We have just got back from a fabulous weekend in Bruges. The weather was perfect and we spent a lot of time meandering the streets, soaking up the atmosphere and then stopping for Belgium beer in the market square. I have been to this wonderful city before, but it was the first time for my husband - and it's a city I never tire of.
We stayed in a small hotel near the centre and this was the view from our hotel window - it was where we ate our breakfast each morning.
And this is the belfry in the market square. To see the amazing view from the top, you have to climb 366 steps up a narrow winding staircase. Those of you who read my post on our Lake District holiday will know what happens when I try to do anything that involves heights and so does my husband... it involves shaking and crying. so why did I do it?
... because of this view of course!
Obviously I had to visit this sweet shop to recover from the experience.
While we were there, we decided to spend a day touring the Flanders Field battlefields as it is the centenary of WW1 and I have written a few magazine stories about it )which will be published later in the year.) I urge anyone who hasn't done a visit like this to do so. We visited both British and German cemeteries along with important places associated with the war such as the Menin Gate at Ypres and Hill 60. We also saw the grave of a fifteen year old soldier who lied about his age.
He was the same age as my step-son... very sobering.
Sounds like a very thought provoking trip.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was, Patsy.
DeleteWhat a lovely trip that also had deeper resonance. We've been to Antwerp but I've always wanted to visit Bruges. There was an amazing chocolatier in Antwerp.
ReplyDeleteIf you like chocolates you'll love Bruges, Rosemary. Also, it's like a mini Venice (another reason why I know you'd like it).
DeleteI've not yet been to Bruges - I had planned a trip earlier this year but had to abandon my plans because of a severe knee problem ( those steps would have finished me off) but I hope to make it one day and your pictures make me all the more determined!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do, Lindsay.
DeleteI've nearly been, too, Lindsay. Two days before our planned visit my husband came down with some lurgy. Still on my list of places to visit one day.
DeleteI was in Bruges this time last year, Wendy. Lovely city - think we sampled most of the chocolate shops ... Wonder if you did the same Flanders tour as us. I found the mass burial of the young German soldiers one of the saddest places I've ever visited.
ReplyDeleteWe'll have to compare notes next week, Tracy.
DeleteOur son went there Wendy, and he said the same as you. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteIt makes a great weekend break, Susan.
DeleteOne of my sons proposed to his wife in Bruges. I don't think I could handle all those steps, but I'd be fine in the sweet shop x
ReplyDeleteOh, what a wonderful place to propose, Teresa - such a romantic city.
DeleteI've been to Bruges on a number of occasions and like you, Wendy, never tire of such a beautiful city. We also visited the war cemeteries and the inscriptions on the soldiers' headstones made very poignant reading.
ReplyDeleteIt's a city you can visit again and again. Isn't it, Jan.
DeleteBruges is lovely. I've done all those steps too. Never can resist a good view!
ReplyDeleteRead your Spanish story this weekend, in the People's Friend Special. Just great. You captured the emotion and atmosphere really well. Maybe we will get a Belgian story now?! x
Thanks Joanne. So glad you liked my Spanish story and as for the Belgian one... watch this space!
DeleteBruges looks wonderful. One day...
ReplyDeletePlenty of time, Julia.
DeleteI've always wanted to visit Bruges and now I'm more determined than ever to go.
ReplyDeleteIf everyone who's commented goes this year it will be very busy!
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