Beautiful Bruges.
Ah Bruges! Mum and Dad first went there some years ago to visit the Christmas Market. They told me that most of the stalls sold food and Mum's description of her prawn kebab sounded so yummy that I wanted to visit it. At last the chance came when Dad's old office organised a coach trip for a long weekend in this fabulous, historic city (with lots of wonderful food - let's not forget that). We had to get up very early in the morning because it was going to be a long drive, starting from Dorking. The coach trip was alright, I prefer flying but beggars can't be choosers. We didn't use the Channel tunnel this time which was great because that is reeeeeeeeeally boring with nothing to see. Instead we went via ferry from Dover. Dover itself is a bit of a dump but I was fascinated by the ferry and the stiff sea breeze was very bracing and refreshing after being stuck in the coach for a coule of hours! We watched the seagulls and I was desperate to see a dolphin but I don't think they come near to big ships like this one. On the other side of the Channel (fancy the froggies calling it La Manche - it doesn't look anything like a sleeve. Even the Dutch call it "Het Kanaal" - the channel) we stopped off at a hypermarket but I didn't like it. It was a bit smelly and not very clean. We drove on to Bruges, reaching it in the early afternoon but the coach driver got lost. Thankfully Mum had a map in her guide book and after a quick U turn we crossed over the outer canal and into the city, passing a windmill on the way. I have never seen a windmill before and I wanted to stop and have a look but that would have to come later. We checked into the hotel, The Medici and I had a little nap. Then it was time for a stroll into town. The architecture is splendid and very grand. The Post Office and Town Hall put English architecture to shame! After a brief sojourn we returned to the hotel to freshen up before walking down to Mum and Dad's favourite restaurant called "The Jan van Eyck", very topical. Most tourists don't like it but the atmosphere, food (and beer) is wonderful and it is one of the places where the locals like to eat. Suitably satiated, it was time to return to the hotel for the night. The next day was a whirl of activity as we visited museums, galleries and churches and the best bit of the day, a boat trip on the canals. We went to a shop called 'The Bear Necessities' were I met lots of bears including 'Not Frank' who wanted to come home with us, so Dad bought him and another bear for Mum-in-Law. Later on, after more museums and galleries, we went to see that windmill I mentioned. It was fascinating and full of big wooden cogs. I had a wonderful time
Before very long it was time to come home again and with great sadness I left Bruges. Sad because I didn't have a prawn kebab... All the more reason for us to go back again! I have put a link to some pictures just here.
Before very long it was time to come home again and with great sadness I left Bruges. Sad because I didn't have a prawn kebab... All the more reason for us to go back again! I have put a link to some pictures just here.