Chapter 53

Jeff and Rachel’s visit to Belgium (part 1).

The second week of January was coming to an end and on Friday the 15^th, Jeff and Rachel would arrive for their one-week visit to Belgium before moving on to Italy. There they intended to stay for two weeks and visit Gina and Victoria, hoping, I’m sure, the weather would be nicer than winter in Belgium. Thursday evening Grace called to remind me we had agreed to pick up our American friends at Brussels airport.

“Hello Lew, you haven’t forgotten I hope.”

“No Grace I haven’t forgotten, tomorrow at 10:30 we need to pick up Jeff and Rachel at the airport.

“OK, great, just wanted to make sure.”

“Don’t you worry, I’ll pick you up at 9:00 so we’ll be well on time at the airport. The trunk of my car will be empty so there will be ample space to put their luggage in.”

“Just making sure.”

“Yes dear, I may be 60 now but I’m not senile yet, otherwise I would no longer be able to give you those great orgasms you request so regularly.”

“‘Orgasms I request’, you’re always the one that wants to play, I’m just a poor single mum pining away, yearning for some company.”

“Oh dear, you really bring me to tears, if you keep this up I’ll end up believing you, you hussy.”

“A Hussy, me? I’m virtue itself, you are the one always ravishing me, taking me on a big ship, like a pirate, and keeping me prisoner on board while having your wicked ways with me every night and sometimes even during the day.”

“As if you don’t like it, you’re even already dreaming about being DP’d by our visitor and myself during the coming week.”

“Oh you wicked man, you wouldn’t begrudge me that pleasure now would you?”

“Absolutely not! I’ll even take you to my cellar and put you on display in front of all the members and have you flogged.”

“Will you? Please, Master Lew?”

“You would like that now wouldn’t you?”

“Have you talked to Tanja about our visit?”

“Yes I have and she even made sure that Jack will be there as well, he’s really looking forward to getting his ropes wrapped around an American girl, especially after he heard from me what she looks like.”

“Excellent I can’t wait to go there, when did you plan it?”

“I thought to build it up during the week and go to the club just before the last night of their visit here, so they still have a night and a day to recover before going to Rome.”

“Good thinking, we can needle them all week so that they’re over-anxious to go to the club.”

“OK, try to get some sleep, everything will run smoothly, so see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, see you tomorrow, sleep tight, don’t lett the ... well you know the rest.”

On the fifteenth, I was up at 7 as usual, did my morning rituals in the bathroom, took extra care of all the body parts that needed to be shaved, and treated myself to a nice breakfast including all the trimmings. I got in the car at 8:50 and stopped in front of Grace’s door at 9 o’clock precisely. She was already waiting for me.

“Oh, you’re here, finally,” she said nervously.

“Yes, dear. As agreed at 9 o’clock, remember.”

“Yeah, yeah I know, let’s go.”

“What in heaven’s name are you so nervous about? It’s only Jeff and Rachel, not the Pope visiting. They may go see him when they’re in Rome but now they’re just our friends from America arriving.”

“I know, I know, but I’ve got a lot riding on this visit, I need to convince them that I can offer them a similar deal for their American customers wanting to visit Europe. And I don’t have nice villas like Gina and Victoria on the Italian coast.”

“Probably not, but I guess you have something?”

“Yes, I’ve acquired a property in Antwerp in the Cogels-Osylei, known for all its beautiful belle époque houses and I have an option on a property in downtown Bruges, but I’m not sure they will like it.”

“Stop worrying, what’s not to like about the houses in the Cogels-Osylei they’re unique and world-famous, I’m surprised you were able to buy one of them. That must have set you back a serious amount of money?”

“I can’t complain, I had the good fortune to stumble on a wealthy couple who were involved in a divorce fight, and the property needed to be sold fast, so I was able to negotiate a good price. I even had enough budget left to turn it into two sizeable apartments thanks to a clever architect and an interior decorator. Both apartments have all the mod-cons, enough beds, and bathrooms, and are nicely furnished.”

