen to expel when coming across a fellow runner, so what I do is give a quick little hand raise.
Enter our travels…I read recently that the French do not smile at strangers (running or strolling) and that they find it odd when we Americans do so. They find it almost indicative of some sort of senility – that we think we know these people at whom we are smiling. I don’t know if the French would agree with this. But, yes, the French culture is different than ours in the U.S. They are more to themselves, they’re not going to mow you down with a big bear hug. So, when in Paris I’ve gotten used to not addressing anyone which was very weird at first, but then I got in the zone and thought nothing of it. Until I got to Belgium, where I forgot my manners and wasn’t quick enough to respond when I got thenod. Yep, it’s thenod. It took me a few more runners to get into the nod…their predecessors probably thought I was rude, nope, just slow on the draw!
Fast forward to Switzerland…I got a mixed bag, but one super enthusiastic and terribly cute older gentleman who I came upon on a woodsy trail stands out in my mind. He was really chatting me up…in German. When I said I spoke English he just pointed at my KT tape and at various parts of his body (which I took to be achy maybe??) and then he put his hands in a forward motion down the trail. My interpretation of this message was that while we might have some aches and pains, we carry on! (Regardless of age or country!)
And circling back to France, when in Brittany running on a lovely gravel path along the Rance river where I would soon come upon a quaint little town complete with a cathedral (seriously, it could not have been more idyllic), I received an onslaught of “bonjours” complete with smiling faces – who’s senile now? Well, so much for all of that business about the French. (You can read my rant on why the French aren’t rude here.) Perhaps, like in most places, it’s just a big city thing there in Paris. Enjoying all of the beauty of Paris while running though is certainly “bonjour” enough.
*We would like to make the disclaimer that generalizations are abundant in this post as we certainly did not cross paths with every runner of each country mentioned and hopefully no offense was taken by any smiley, wavey, chatty international runners (wink, wink).
I love Belgium! The people are friendly and it seems like everyone runs or cycles. On my morning runs I get lots waves, nods and "Goedemorgen!" ("Good morning!") Belgium isn't necessarily known for it's food, but it should be! Here are some of my favorite dishes: Stoofvlees (also known as Carbonade flamande / Vlaamse karbonade). Flemish stew is my favorite dish! It's stewed meat, cooked in beer and it has a slightly sweet-sour flavor. It's hearty and cozy, especially in the fall. Often, it's served with another of my favorites - Stoemp. Stoemp. This is such a simple dish, but so tasty! It's mashed potatoes mixed with a seasonal vegetable. Often it's carrots, leeks, peas, cabbage or spinach. Again, it's filling and warm for a cool fall night. Mussels / Moules-frites. If you are fan of mussels, you MUST get this in Belgium - it's the national dish! You'll likely have a few options on the menu of different flavors, but for me it's the traditional white wine with parsley & butter. Belgian fries / frites. I can't get enough of the frites! Whether it's with stoofvlees or mussels or just in a "cone" from a road-side stand, the fries are a must. And, NO KETCHUP! You have to try them with mayonnaise like the Belgians - so good! Croquettes (cheese or shrimp). I'm partial to the cheese (because I'm a cheese-aholic). Grab a Belgian beer and some croquettes - it's a perfect afternoon snack or happy hour appetizer. Crispy on the outside and hot, gooey, cheesy inside. YUM! Yes, I know I forgot chocolate! (Some of the best in the world is from Belgium.) But, my wife, Jessica, has a whole post about finding the best chocolate in Belgium. Stay tuned!
I love Belgium! The people are friendly and it seems like everyone runs or cycles. On my morning runs I get lots waves, nods and “Goedemorgen!” (“Good morning!”)
Belgium isn’t necessarily known for it’s food, but it should be! Here are some of my favorite dishes:
Stoofvlees (also known as Carbonade flamande / Vlaamse karbonade). Flemish stew is my favorite dish! It’s stewed meat, cooked in beer and it has a slightly sweet-sour flavor. It’s hearty and cozy, especially in the fall. Often, it’s served with another of my favorites – Stoemp.
Stoemp. This is such a simple dish, but so tasty! It’s mashed potatoes mixed with a seasonal vegetable. Often it’s carrots, leeks, peas, cabbage or spinach. Again, it’s filling and warm for a cool fall night.
