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Published: March 26th 2018
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This morning we said our farewells to Vienna, then boarded an Austrian Airlines flight bound for Brussels, Belgium. All went smoothly, from the taxi ride to the airport, to check-in and the security screening.
Our flight on a Embraer E95 jet was smooth, except for the fact that both of us experienced clogged ears during ascent and descent; not sure whether this was due to the flight profile, or perhaps an issue with the aircraft's cabin pressurization system.
In any event, we arrived at the Brussels airport more or less on schedule where, after walking a considerable distance from the arrival gate to baggage claim, and then to the exit, we met our shuttle driver who would deliver us to the picturesque town of Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) in his super comfy black limousine.
By 4 PM we had arrived at our apartment, smack dab above a waffle and gelato shop (named the "Oyya" ice bar), not very far from the main market square of Bruges. The owners of the apartment operate this lively shop, which was doing a land office business as we wheeled our luggage into the place to pick-up the keys.
Immediately upon entering
the shop, the images and enticing aroma of freshly made Belgian waffles were overpowering; and, as we were soon to discover, the same tantalizing aroma wafts up into the apartment throughout the day.
The very gracious matriarch of the owners' family gave us a tour of the apartment, which is even more impressive than its internet listing, situated on the 1st-floor above the shop, and reached by way of a modern elevator.
As you can see by the photos, the apartment is absolutely gorgeous; and, although 4-years-old, it appears to be brand new. It has a great view of the street action going on below, yet is remarkably quiet. The furnishings and appliances are like new, and the location could not be more central, as we're only a few blocks from the Markt (the central town square); and there must be no less than two dozen eateries nearby from which to choose!
By this time, we decided to grab a bite at a restaurant around the corner, where we enjoyed fish and meatballs. For dessert, we walked into Oyya to taste the first (of many!) cup of gelato. To our surprise, the friendly staff of young people
Restaurant on St.-Amandsstraat
Around the corner from our apartment would not accept payment, saying the owner told them our first samples were on the house! We took the cups of stracciatella and caramel gelato up to the apartment, where they were quickly consumed.
Dee's comments: Time to move on, up early to get ready; met briefly with the lovely lady who Mitch befriended during our stay, who gave us a bottle of wine, some tangerines and chocolate as going away presents.
Good experience at the airport, but a lot of walking in Vienna (and later in Brussels); smooth flight, except for clogged ears. The taxi driver (Gilbert) who met us was yet another fascinating and personable character, who shared much information during the hour-long drive to Bruges.
I must say the apartment is OUTSTANDING, so clean, and the owner's mother so accommodating (tea, coffee, and fresh flowers) upon arrival. We ventured out to a little restaurant on a cute little street, around the corner, where we had a nice early dinner. Then to the waffle shop beneath us, where the smell is driving us crazy(!!), for some gelato.
From the apartment we have views through 6 large windows to the street below, ideal for
Our apartment
Located directly above a waffle and gelato shop, operated by the owners of the apartment. "people watching". And I love being across the street from a grocery and liquor store!
Stay tuned for more from Bruges...just wish we'd planned for a longer stay! Only one drawback...the pounds we've shed so far on this trip will likely be back!
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kubel
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Still cold? Looks wet on street with pic of supermarkt (but sun shining?) and supermarkt is spelled without an e?