“Before you know it, Jeff will have found a rich American couple to rent it. And as for Bruges, that’s the place all Americans want to visit, so even if you put them in a dump they’ll love it. You should have seen where I ended up in New Orleans when I visited last and went for historical rentals.”

“Did you rent a historic building in New Orleans?”

“Yes I did, and historic it was. Initially, I was supposed to stay in the slave quarters in the backyard, but when I arrived it turned out they were heavily infested with termites and not safe to stay in anymore, so they put me in the cannonball house in front. I don’t really know what was historic about it aside from the dust everywhere. Under the bed, there were at least a couple of inches, but in the end, it was great fun as it was really right smack in the historical part of town I could just walk everywhere, even to Preservation Hall which I liked very much.”

“What’s Preservation Hall?”

“You don’t know? Don’t be deceived by the name, it’s a very old building with a bit larger front room which I would never refer to as a hall so when everyone was inside, it was jam-packed. But they have this band playing there with musicians well in their eighties and nineties, mostly African Americans, and the music they play is just divine, it is the epitome of jazz. People queue outside more than an hour before it opens the few evenings they play. You pay a minimal fee, so the place is filled to the brim and steaming hot, but the atmosphere is incredible.”

“I guess next time I want to go to the States I’ll have to take you with me again so you can be my tour guide.”

“Only tour guide?”

“No, you can also be my toy boy.”

“And how much is madam willing to pay for my unique services?”

“I’ll pay you in kind and act as your personal sex slave.”

“You’ve got a deal. Shall we book a flight when we get to the airport and just go?”

“You wish.”

“Oh no there is this American couple we’re supposed to pick up isn’t there?”

“Yes, and you can act as a tour guide in good old Belgium for them for a few days.”

“Oh, that’s what we’ll be doing, sightseeing.”

“Yes, and eating and drinking, Jeff wants to try as many beers as possible.”

“I’d better watch him then, else he might end up with a chronic hangover.”

“Yeah, better keep him away from the really strong ones.”

“And what does Rache want to taste?”

“Oh she’s been raving, in her e-mails, about the different types of jenever (Geneva, Hollands, genever, genièvre, peket, Dutch gin) we have and she wants to taste as many pastries as she can.”

“I hope she has planned some shopping as well then.”

“Why?”

“She could put on some weight doing all that and no longer fit in her clothes.”

“You may well have a point there, so I’d better keep an eye on her as well.”

Before we knew it we had arrived at the airport, and I was busy looking for a spot in one of the car parks. From there it was just a short walk to the terminal’s arrival area. As usual, it was very busy, with lots of people waiting for family or friends to arrive. Some with banners, some with flowers, and some who just nervously hopped from one foot to the other. Jeff and Rachel’s flight had landed just before we arrived.

It would still take them a while to appear, having to go through border control, pick up their luggage and go through customs. We waited patiently and after about 45 minutes we saw the first passengers from the US flight come through the doors. The first ones out are usually business people traveling light with just hand luggage. I used to do the same when I was traveling for work. Sometimes you can save half an hour or more not having to wait for your luggage to arrive on the belt.

Finally, they emerged, looking around for us. When they saw us, big smiles appeared on their faces. Once past the barrier kisses and hugs were exchanged between Grace, Rachel, Jeff, and myself, but just backslaps between Jeff and me to maintain our image, as neither of us wanted to appear as rooting for the other side. We took them to the car and drove out, paying the parking fee at the exit. Luckily it was Friday in the middle of the day, traffic was flowing reasonably well on the highway between Brussels and Antwerp. Sometimes during the week and especially at peak times, it could be horrendous but we made good time, arriving around noon at Grace’s place where they would be staying.

