In the main market square in Bruges
So as I mentioned in my post from yesterday, I did go to Bruges. I have wanted to visit Bruges ever since I saw the movie with Colin Farrell in it. It looked so beautiful. Quite a number of the books I have read about it have noted though that it has become quite the tourist destination and they were not lying.
Quaint houses down a quaint street in Bruges
So I did my best to find the side streets where less people went. But you really just cannot help but have to endure the crowds. It is just the way it is, but it does make it hard to really enjoy the place – at least the way I like to enjoy a place. Just too many people, everywhere. Perhaps this is also just something that become magnified when you are travelling by yourself because you notice it more.
One of the many horse and buggy's roaming the streets
I don’t know why that is, but I think it is more likely because you don’t have the distraction of people with you so you are that much more aware of the other people. Don’t know if that makes sense, but that’s the best I can explain it at the moment. Anyway, the place is definitely oriented for the tourist industry. I wonder what it is like to live there if there is always that many people?
One of the beautiful gold gilded buildings in the Burg square
But off the number of people topic, the other frustrating thing was that I forgot my camera, but luckily I had my blackberry. Unfortunately taking good quality pictures with my blackberry is a little next to impossible. But I did my best. Bruges is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in western Europe. It is a good day trip therefore. Bruges was originally founded in the viking era but it was in 1128 that it got its charter and canals and walls were developed. As such, and like I did in Amsterdam, I took a canal trip to see the town from the water.
Along the canal - this building looks like two eyes I just noticed
It really is a beautiful town and the little gems and treasures are everywhere. I took advantage of a lovely mussel lunch (yum yum) but decided to head out after about 5 hours. And as chance would have it, that is how I met up with my trio of lads from the other post.
This was in the front pack of a man's bag on the canal cruise and I thought it was just hilarious. It was his daughter's of course.
Just detail of a sweet statue
There were so many pictures to take that I just cannot post them all. I am posting the ones that move me the most. The interesting thing, is when you get out of the town centre and head to the train station, that building is this really modern place that doesn’t even look like it fits there. But the good news is that it is close to the centre and everything was walkable. I wonder if it is a little quieter in the off season, in which case that would be when I recommend you visit.
Bruges, Bruges, Bruges
Bruges is definitely worth a visit. I love the medieval buildings.
I like your choice of pictures, esp. the one of the “sweet statue” as you call it.
Just one question: did you go for a horse ‘n’ buggy ride??
No I didn’t – they are usually way overpriced to justify it. Besides I had a horse and buggy as a girl so I have done it a lot before.
I spent the morning in the hospital with Aunt Vi when we were in Bruges as she fell off a step and dislocated her shoulder so did not see quite as much of Bruges as I would have liked although as I said before I was there before when very young.
We had dinner there to celebrate Ella and Andrew’s 60th wedding Anniversary.
Yes I remember that.
Do you know, i am so glad you were slightly underwhelmed by Bruges… Dont get me wrong it’s lovely but far too many tourists and as a friend of mine put it “what do you do if you dont want to buy chocolate or lace?” off season in so far as there is one, is much nicer. I am looking forward now to getting home to my routine… Too much fine food, fine wines, sun and the pool all take it out of you! I’m so looking forward to seeing Missy! Thank you for looking after her… She’ll tell me all about it….;-)
I think so many places are better off season when you can avoid the hoards of people. I didn’t get to Gent as I quite enjoyed just hanging out and was a little exhausted. Like you say, too much of travelling can take it out of you. Just sitting here with Missy curled up beside me. Owp, big yawn. She will be looking forward to cuddling with you I am sure. It was awesome staying at your place and in such a great location. Thanks again. I’m sure I will be back …
Thanks again… i cant wait to see her! How sad is that? Lol!
Well she is your baby afterall!
By the way, did you meet any of the neighbours, other than Theo who you had met with me?
A brief glance and couple of words with one of the guys from upstairs because they thought I was you when they heard me coming home. I told them you would be back today – and you are right – good looking!
Brugee in November/December is fab – still busy and very, very cold. Overpriced, though on our last visit Steve (aka Colin) and I found a bar called Smokey Joe’s (??) – it was very distinctive least of all by the smell and the beer was gooooood…..
Yes off season is always better. I will keep that in mind once I have moved overseas