Mussels / Moules-frites. If you are fan of mussels, you MUST get this in Belgium – it’s the national dish! You’ll likely have a few options on the menu of different flavors, but for me it’s the traditional white wine with parsley & butter.
Belgian fries / frites. I can’t get enough of the frites! Whether it’s with stoofvlees or mussels or just in a “cone” from a road-side stand, the fries are a must. And, NO KETCHUP! You have to try them with mayonnaise like the Belgians – so good!
Croquettes (cheese or shrimp). I’m partial to the cheese (because I’m a cheese-aholic). Grab a Belgian beer and some croquettes – it’s a perfect afternoon snack or happy hour appetizer. Crispy on the outside and hot, gooey, cheesy inside. YUM!
Yes, I know I forgot chocolate! (Some of the best in the world is from Belgium.) But, my wife, Jessica, has a whole post about finding the best chocolate in Belgium. Stay tuned!
There is so much to love about Belgium, and beer is at the top of the list! Our running tours to Belgium would not be complete without tasting a few (or, maybe a few cases) of the best beer in the world. Belgium has over 160 breweries and more than 1,100 beer brands. Some pubs in Belgium have over 400 beers available -- they break out the "Trapper-Keeper" when you ask for the beer list! I have had people tell me that they "don't like beer," and to me, that is like saying, "I don't like food." With over 700 taste profiles, you are bound to find a beer you love (and, maybe even some you don't!) Below, I'll give you a quick primer on Belgium beer. Some of the information is a bit "beer-geeky", but you'll need to join us on a tour to taste for yourself how amazing and unique some of these beers really are! (But, you don't need to be a Beer Geek to enjoy it!) The Beer Glass The Belgians take their beer very seriously. Each beer has it's own glass, which is meant to enhance and highlight the beer's particular qualities. The glass may be wide-mouthed, tall, or fluted, with or without a stem, tulip-shaped or straight - and, it will be branded with the name of beer you are drinking. If, for some reason, a bar doesn't have the correct glass available, they will ask you if another glass is acceptable, or if you would like to order a different beer -- that's how important the correct glass is! In Belgium, don't insist on ordering a "tap" beer. Many brewers "bottle condition" their beer (this means the final fermentation happens in the bottle) and other small producers (such as Westvleteren) package their beer
There is so much to love about Belgium, and beer is at the top of the list! Our running tours to Belgium would not be complete without tasting a few (or, maybe a few cases) of the best beer in the world. Belgium has over 160 breweries and more than 1,100 beer brands. Some pubs in Belgium have over 400 beers available — they break out the “Trapper-Keeper” when you ask for the beer list! I have had people tell me that they “don’t like beer,” and to me, that is like saying, “I don’t like food.” With over 700 taste profiles, you are bound to find a beer you love (and, maybe even some you don’t!)
Below, I’ll give you a quick primer on Belgium beer. Some of the information is a bit “beer-geeky”, but you’ll need to join us on a tour to taste for yourself how amazing and unique some of these beers really are! (But, you don’t need to be a Beer Geek to enjoy it!)
The Beer Glass
The Belgians take their beer very seriously. Each beer has it’s own glass, which is meant to enhance and highlight the beer’s particular qualities. The glass may be wide-mouthed, tall, or fluted, with or without a stem, tulip-shaped or straight – and, it will be branded with the name of beer you are drinking. If, for some reason, a bar doesn’t have the correct glass available, they will ask you if another glass is acceptable, or if you would like to order a different beer — that’s how important the correct glass is!
In Belgium, don’t insist on ordering a “tap” beer. Many brewers “bottle condition” their beer (this means the final fermentation happens in the bottle) and other small producers (such as Westvleteren) package their beer only in bottles.
What the heck does “Trappist” mean?
A Trappist brewery has a strict legal definition. This has nothing to do with the style of beer, but rather it is about who made the beer – Trappist monks. The designation “Trappist” on a beer label guarantees the following: the beer was produced at the monastery, monks manage the brewery and production, and the profits benefit the community and social services. Therefore, these monastery breweries are not out to maximize profits — the proceeds must only be for the monastery’s upkeep and the monks’ social services. (But, I think keeping our taste buds happy is a very worthy social service!)
