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Brugge, Belgium

The B&amp;B we are in serves individual breakfast outside your room at 8:30am. It consists of a selection of warm rolls and pastries, jams, chocolate spread, juice and chocolate milk and a couple of pieces of fresh fruit. You make your own coffee or tea from the jug and percolator just outside the door. In our room is a table set with necessities, and in all it makes for a romantic little setting and meal.

We also have a shared bathroom on the same floor which has been modernised yet retains character. The owners have done a marvellous job with the B&amp;B interior. In the bathroom you can look out an original round window over pointy roof tops or if lying in the continental bath you can view the ancient chimney of the house through a large modern sky light window.

Being a continental bath you have a hand held shower attached to rinse your hair etc, so there is no stand up shower which meant I had the luxury of two baths a day – yippee. It was wonderful lying in the warm bath looking through the skylight at the gauze like clouds scrolling along giving way to blue patches framing the weathered brick chimney. Like the clouds drifting, my mind happily started to wander and think about the history of the house and area and imagine what life must have been like in the busy medieval city of Bruges. I love the style of these houses with their pretty street fronts, roomy warm wooden interiors, and green and floral rear courtyards. There are a lot of horse and carriage clip clopping on the cobble streets which encourage such imaginings.

Reluctantly I pulled myself back to the 21st century and prepared myself for another days exploration. Bruges history dates back to early 1100’s when it was a large wealthy sea port. It still has the first hospital built in Europe in 1200’s and traders and merchants enjoyed the golden age charging taxes and developing an early stock exchange. It was known for quality products – tapestry, lace and jewellery to name a few and was home to a some very famous artists.

It has lots of canals, grand buildings and homes ranging from the wealthy to the alms houses built for the poor. The cobbled streets are reasonably wide for the period they were built, and there is a nice amount of pedestrian only areas. There are a few lovely old churches which we have not had the time for a good look, one of them having the only religious Michael Angelo statue outside of Italy, and another a supposed vial of Jesus blood, although I personally don’t believe such a relic is genuine.

We had a slightly late start as we took the time to catch up on some housekeeping and booked ourselves into a ‘splurge’ hotel for the other two nights here. It was nearly lunch time by the time we got to town and we ate at an expensive place recommended by our host. Vern had the best creamy croquettes he has ever had with some Frittes (originated here – chips with mayonnaise) and I had a lunch special of carrot soup followed by Salmon with bernaise, pasta and grilled tomatoes (19 euro) I have noticed that the salmon is not as rich here as at home which I must say in nicer. The soup was divine and such a generous portion that I felt compelled to share with Vernon. On top of all of this, we were served complimentary warm crispy rolls with butter and house made country pate. On reflection, although it was expensive it was good value for money and we were both so full we could not complete the meal.

After our feast we basically wandered around all day, clocking up at least 10km but thoroughly enjoying ourselves. We headed to the train station to get new tickets for France and just followed our whim the rest of the way which was full of pleasant scenery. Bruges in known for its beer (check), mussels (not the best season so will not have them), and chocolate, so we found the shop recommended by our host and I got a little selection. Just as well too as by the end of the day we were too tired to go out for dinner and still full from lunch so we just ate the chocolates!

I really love Bruges, I think its because of the vibe or atmosphere created by the people – much the same as I felt in Amsterdam. They are so happy and healthy looking and you get smiles all the day long, great English and helpful information where ever you go or interact. Biking is big, so you have to watch out for them, and I have committed (Vernon as well) to taking it up with some seriousness when we get home as it must be so good for you by the looks of the locals. Bruges is scenic, clean, and efficient and the overall commitment to service is something I appreciate and hold important.

Except for the weather, I actually think it is a place I could transplant to if I had to without too much adjustment. I just don’t understand how they can be so slim with all that good food, copious amounts of beer (which they view as a health drink), heavenly chocolate at every corner and Frittes smothered in mayonnaise? I must be doing something wrong!

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