In Bruges

We left Paris Gare du Nord early in the morning headed for Belgium and the city of Bruges. Founded more than 1000 years ago, the city has had a long history as a trading and business center. We were more interested in seeing the sights of the old city that had been highlighted in the 2008 dark comedy, "In Bruges". The city center had it's origins in the early 13th century and amazingly most of the building are still in existence and open for touring.

Market Square on a cold overcast day

Church of Our Lady clock tower

Now if you saw "In Bruges" you know the belfry tower plays a significant role in the movie. No spoilers here, but we did have to climb for a view.

Canals surround the old town similar to Amsterdam. We walked on deserted, cobbled side streets with stepfronted houses, where many of the windows were hand-made glass, behind sills filled with flowers.

Canals flow across the city

Next to our Bed and Breakfast was a convent dating back to the 1300s. This door was placed during a more recent renovation in 1674. Time moves very differently here.

On Wapenmakersstraat there was this curious statue over a door of a woman kneeling down to pick a black rose. It had no inscription or plaque to explain the story. A very interesting mystery.

Beer and chocolate are featured in stores and restaurants all across town.

One of the best we found, but certainly not the largest.

James had the sudden urge to look up to the sky. No idea why.

What?

Bruges was a town that was forgotten in the 17th century and therefore is largely intact as the day it was built. It was extraordinary to visit and a great stop on our trip

Bruges is located at 51.19N, 3.25E. The weather was overcast and at chilly 57 degrees.

Next we have a train ride to Amsterdam and a meeting date with Pat's parents.  Stay turned.

Cheers,
P&J