The six Trappist breweries are: Westmalle, Chimay, Rochefort, Orval, Achel and Westvleteren. (You can also find two Trappist breweries in the Netherlands, and one each in Italy, Austria and the U.K., and even one in the U.S.A.)
An Abbey beer is similar to Trappist, but it does not have as strict of a definition. The beer may be produced at a monastery, but not a Trappist monastery (for example, it may be produced by Benedictine monks), the beer may be produced by a commercial brewery in partnership with a monastery, or it may even be a commercial brew branded with the name of a defunct abbey.
Belgian Beer Styles
There are no strict beer styles in Belgium – two beers may technically be the same “style,” but they may have completely different taste profiles. (So, be prepared to taste lots of different beers to find your favorite!) But, below are some general guidelines for the beers you will taste in Belgium.
Belgian White Ale (Witte / Witbier)
Brewed with wheat, this beer has a unfiltered, hazy and very pale color – giving it it’s “white” name. It is often brewed with orange peel and spices. It’s a great beer for a warm summer day. (Alcohol – 4.5% – 5.5%)
Dubbel
The name is said to originate from the beer requiring twice as much grain as a “regular” beer. This style has been brewed by monks and secular breweries for centuries. Dubbels are typically dark brown in color and it’s flavors are malt-driven — dried fruit, chocolate-caramel with very little (or no) hop bitterness. (Alcohol – 6% – 8%)
Tripel
As with the Dubbel, the Tripel required three times the grain of a “regular” beer. Even though the Tripel is higher in alcohol than the Dubbel, it is much lighter in color (a yellowish, golden color versus the dark red or brown of the Dubbel). The flavors will be spicy with bright fruit with tons of carbonation. The alcohol is often not very detectable in the flavor, so be careful with this one! (Alcohol 7.5% – 10%)
Strong Blond Ale
This beer is similar to a Tripel, but it is a little less sweet and more bitter. It will have some fruity and spicy flavors and dry finish. This is what most people think of when they think “Belgian beer.” The name is often a give-away for this style — Duvel (meaning “Devil” in Flemmish), “Lucifer” or “Delerium Tremens.” (Alcohol – 7.5% – 10.5%)
Strong Dark Ale
A Belgian strong blond ale may be a close cousin to a tripel but a Belgian strong dark ale is not closely related to a dubbel. One important distinction is that the strong dark ale often uses roasted malt, which achieves a darker color and more toasty flavor than a dubbel. The flavors are rich, sweet, bready, and caramel-like with dark fruit notes like prunes, plums or fig. This style includes the Westvleteren 12 which many beer connoisseurs describe as the best beer in the world. (Alcohol – 8% – 12%)
Sour Beers
Sour beers could be a complete article by themselves! Sours are made with spontaneous fermentation – the beer vats are left open to wild yeasts in the air. This produces unique flavors and sometimes very sour flavors. There are a couple different sub-types: Flanders Red and Brown Ale are generally aged in oak barrels where the microorganisms help to create the sour, almost vinegary flavors. Lambics, Geuze, Oud Bruin & fruit beers – these use open fermentation and are mostly brewed near Brussels. These can range from sour to mild and are often blended to achieve a balanced flavor. The fruit lambic beers are blended with strawberry (Framboise), cherry (Kriek) or other fruits. The fruit lambics can be sweet or slightly sour — some people compare them to a dry champagne. (Alcohol – 5% – 7%)
Warning!
Most of the Beglian beers have a relatively high alcohol content. Be mindful of this and make sure you don’t over-indulge! Those cute cobblestone alleys can get a bit tricky after a few 10% beers!
Taste for Yourself!
We will be tasting many Belgian beers on our Great Breweries Marathon & 25k Tour and the Great Bruges Marathon & Half Tour. You’ll get to see our favorite pubs in both Antwerp and Bruges, plus there will be ample time for you to explore bars & breweries, and, finally, we will head out to the countryside to visit the Westvleteren Trappist Abbey tasting room where you get taste the famous Westvleteren 12. Cheers!