They loved Grace’s house but were a bit disappointed she didn’t have a playroom. We assured them we had a booking at the club in the cellar of my studio which would blow them off their socks. When Nancy showed up with baby Amelia, Rachel went all motherly cooing at the baby. She didn’t have to think twice when Nancy suggested she hold the happy bundle. Amelia was on her best behavior smiling and making happy baby noises, but also busy looking around for food, trying to grab one of Rachel’s boobs. That made Rachel laugh and Nancy embarrassed, but in the end, we all agreed that Rachel looked great holding the baby, teasing her about when she would finally decide to have one of her own.

There was nothing special planned for that afternoon and evening letting them recover a little from their jet lag, so I took my leave. I agreed to come back in the evening to have a meal together and discuss the sightseeing tours we had planned for them for their week’s stay.

Grace took them to their room where they unpacked and took a rest. At six-thirty, not having heard anything from them, Grace got a little worried and went to their room and knocked on the door. Nothing, no reaction. When she knocked again, still nothing, now Grace became really worried and opened the door to peek in. Jeff and Rachel were on the bed, fast asleep in each other’s arms under the sheet, she beckoned me to have a look. After another knock on the inside of the door, she saw Jeff open one eye looking sleepily at her.

“Oh did we fall asleep?” He asked while Rachel opened her eyes as well, blinking, and stretching her arms above her head, now also waking up.

“Yes, you did, but that’s understandable with the time difference and the travel.”

“I’m so sorry Grace we’ll get up right away.”

Rachel jumped out of bed, starkers. Contrary to what I hoped for her pubic hair was still dyed blonde to match the curls on her head. God, she looked even better than I remembered from our visit last year. I was sure that Tanja and Jack would have a ball when we visited the club with them later this week. I could hardly wait to be able to play with her again and with a bit of luck, who knows I might not have to wait that long.

“Take your time, but to get your internal clock accustomed to the time change as fast as possible I suggest getting up so we can have a bite to eat.”

“Sounds good, are we going out somewhere?”

“No, I thought it might be better if we stay in and eat here and then just relax, I prepared a little something, nothing special just a popular local dish.”

“Oh, and what might that be?” Rachel asked very interestedly.

“It’s chicory, or as we call it locally witloof, wrapped in ham covered with a cheesy bechamel sauce and baked in the oven, accompanied by mashed potatoes also in the oven, and also with a nice cheesy crust.”

“Mmmmhmmm sounds delicious, I can’t wait to taste it - for our stomachs, it’s about lunchtime now.”

“It’s a pity though you’re not here in May or June, we could have served you our white gold.”

“White gold, what would that be?”

“That’s how we refer to our white spears.”

“Oh God no, I don’t like them at all, we tried it once when a Belgian couple who visited us were raving about it. I cooked them for hours and they were still hard, totally inedible.”

“Did you peel them?”

“Peel them? No, they didn’t mention they needed peeling, we never peel asparagus.”

“That’s your problem, white asparagus, unlike the green variety which is more common in the States, needs to be peeled like carrots. If you don’t do that, yes you can cook them even for days and they will still be inedible. If you want to serve them Flemish style; you need to cook them in a special narrow pot with a wire mesh basket where you can stand them, heads upward. The water should not cover the heads so that part cooks by steam only. After about 45 minutes, they’ll be tender, then you lay them on a plate, cover them with finely chopped hard-boiled egg and melted butter, and serve with a few boiled potatoes. Believe me, it’s delicious. You’ll be a fan in no time at all.”

“OK, I’ll try that when we’re home and let you know, thanks for the tip.”

The meal itself went very nicely; Jeff had a couple of local beers. Knowing about his keen interest in local brews Grace had stocked up on a large number of different ones. For herself and Rachel she had a nice white Belgian wine, which lately had become rather popular as well. More and more vineyards were popping up all over Flanders, probably something to do with climate change and the interest of the locals in more local products.

After the meal, Grace put on the TV and tuned to the official Belgian channel TV1 as there was an American movie on, not interrupted by commercials.

