Three Friends, Four Decades, and One Belgian Reunion with Thrillophilia

This is a story, a story of Shailja and her two most amazing friends who have been with each other through thick and thin. This is a story of how a place called them back into its arms like the way it did some 30 years back; a story of how they relived their young, care-free days on the same streets that reminded them that some bonds truly stand the test of time and emerge victoriously.

Shailja looked out of the airplane window, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. It had been 32 years since she last traveled to Belgium, and yet, the memories felt as vivid as yesterday. Back then, it was a carefree bachelorette trip, filled with laughter, adventure, and the kind of joy only three best friends could share. Now, at 60, retired and free from the daily grind, Shailja was on her way back- with the same two friends, Kavita and Mira.

This wasn’t just a trip; it was a celebration of friendship, of enduring bonds that had weathered the storms of life. “Let’s relive our old days, ladies,” Shailja said as the plane landed in Brussels. The three women exchanged knowing smiles, already brimming with excitement for what lay ahead.

Day 1: Brussels – Then and Now

The bustling heart of Brussels greeted them with a mix of familiarity and change. The trio had started their first Belgian adventure decades ago at Grand Place, and it was obvious they would do so again. The gilded facades of the 17th-century buildings still gleamed, but there were new cafes and modern touches that Shailja couldn’t help but notice.

They revisited Maison Dandoy, where they had indulged in waffles all those years ago. Shailja ordered her favorite- crispy waffles topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. “Still as delicious,” she murmured between bites. The café had modernized, but the flavors remained nostalgic.

Later, they admired the Manneken Pis, the mischievous little statue that had made them giggle endlessly on their first trip. Kavita recalled how they had tried to mimic its pose back then, earning glances from passersby. Now, they posed beside it again, this time with gray hair and wiser smiles, but the same youthful spark in their eyes.

Day 2: Bruges – The Fairy Tale Remains

Bruges had been their favorite stop during the bachelorette trip, and as their train pulled into the station, Shailja felt a wave of déjà vu. The medieval charm of this canal-lined city had barely changed, its cobbled streets and quaint houses as enchanting as ever.

Their first stop was the Belfry of Bruges. Thirty-two years ago, they had climbed all 366 steps, laughing their way to the top. “Do you think we can still make it?” Shailja asked.

“Challenge accepted,” Kavita replied, determination in her voice. They climbed slowly this time, pausing to catch their breath and admire the view. When they reached the top, the panoramic sight of Bruges’ rooftops and canals left them speechless.

Next, they hopped on a canal cruise, just as they had decades ago. The boat glided under arched stone bridges, past swans drifting lazily on the water. Back then, they had waved and blown kisses to strangers on passing boats. Now, they waved again, laughing as if no time had passed.

The day ended with Belgian chocolate from The Old Chocolate House, a shop they had stumbled upon years ago. The rich, velvety hot chocolate warmed their spirits, and Shailja declared, “This trip is already sweeter than I imagined.”

Day 3: Ghent – A Walk Through Time

Ghent had been the hidden gem of their first trip, and returning felt like opening a time capsule. The trio walked along the Graslei, the historic quay lined with stunning old guildhalls. Mira pointed out a café where they had once sat, sharing stories about the future they dreamed of.

They visited St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece. The masterpiece looked as magnificent as they remembered, though the museum’s interactive displays were a new addition. Mira, ever the art enthusiast, marveled at how technology now brought the story of the painting to life.

Dinner that night was a feast of Flemish specialties, including waterzooi and Stoofvlees. Over wine, they reminisced about the misadventures of their first trip- getting lost, attempting to speak French, and the time Kavita accidentally ordered snails instead of soup.

Day 4: Antwerp – Diamonds and Dreams

Their final destination was Antwerp, a city of diamonds and dreams. Shailja had insisted on revisiting Antwerp Central Station, a grand architectural marvel that had left them awestruck on their first visit. Standing in the same spot, Shailja felt the same sense of wonder, as if time had folded in on itself.

At Grote Markt, they admired the ornate guildhalls and posed by the Brabo Fountain. Kavita recounted how they had spent hours here before, sipping coffee and watching people. “Let’s do it again,” she said, leading them to a nearby café.

The highlight of Antwerp was the Diamond District. Decades ago, they had window-shopped, dreaming about the sparkling jewels. This time, Shailja surprised her friends by buying matching diamond pendants for all three of them. “For the diamonds of my life,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

A Celebration of Then and Now

Their final night was spent in Brussels, where they raised a toast at a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Shailja began, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat, “To 32 years of friendship, to all the laughter and the tears, and to the fact that we’re still here, still together.”

Kavita and Mira clinked their glasses with hers, their eyes heavy. They talked late into the night, sharing stories of their lives- children, careers, losses, and victories. But more than that, they talked about the memories they had created, both then and now.

As their plane took off, Shailja looked out of the window at Belgium fading into the distance. The trip had been more than a nostalgic journey; it had been a reminder of the timeless bonds they shared. Life had changed them in many ways, but their friendship remained steadfast, unaltered by time or circumstance.

For Shailja, Kavita, and Mira, Belgium was no longer just a place on a map- it was a treasure chest of memories, old and new, that they would carry with them to their graves.

Read more: Thrillophilia Belgium Reviews