It was a Tuesday, and I was supposed to be in the lab for my practical work. But, a week earlier, I already asked permission from my thesis supervisor (Jan) that I’ll join the kayaking event of the O&L group! 😛
And, of course, he allowed me to go with the group.
The day before the trip, I had an intense practical work in the lab because I was trying to finish as many samples as I can to compensate for the day I’m out in the field!
After I finished lab work, I hurried to Veldstraat (the shopping center in Gent) to buy some kayak outfit! I spent around € 131 for the outfit (the SOLDEN didn’t work!).
Anyway, I even have to cut my toenails the night before the event. I stayed up late and slept for only 1 hour ‘coz I have to prepare the stuff I need to bring (underwater cam, bag, sandwich, etc.).
So, at 6:10am I have to bike in a hurry to Sint Pieter’s Station to catch the 6:36 train to Brussels. I have to be there before 8:15am (assembly at VUB). When I arrived at the station, Damien was already there, and then a few minutes Laura arrived, and later, Kristoff came. Klai wasn’t able to join us because her lab work cannot wait anymore.
Anyway, despite the delays and the train transfer from Gare Du Midi to Etterbeek, we still arrived on time and earlier than the others! We still had time to go to VUB cafeteria, and had coffee (and pee).
So after two hours– we arrived at the kayak site, and we had so much fun! I paired with Kristof in a blue-white kayak! Luckily, we didn’t capsized!
We had a small race with Damien and his partner Hendra (first year). We sometimes catch up, but most of the times, they out-run us (two bigger and stronger guys).
We had lunch in a grass plain before we continued towards the castle and the water fall. And we raced again. Anyway, we still made it 3rd to the finish line (after a few stops).
And, after that, shower time. After changing dry clothes, I ask for the printout of our kayak pic on site:
Then the group decided to have a small tour to the city center. We had beer, I chose Cimey (based on Kristof’s recommendation).
When I got home! I felt the beer’s effect already– but thanks to the dinner prepared by Klai, it came to pass. Morning come, I already felt my muscles of the hands ache. But– have to go to the lab and finish the work! XD