Zeebruges, a coastal village in Belgium, serves as the modern port for the historic city of Bruges and it is where we docked this morning. But it is not Zeebruges that we have come see, although it looks like a lovely city with its 12km canal, it is the medieval town of Bruges.
Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in Belgium, has the nickname of "Venice of the North" with its many canals lined with beautiful sandstone buildings. The city's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features cobblestone streets, the iconic Belfry (bell tower) and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
The forecast for today is 21 degrees with light showers and indeed as I set off on the bus tour (Philip is doing another bike ride) the sun was shining brightly. Unfortunately it only stayed that way for about an hour of our 4.5 hour tour and then turned to steady rain. It's not great for a walking tour, but a gals got to do what a gal's got to do!
In our double decker bus, it takes us around thirty minutes before we arrive in Bruges and begin our walking tour. The first foot bridge we walk over is a very modern structure and not at all what I expected but the next bridge is romantically called the Love Bridge. Apparently if you walk across this bridge holding hands with your love, you will be together forever. The views from the Love Bridge, with its gunpowder tower, are quite beautiful and I'm excited to see the rest of Bruges.
Continuing our walk towards Walplein, or the market square, we pass yet more lovely scenery. All the swans have been mustered into this one area as there has been a problem with blue green algae that has killed one of the birds. They will stay here until the problem is resolved. There are horse drawn carriages lining the street and you really have to watch where you are walking as the carriages move pretty fast along the cobblestone roads. The roads are also shared by pedestrians, cars, and bicycles.
Our tour guide points out a building with two swans facing away from each other above this door. If they faced each other it would be a heart shape meaning the sign of love. However facing away means that this is a brothel.
Onwards we walk to the town square where the Provincial Court buildings dominates and from here it is down to the canal where we board one of the dozens of canal boats for a half hour cruise around the canals of Bruges.
Canal boats are fun and we drift quietly along the canals as our Scottish boat guide regales us with stories about various sights. I really understand Bruges nickname of "Venice of the North". It really does have an uncanny resemblance (apart from the gondoliers)
Once our canal ride was over we head back to Walplein where we were given an hour and a quarter free time. We were to meet outside the famous Brewery De Halve Maan but that is actually where I stayed put. It was raining quite heavily by this time and it was so inviting inside the brewery. I ordered a chicken and mushroom "pie" and washed it down with a local blonde beer. I was a bit hesitant about the chicken when I first looked at my meal as it was quite pink but it was so very tender and definitely cooked so I'm guessing it was the something they added to the poaching liquid. The brewery was packed and I couldn't find a table but a very lovely young waitress directed me to the "private" upstairs area where I had a splendid view of the whole brewery.
Once I rejoined the tour group we were lead back to our bus through the narrow windy streets. I don't think I could have found my way back by myself but then again I did have a map of sorts. It was still raining and everyone was huddled down in their raincoats as was I. Thank goodness I purchased a full waterproof one before I came on this holiday. It has been invaluable.
I just wanted to leave you with this photo. It's very hard to see, but there was a professional tightrope walker walking between the Church of our Lady and St. Saviours Cathedral. It was so windy and we could see her hair blowing around her face. She stopped a few times while I was watching to regain her balance. My god, it was heart stopping. Apparently this is a common sight in Bruges!
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