Brugges & Belgium

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After two train cancellations on Sunday our backpacks grew heavy. Upon arrival into Brugges things started to look up. This town is GORGEOUS!! we did some exploring on foot and then jumped on a boat to tour the canals in the company of a dry humor comedian/guide. With 17 churches and more bridges than we could count we were blown away by all the 13th century medieval architecture. The oldest bridge was built in the 1200's and the newest in the 1700's...which is warmly refered to as the ugliest bridge in town.
Beautiful cobblestone streets are very narrow here making walking and cycling tricky... Not as crazy as Amsterdam though! Carefully maintained ancient gothic buildings and quaint cafes rule the streets here.
We came home in time to dress is our neon orange boa's, a Holland helmet, and orange flags before we went to the square to watch the game on the big (big) screen. We cheered our hearts out (I even tooted my horn at many Spanish supporters!) and drank the biggest beers of our lives!!! Alas, Holland lost after a tremendous effort (as I'm sure you all know!) and we've been consoling ourselves with Belgiun chocolate ever since.
Mom decided that the black sky didn't have the cohones to rain on us (as it clearly appeared to suggest). After the first hour in the rain I was a little less than enthusiastic about things. She ignored the thunder and lightning and we went on into no mans land! After convincing her to redirect her sights toward home base Mom bailed and I went over top of her...it was a messy spill involving a bloody head and road rashed knees...topped off by me running over her head :s She's a trooper though (read: stubborn) and biked the more than 10pm back. After wounds were cleaned up we went out for more comfort food (cough*Belguin chocolates*cough), a great meal, and did our pedicures!
We're sad to be leaving the incredibly sweet B&B we're in now, but look forward to Paris and all France has to offer us in the next week!

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Comments

[Terril]

Perhaps
Oh, my! Perhaps it's time to go shopping, if for nothing else, but bandaids! However, girls need to hit the shops! Belgian lace, fine fashions, all light weight to fit in back packs, anything to prohibit physical abuse by mom and daughter! I love reading your updates!

[The Happy Travelers]

Thank you!
Thank you for the shopping advice, we're enjoying it emensly. Chocolate and wine consumed do not have to fit in a backpack! Heading to perfume and lace country tomorrow! Keep the home fires burning, hope you're enjoying your first summer of retirement.