Vancurious Blog

My go-to favourite beer at the end of a long day is Deschute's Haze Tron Imperial Hazy IPA.   Nice milky-smooth mouthfeel, white grapefruit that winked at an apricot across the table but was too shy to walk over and have a chat.

This beer is not so over-the-top on complexity that you need to sit down, but also enough of a story line to keep you interested and coming back.

Recommend.   8% ABV and 55 IBUs

Take One: HK

Aivyne took her phone out of her jeans pocket, checked the time and noted that she should hurry to make it to work on time.  Yet the forest whispered to her with the fresh earthy smells of moss and vines, of dew-covered soil and newly budded leaves.  Mist was rising from the ground where the early morning sun caressed it.  She put her phone back and gave it a pat on the outside of the pocket, to reassure it that she would be back soon.

Many ways to see the same picture, which was generated by AI.  One week to write the story.  Three author's versions. 

• Take One: R's Rendition
• Take Two: HK 
• Take Three: S's

Take One: R's Rendition

          “Thomas! Run!” Mary yelled, her legs on fire, pumping, pushing her further, faster. A shotgun bounced on her shoulder with every step.

Think of the last time you walked into a room.  Your mind trying to make sense of the scene: the objects, sounds, people present; your lizard brain sorting the space into 'safe' or 'suspect'.  Clothing provides a clue to identity, whether self defined or externally imposed.

Fantastic atmosphere and you have to love the ceilings at Hopfen & Malz, Aachen.  Knowledgeable staff that obviously loves their beers.  Very funky interior, amazing selection on tap as well as for sale. 

POST UNDER DEVELOPMENT

The Hertog Jan brewery was opened in 1915 and the location was strategically chosen to be close to a natural springs, which provides the main ingredient for the beer.  The brewery took a lot of damage during WW II but was rebuilt.  However, in the 1980s the brewery was struggling and was looking to close.  A team of employees decided to take over the building and started to brew specialty beer instead of the historical pilsner.  These specialy beers are a success and start winning prizes and they haven't looked back since.

Yes, you can take your bike on the train, but we did find this the hardest and most stressful part of traveling with a bike in Europe.  And the least predictable.  Don't make your trip or time table contingent on catching a particular train!