Back in 2005, Anthony Bourdain's first episode of "No Reservations" was entitled "Why the French Don't Suck." (You can watch the late, great chef & TV personality here.) Anthony's first episode was a little strange at times, but we connected with his love of travel, his passion for food & drink, and his dark sense of humor. And, we 100% agree that the French don't suck! The French Aren't Rude This is the first thing we hear from Americans who have traveled to France, or who are contemplating it. But, it is a myth! First, we need to pause and realize that the American culture & French culture are very different. Things that we accept as the norm (like free public toilets, a waiter checking on our table every five minutes, smiling at strangers) are strange to the French. So, the #1 thing to do when you think someone is being rude to you in France (or, any foreign country for that matter), is to pause and ask yourself if you are expecting something to be exactly the same as home. A couple quick tips: It would be rude for a waiter or waitress to interrupt your meal every five minutes asking you if everything is ok. You can sit at that dinner table all night nursing a coffee or a glass of wine. The wait-person will not bring your bill to get you to move along. Just give him or her a wave when you want your bill. If you are at a very busy restaurant in a touristy area, your server will be busy - curt service is expected. (And, in these touristy areas you may actually find some rude people - that's why we frequent establishments with a more "local" vibe.) Politeness begets politeness. The French
Back in 2005, Anthony Bourdain’s first episode of “No Reservations” was entitled “Why the French Don’t Suck.” (You can watch the late, great chef & TV personality here.) Anthony’s first episode was a little strange at times, but we connected with his love of travel, his passion for food & drink, and his dark sense of humor. And, we 100% agree that the French don’t suck!
The French Aren’t Rude
This is the first thing we hear from Americans who have traveled to France, or who are contemplating it. But, it is a myth!
First, we need to pause and realize that the American culture & French culture are very different. Things that we accept as the norm (like free public toilets, a waiter checking on our table every five minutes, smiling at strangers) are strange to the French. So, the #1 thing to do when you think someone is being rude to you in France (or, any foreign country for that matter), is to pause and ask yourself if you are expecting something to be exactly the same as home.
A couple quick tips:
It would be rude for a waiter or waitress to interrupt your meal every five minutes asking you if everything is ok.
You can sit at that dinner table all night nursing a coffee or a glass of wine. The wait-person will not bring your bill to get you to move along. Just give him or her a wave when you want your bill.
If you are at a very busy restaurant in a touristy area, your server will be busy – curt service is expected. (And, in these touristy areas you may actually find some rude people – that’s why we frequent establishments with a more “local” vibe.)
Politeness begets politeness. The French always greet each other – when entering a shop or café, say “Bonjour” and when you leave, pause for a second and say, “Merci” – even if you are saying it into the void of a busy establishment – someone will respond back and appreciate your politeness, as it is expected in French culture.
Not everyone speaks English. And, even if they do, they may not speak English to you. Our French friends have told us that this is another part of French culture – self-consciousness. If they don’t feel that they can present perfect English to you, they will stick with speaking French. They are NOT being rude! They are just as nervous to try and speak English as you are to try to say something in French! (By the way, all of our guides, drivers, hotel personnel & recommended restaurants speak English! And we speak a little French ourselves.) However, the French are extremely tolerant of your attempts to speak French and extremely appreciative as well. We’ve been able to get a smile from strangers just from our attempts to go beyond what is expected and to actually speak French!
We have had some great experiences that completely dispel the myth of rude French – random people stopping in Paris and asking if we need help finding our way… Waiters speaking very slowly to us so we can practice our French… and, so many more.
The French Food & Wine is the Best
That first episode of “No Reservations” is a great introduction to French food & wine. The French take their food and wine very seriously. Can you say “non-pasteurized cheese?” Can’t get that in the US! How many cheeses are there in France? There’s an old saying that there are as many cheeses as there are days in the year, but, truth be told, there are so many more. We like cheese in this house, so we want to be anywhere that loves cheese that much!
Wine…need we say more? French wine is amazing and our favorite. Whether it’s a First Growth red or a house glass of rosé at a café, enjoying French wine is always delightful and a voyage for your senses.
