We have really taken a slower pace on this trip….and we are loving it! We rented an apartment so we knew we had more free time to explore, sleep, eat and just enjoy being in this lovely city.
Our apartment is very enjoyable. It is 3 stories and the steps are very steep. We really have to be careful to not go slip sliding down the steps! The apartment is on the horse drawn carriage route so we get to enjoy the horses and buggies all day and into early evening. This is our front door, courtyard and our view from upstairs.
The bad news is we seem to have brought the rain with us. It has rained every day except today. We just get out the umbrellas and keep on going.
Kathy and Robert Ludwigs (Madeline’s cousins) drove from Rixensart and spent Saturday with us. Kathy always has a plan for our outings. Her rainy day plan was to go to the coast. We drove about 30 minutes to the town of Knokke (the Hilton Head of Belgium). We stopped at a tiny Chapel dedicated to fishermen lost at sea. The roof was even shaped like a boat hull. Then we visited a small gallery and viewed some fishing themed photographs. After lunch we drove to the town of Blankenberge. Here we visited the Belle Époque Centrum -a cool museum that had interactive displays of the Art Nouveau Era. The beach here was so much nicer and the sun finally came out so Robert and I walked down to the water and put our hands in the ocean. The wind was wicked and blowing like crazy. We came home with sand in our clothes, hair and in our ears!
The rest of the week we have been touring the city, eating yummy meals, enjoying the sites, museums, and churches. I drank 2 beers during this trip. Now I can say I have had 4 beers in my life. 1 in Egypt, 1 in Prague, and 2 in Brugge. Prague was my favorite!
Tomorrow we travel to Paris. It will feel like we are returning home. I am anxious to see the neighborhood in the spring. Susan says it is cool and rainy in Paris also. I am sure it will improve in the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy just a glimpse of Brugge and surrounding cities.
Thanks for stopping by today!
When you get back you’ve got to see the movie In Bruges starring Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes. It is a dark comedy and except for all the 4 letter words (which really made the film in a way) was really funny. Anyway, I am sure that your view is the best!
Mary
I loved Brugge. It would be nice to go back some day!
Still envious! Talked to my son on Mother’s Day and he told me all about his and my daughter-in-law’s trip to Prague last week! I want to be a traveler too! LOL!
Enjoy!
I am jealous twice!!! What a lovely place to begin your trip and to add to your beer consumption….getting brave in this second phase of life! Enjoy, my friend.
Thanks again for including me in your emails. I love the pictures and the descriptions!
I loved this part of your journey! So glad it is more leisurely and you are getting to relax and enjoy! Looking forward to the rest of your journey! Enjoy!
I heartily approve of your Brugge quarters…room with a view indeed! It is a charming city and I am so glad you got to know it.
As usual, you allowed us to be right there with you! Thanks for the pix & comments.
Thanks! I recognize one of those swans. He lives where the carriage ride turns around. Keep up the slow pace…