As I mentioned the earlier article we had no reservations for some of the whole second week of our trip. As afternoon turned to evening and we were getting farther into the Belgium mountain area I began to worry. I think the plan was to drive to Bastogne but we were slowed a little at border control and by our 4-cylinders.
I suggest that we start looking for a place but as we head into the hills there are less towns and population. I see a sign for “Spa” and that seems like a good name for a tourist town but the roads and very windy and its hard to navigate or get our bearings since its getting darker. I remember we stopped at a station and asked for some suggestions. I remember a guy in a Mercedes recommends a hotel that has a nice fish restaurant outside of the town of Aywaille. I tell him I have a map but I really cannot see anything in the light and he says to follow him and he will take us close to the turn off for the town. I follow his taillights for awhile through some twisty, winding roads and then the sign for Aywaille leads us off to the right.
We feel like we are lost as its getting late and its somewhat mountainous woodsy territory, but we finally get into the Aywaille area the hotel that was recommended is right at the edge of town and is called something “Roses”. Its a very quaint hotel and has an attached small restaurant and bar area. I pull into the parking lot and head into the lobby to negotiate for some rooms. John has been enjoying some Cabernet during the long road trip and saddles up to the hotel bar area. I can feel the hotel manager’s attitude shift as he scans us over more carefully.
Manager - “I am sorry sir but we are fully booked and do not have any rooms this evening”
Me - “Now we’ve traveled a long way and my father is an elderly man. Is there anything you can do to help us out? “ (I am playing up the old man card but I knew my Dad could kick-my-arse even though he was turning 70).
Manager - “I am sorry but are all out of rooms and you will have to leave the bar area as well since we are closing”. (Ok great they don’t like us at all its obvious from his mannerisms. No room at the Inn)”
Me - “Please, is there anything in town or nearby that you can recommend or something we could try out given the late hour?”
Manager - “There is a house at the edge of town up the road that sometimes lets rooms I can give you the address”.
We are running out of options and its getting late we need to try this out. I thank him and leave but I am expecting a barn with donkeys at the address he gave me.
Might this be the bar that rejected some poor weary travelers? Its O.K. we got something better.
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