“Do they never interrupt films or programs for commercials,” Rachel wanted to know.

“No, not on the official channel, that’s only on commercial channels, and we have the added advantage of films or series always being broadcast in the original language with subtitles.”

“Everything?”

“Yes, just to name a few, we had a Japanese series once named after the main character “Oshin”, with Japanese dialogue and also a Brazilian series, “Escrava Isaura”, the same thing, Portuguese spoken but subtitled in Flemish.”

“That’s why you guys speak several languages.”

“In Flanders, that’s a good part of the reason. In the French-speaking part of Belgium like in France, it’s a mix, with some films subtitled originals but most dubbed in French, and it is similar in Germany and all the bigger European countries. The worst is Poland, Lew told me he watched TV there once and in the background, you could faintly hear the original sound but it was voiced over in Polish, with all parts spoken by one and the same actor.”

“Male and female?”

“Yes, even kids - it was horribly frustrating he said.”

“I can imagine, God we are really learning a lot about your country and Europe now, which was not the case when we were at the vacation fair last year. We didn’t have any free time to see anything. First, we were too tired after a whole day working at the fair, and if there wasn’t a late opening of the fair, the American Embassy had organized various events to meet local travel agents and dignitaries.”

“Yeah, I remember you were always tired. It was a blessing that there was a problem with your return flight and I could take you to Cologne for a day to visit your family.”

“That was indeed a streak of luck being able to visit an aunt and uncle I knew about but had never met with my parents emigrating to the US when I was just a baby.”

“Oh yeah I forgot that your roots were German, I should remember because your family name is Baumgartner isn’t it?”

“Yes it is, I’ve got another uncle on my mother’s side who lives in the South of France.”

“Are you going to visit him?”

“I don’t think so, it’s too far from Rome.”

Because of the time difference, they stayed up rather late and consequently got up late in the morning as well, but when I arrived at 10 they had been fed and watered by Grace, ready for an exciting day of sightseeing in and around Antwerp. I took them to all the sights, including the Cathedral, the main market, and the historical buildings at and around the river Schelde, unfortunately, we missed the Sunday bird market, referred to in Antwerp as “De vogelen markt”, not to be mistaken for another meaning of the Antwerp slang word “vogelen”, which means fucking.

We had a quick lunch in one of the many restaurants in the “Wapper square” with on one side the Rubens house, which of course we visited, and on the other side the former royal palace. This concluded the cultural part of the tour The square is in the middle of the main shopping street referred to as ‘De Meir’ by the locals where Rachel wanted to go shopping with Grace. After Jeff had bought a warmer coat for the rest of his visit, he and I continued our cultural tour and visited a few of the museums, interspersed with visits to a few famous cafés like “Den Engel” on the main market square to sample the local brews. Well, to be honest, we spent far more time in cafés than we did in the museums we visited.

When we returned to Grace’s place it was close to 7 pm and we had an eight o’clock booking at the Deer Hunter restaurant. They just had time for a very quick shower before throwing on some clothes.”

Jeff was thrilled at the prospect of his first real Belgian culinary treat which they had seriously missed out on during their previous visit to Belgium, so he urged Rache to get ready fast.

Twenty minutes later they showed up in the living room, smelling fresh and looking like a million bucks. Rachel wore a body-clinging red dress, with a plunging neckline, almost all the way to her navel with her nipples clearly visible. The skirt was to mid-thigh with a split on the left almost to the top of her thighs. But that was not the end of it, when she swirled, showing us her back, it was almost completely nude, just short of showing cleavage on that side.

To finish the stunning look she wore red stilettos of which I even didn’t dare to guess the height. I’m sure that when we will walk into the Deer Hunter, the tongues will be waggling again and will probably keep on waggling for at least a week.

Jeff was more conservative, wearing a short-sleeved color-coordinated polo shirt showing off his muscular arms, and a pair of light blue slacks. I don’t think they realized we were in the middle of winter and it was rather chilly outside.