“Pretty as a postcard” was how I’d heard Bruges described. I can now say, with some assurance, that it’s true.
Today I headed out early and took a daytrip to Bruges, a beautifully preserved medieval town and world heritage site. Bruges falls into that category of places that seem to exist solely for the purpose of attracting tourists and selling cameras. I always have mixed feelings about places like that: On the one hand, they’re gorgeous, but on the other hand, you have to fight through ridiculous crowds to see them, especially in July. Still, it was one of the places in Belgium I’d been most looking forward to seeing, and it did not disappoint.
I hopped a bus from the train station to the main market square, taking in the Belfort and the beautiful buildings surrounding the square. Then, onto the Burg to visit the Stadhuis (Town Hall). After a quick orientation boat tour along the canals, I lengthened my ABC list by a bit with the Basilica of the Precious Blood as well as the Notre-Dame Chapel.
After a scrumptious lunch of waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, I headed to the Halve Maan brewery, which has been in operation since 1546, for a tour and tasting. After spending a bit more time browsing in the shops and meandering around the cobblestoned streets looking at old architecture, it was time to head back to Brussels… but not before buying a bit more homemade chocolate first!
Some of you may be thinking that Belgium is only about beer and chocolate. I really ought to dispel that notion. After all, there’s also waffles, fries, and cookies, among other things. No, seriously, the food is only the icing on the cake, pun intended; this is a fantastic country with so much to do and see that I’d need ages to take it all in. But, rather than contemplate that, I think I’ll head out on the terrace with Marie and Yannic for a beer. More soon|