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Published: September 13th 2012
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Quaint
Flowers and cobble stones 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 the bar; they make you start to question reality from a scene in the movie "Dumbo."
Beer and chocolate seem to rule above everything else here. Although, apparently "bad boys" too. I guess it's the rugged bar dwellers with scruff and dark demeanor. Hmmmm, I may have to instigate a bar brawl while I'm here. My scrawny self versus some Belgium brute, oh
Town Center
Center of town square, market, restaurants, etc. God, wish me luck. I'll need it.
Leisure bike riding along cobblestone streets that intertwine with the canals. Oh, Venice of the North! A brick church on nearly every corner. The main church in the city center leans 1.5 meters to the left. I started calling it "the Pisa of the North." There's also swans. Windmills. Chocolate shops, french fry stands, and WAFFLES. Ugh! It's a quaint tranquil place to sooth the hearts of the peace-seekers and it has just enough sporadic bars throughout town to please the rowdy thirsty bunch too.
Maybe you saw the film "In Bruges" with Colin Farrell. It's joked in this movie about how dull and boring Bruges is, and it's kind of an ongoing joke in town too. It's a simple life here. You can walk across town in 20 minutes. Variety and eclecticism aren't as abundant here, but it adds to the charm. Maybe it's not the ideal place for an adventurous soul to settle down, but it sure is an ideal place to "get away" for a few days and truly escape the bustle of the big cities.
Don't miss this unconventional hidden gem:
Ryad: a Moroccan restaurant
Delirium Beer
I must be looking at a pink elephant in this photo... in town breaks the mold and is a traditional dining experience you won't regret. The owner delights himself in cooking with organic ingredients and has mastered the art of slow-cooking. The dishes are scrumptious and the herbs he uses are unique and will tantalize your taste buds. So, escape the chocolate, french fries and waffles for an evening and treat yourself to this exotic spot.
Cycling: if you're anything like me, you like to cycle on vacation (I rent bikes every chance I get). It's the primary way to get around in Bruges, for many locals and tourists alike. You can even ride to the coast and see the North Sea. It's quite close!
Despite its few lively bars scattered around town, Bruges is mellow, sleepy, and lures you in with its lethargy. If you're only searching for the party, skip Bruges, if you're looking to recover from the party, Bruges is your safe haven. It certainly has some of the best hangover food ever. AKA waffles and fries.
I managed to give into only one night of Belgium beer binging. However, being the non-confrontational gentleman that I am, I'm afraid I didn't instigate a bar brawl
Windmill
Windmill/park like i spoke about earlier. And now, currently on the train to Amsterdam, I'm happy to say I'm leaving Bruges without a bruise.
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Alicia
non-member comment
Oh I am so glad you loved it!
Wasn't it a great little town? How are you??? Miss you-- Alicia and Eric