Adventures of Humphrey

September 16, 2025

** My Big Adventure – Day 18: Ghent to Veurne to Calais**

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Sofa Dreams & Breakfast Schemes

Last night I had the best sleep ever—on the *sofa throne*. I stretched, I snored, I conquered. This morning I woke up fresh and full of mischief, ready for my final day of adventure in the city. The hoomans packed up (with my supervision, of course) and carted all *my* belongings to the car. We headed out for breakfast but, surprise surprise, Ghent is not very dog friendly, so we had to sit outside again. At least the rain took a day off.

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Dog Park Bonanza

Then Dad said the magic words: *dog park*. I went full turbo. After a 30-minute walk out of the city (worth every pawstep), we reached it. Disaster almost struck—workmen were inside! I thought, “That’s it, holiday ruined.” But then they let us use the bit by the lake. Respect to those workmen. The lake even had ramps for dogs to swim, but after my near-death water experience earlier in the trip, no thanks. I stuck to fetch, my true calling. Just when I thought life couldn’t get better… they took me to a *second* dog park. Two in one day! I don’t know how I’ve trained these hoomans so well, but it’s clearly working. Doggy heaven achieved.

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Drama in the Streets

On the way back, Mum stopped for Belgian chocolates (none for me—rude). Then BAM! Out of nowhere, a crazy shaggy-haired Belgian rat-dog lunged at me, teeth flashing like a monster. Snapping, snarling, chaos everywhere. The owner practically had to rugby tackle it to the ground. I was shaken, but intact (yes, I checked all my paws were still attached). Honestly, Belgium, muzzle your nutty dogs! Thankfully, the hoomans gave me *lots* of sympathy over lunch, as they should.

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Veurne Vibes & French Finish Line

We escaped Ghent and stopped in a small Belgian town called Veurne. Now *that’s* more my style—quiet streets, big square, and friendly locals admiring me as they should. After a rest and a café stop (coffee again, obviously), we headed on to Calais for our last night. The hotel had a “dog weight limit” but the man at reception said I was okay (probably charmed by my face). The room was tiny, but we

all squished in. For dinner, we hit the Buffalo Grill. I got a booth seat where I could people-watch and snooze in comfort. Not bad for my final supper.

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Grand Reflections from a Well-Travelled Doggo

And now here I am, tucked up on my last night of *My Big Adventure.* Tomorrow we leave at 5am (the spare hooman will be grumpy—it’s her thing). Then a long boring drive through England with car charges and no excitement. But before I close my eyes, let me reflect:

* **France**: Full of Pretty towns, croissants I never got to taste. Very dog friendly!
* **Switzerland**: Cable cars, cows, friendly hoomans (I was a big deal there). Snow capped mountains and incredible hikes. A dogs dream holiday location.
* **Germany**: Forests, beers (for them), rude poodles (for me). Wolves and bears. Near-death lake swims, evil fences. 10/10 for drama. Awesome hikes.
* **Luxembourg**: Cities—terrible. Countryside—doggy paradise!
* **Belgium**: Two words: sofa heaven. Also: crazy doggos. Some parts not dog friendly, other parts very friendly. Mixed review.
* **Overall**: Fetch, fields, forests, mountains, sofas, snacks. A solid adventure.

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Best & Worst Bits

**Best Part:** Double dog park day = legendary.
**Worst Part:** Being ambushed by that deranged Belgian doggo.