Pastries, that’s what Jess goes for. She always brings money with her on her morning runs, so she can head straight to her favorite patisserie. The options are astounding and range from basic and delicious to elegant and mind blowing. And the baguette…any place that has reverence for something as simple as the baguette, we want to be there. Did you know that French law states that traditional baguettes have to be made on the premises they’re sold and can only be made with four ingredients: wheat flour, water, salt and yeast. They can’t be frozen at any stage or contain additives or preservatives, which also means they go stale within 24 hours. As if they’d last 24 hours in our hands!
There is so much more to French food: steak frites, boeuf bourguignon, croque monsieur, the list goes on, but you get the idea. You’re going to want to eat when you’re in France!
The French Have Life Figured Out
We Americans are always “go! go! go!” And, when we only have a limited amount of time for a European vacation, we definitely want to see all the sights. But, don’t miss out on the relaxation. Be like the French and sit for hours at a sidewalk café with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and watch the world pass by. Or, stroll leisurely along the Seine (and, maybe stop for a glass of rosé at a riverside bar.) Linger for a few of hours over a four-course dinner — and, finish it off with an espresso, like the French always do. Then follow up dinner by window shopping and taking in the Eiffel Tower twinkling on your way back to your hotel. Take your time & see the real France.
We are so excited about our D-Day Landings Marathon & Half Tour (plus Paris!) and we are can't wait for you to experience it with us. (June 14 – 21, 2019 or June 14 – 23, 2019 - click here to learn more.) We’ll cut straight to the chase - we love France! I mean, really love it, and we love this race. And, we know that you will love this tour. Whether you’ve been to France before or it’s your first time, this will be an experience that will always stay with you. Normandy is beyond amazing. Not only will you see the beauty and hear about the history, but you will feel so much more. You will feel how much the French appreciate the sacrifices that American men and women made in the fight for freedom. You will feel what it must have been like to live or fight in this place during that time as your guide transports you back to 1944. The race just adds to this experience by running through the French countryside with so many villagers cheering you on with “Allez!” and “Bravo!” Not to mention being able to start on Pegasus Bridge for the half marathon – the first bridge liberated by the Allies or running along the beaches for the full marathon. The cobblestone streets then lead you to the finish line to a roaring and enthusiastic crowd and French-inspired post-race snacks and Normandy delights. Speaking of delights, in addition to igniting all of these senses, you will certainly ignite your sense of taste! Normandy, known for butter, Camembert, cider and Calvados, will have you reaping the rewards of your run. And moving on to Paris, you will, of course, enjoy the rest of what France has to offer with wine, more cheese, and
We’ll cut straight to the chase – we love France! I mean, really love it, and we love this race. And, we know that you will love this tour. Whether you’ve been to France before or it’s your first time, this will be an experience that will always stay with you.
Normandy is beyond amazing. Not only will you see the beauty and hear about the history, but you will feel so much more. You will feel how much the French appreciate the sacrifices that American men and women made in the fight for freedom. You will feel what it must have been like to live or fight in this place during that time as your guide transports you back to 1944.
The race just adds to this experience by running through the French countryside with so many villagers cheering you on with “Allez!” and “Bravo!” Not to mention being able to start on Pegasus Bridge for the half marathon – the first bridge liberated by the Allies or running along the beaches for the full marathon. The cobblestone streets then lead you to the finish line to a roaring and enthusiastic crowd and French-inspired post-race snacks and Normandy delights.
Speaking of delights, in addition to igniting all of these senses, you will certainly ignite your sense of taste! Normandy, known for butter, Camembert, cider and Calvados, will have you reaping the rewards of your run. And moving on to Paris, you will, of course, enjoy the rest of what France has to offer with wine, more cheese, and pastries that are almost as religious of an experience as visiting Notre Dame.
And your time in Paris will not only offer you all the tourist things you’ve always wanted to see, but private experiences that you haven’t even considered. You will experience the capital city on a personal level with your local guide, eat at friendly, quaint restaurants and get to know what Paris is below the surface and beyond just a big city.
Questions? We’d love to answer all of them. Feel free to call or message us. Call Jessica at 970-445-0968 or Dan at 970-368-2326.
Check out the itinerary of this tour and get the specifics of all of the amazing experiences you will have. Or, watch our video chat about the D-Day Marathon & Half Tour (plus Paris).
