Blogs from Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium, Europe - page 7

BRUGES, BELGIUM AND BEER TASTING I landed at Zeebrugge, port for Bruges, Belgium, for a tour entitled “Bruges and a taste of Belgian beer”. Weather was overcast in the morning but cleared up to be a beautiful day. During the 30 minute drive the guide gave small samples of the dark chocolate and milk chocolate that Belgium is famous for. When I got to this medieval city, the guide led me on a walking tour through this fantastic place. The narrow, cobblestone streets and the ancient buildings were pointed out by the guide. Highlights included the Belfry Tower and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. But after the walk I started the real adventure, Belgian beer tasting. There were 26 people in my group and we had reserved tables in the local café. The place was ... read more

Last weekend, I went to Bruges, in Belgium. Upon deboarding the train, I noticed a distinct shift in temperature from when I left Maastricht. Sure enough, there was abundant snow on the ground, and it was about a 25 minute walk to the hostel I was staying at. Good thing I packed warm clothes. I found out later than it hasn't snowed in Bruges for five years, lucky me :) Anyways, after leaving my stuff at the hostel, myself and the five girls I came with went to explore the city. Belgium, of course, is known for three things, predominantly: Waffles, Beer, and Chocolate. We found all three. Let's just say I need not eat for weeks now! The waffle I had was disapointing, but everything was closed, so I got one from a fast food ... read more

Sunday, October 21, 2012 – Day 15 Lisa was suffering from a head cold so we slept in just so she could get some rest. Even though she was not 100 percent nothing was going to keep her from visiting the Frites and Chocolate Museums. The weather was chilly, about 50 degrees and the forecast called for on and off rain all day. After breakfast at a café we visited the Frites Museum, dedicated to history of the potato and how to perfectly deep-fry it into crispy fries. Sounds kind of corny but the museum was anything but. Well worth a visit especially when the weather is cold. Potatoes originated in Peru and found their way to Belgium where it was discovered that deep-frying them was the best way to enjoy potatoes. The best thing is ... read more

We all woke up with great desires to indulge in Belgium delicacies - waffles, frites and chocolate!! hit me baby! So we started at the b&b with more beautifully fresh croissants, met up with the others and went on a search for good chocolate and the starting point of the river cruise! We found both right next to each other as naturally there is a chocolate shop literally every 10 steps sometimes less! This is my kind of place! So we stocked up on chocs and boarded the very crammed wee boat. It was another nice day so it was such a nice cruise. We had pretty much seen most stuff before but it was nice and relaxing and we learnt a few more things that Chris didnt include in our tour yesterday! :) We even ... read more

I don't typically like writing "beer diaries." The last thing people want to read about is how drunk you were in a foreign country. But, it is Belgium, and what is this country well-known for? Beer, indeed! So, i'm going to talk at least a little about beer. Don't worry though, i'll keep it short and refined. I found myself in a Belgium bar the first evening here in Bruges, and i can't think of a better place to be drinking beer. Period. Melted wax and wood panels surround the bar. The giant clock ticking backwards makes you feel like there isn't a care in the world. People are speaking English, French, Flemish, German, and Spanish. It's an eclectic melting pot of people with a good buzz. Pink elephants (Delirium Beer's mascot) taunt you all over ... read more