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Published: November 3rd 2010
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Hi all, First more pics of Jim in Brussels enjoying VB and Mussels. The next day we left for Bruges. It was beautiful. We caught the train in the morning and about an hour and a half later we were in Bruges. No train problems this time and we got great seats which made Jim very happy. Our boutique hotel in Bruges, Relais Ravenstein, was the complete opposite of the Brussels hotel. Very modern and stylish with a beautiful spa bathroom and a great terrace Bar over the canal. We were e within easy walking distance to the Grote Markt and all the museums and cathedrals. Jim called this one the ABC (Another Bloody Cathedral) tour. We visited the Groening Museum to see their collection of early Flemish and Dutch masters. Breathtaking works of art. We also visited the Gruuthuse Museum which was a 15th century mansion owned by a wealthy merchant and lavishly furnished with tapestries and carved staircases.
After that we stopped at a tiny place called the Beer Wall to have break in site seeing. More Belgian beer as required by the negotiated Taylor policy and watched the canal boats go by filled to bursting with tourists.
No canal ride for us this time. We opted for a carriage ride instead. The horse was on its second day as a carriage horse. There were moments when I didn’t think our driver was going to be able to get it back into control and when a car pulled out scaring the horse, she took her whip and whipped the car quite severely! I wouldn’t have wanted to be that car’s driver at that moment. Most of the trip though was quite picturesque and we sat back and enjoyed the ride. Our driver pointed out the smallest street in Brugge which ends at a tiny bar that serves a selection of 300 beers called Cookies. Guess where we immediately went when we ended our ride!
We spent lots of time sitting in the square enjoying the lively scene. After the rapidly cooling temperature finally drove us inside, we ate dinner at an Irish Pub called Celtic Ireland and had smoked salmon and Irish stew. Best dinner we’ve had in Belgium and thank goodness, no French (Belgian) Fries! We are completely over them since they are served with everything. We are still looking forward to Waffles though!
Back in Brussels
Back in Brussels The next morning we walked out to the windmills at the edge of the canal. Looking at them was like looking back in time to the 16th century and when we got up to the top of the hill they were on, the views of Bruge were breathtaking. We walked down to the old stone walled entrance to the city. The gate is all that is left of the old city wall that encircled the city. Then we walked back to town to catch our train back to Brussels. Upon arriving in Brussels, we fell back into our newly found habit of wandering and window shopping for the rest of the afternoon. Fashionista’s would love this city. The clothes and shoes are gorgeous. Even just looking is really fun.
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Jen
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Brugges!
I loved Brugges, what a beautiful town... glad you all are having a good time! And there are tons of pubs for Jim, yay! Wish I was there. I picked up some lace and a small tapestry there, so many to choose from! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.