I just hopped a Eurostar train to Amsterdam. It is a very efficient and comfortable way to travel. I would compare it to a short distance flight with two seats on each side of the aisle. We will be covering about 200 miles in less than 2 hours and the cost was $37. My Uber from Windsor to London was over $100. And can I also complain for a moment? The exchange rate here is absolutely absurd. $200 American Dollars got me 130 pounds. Now I need to convert again to the Euro. I had a Starbucks at the Brussels Midi Station and it was 8 Euros, which is about $9.25. I had a cheeseburger and a fountain drink in Windsor and it was 17 pounds, which is about $22.50!

So, the title of this post is about the value of staying engaged through an entire round. As most golfers will confirm, the game tends to always reward you enough to bring you back. If my trip to Brussels was a round of golf, I birdied the last four holes despite getting off to a very uncomfortable start. A quick summary:

Birdie #1: I found the Grand Place, which was absolutely spectacular. It features a cobblestone square surrounded by ornate architecture on all sides. The centerpiece is the church with a chapel that must date back over 500 years.

Birdie #2: My Gourmet Waffle and Latte. Found an outside table overlooking the square. I have never eaten so slowly, and I ‘m sure the server was annoyed. But hey, “Je ne parle pas francais,” (shoulder shrug emoji goes here).

Birdie #3: Fresh Belgium Chocolates were also located in the square. I got a tube of mystery pieces and a large bar with almonds. I don’t know if it really tastes better or if you talk yourself into it because you are in Brussels, but the chocolate is legit. I am managing to “dine” on them as opposed to guzzling them like I normally would. Self awareness at work!

Birdie #4: Checkout was at noon, which left time for a one hour nap before I had to give up my room. This was an unexpected bonus birdie, and the equivalent of canning a bunker shot on #18 (sorry Guido).

No promises on a blog tomorrow because I hear there is some good trouble to get into in Amsterdam. I plan on finding some “Magic” tomorrow on my birthday, August 30th, 1968. As in a “Magic Muffin” that was recommended to me by someone who will remain nameless. My sources will always remain anonymous!