WAFFLES, WHEAT BEER AND CHOCOLATE!!

Bruges:

Saturday afternoon found us comfortably settled in a compact site within 30 minutes walk of the centre of Bruges - sunshine and blue skies all the way.   Though only a few hundred hundred yards  from the main drag lined with large supermarkets, department stores and clothes shops it's a peaceful little site nestled within a wooded area with residential properties beyond.   First impressions of the area:  everywhere appears so orderly, clean and pristine - each house individually styled with neat shipshape gardens - no clutter or litter anywhere and everyone very friendly - and lots and lots of bikes which are very well catered for with bike lanes running alongside every road - major and minor. 



We booked for a week giving us the luxury to explore Bruges at our leisure as well as some biking through the woods and along the quieter roads (at least for Ruth who's still finding her 'biking' legs!). 

Bruges has not disappointed with so much to explore and delight - a true feast for the eyes but down to the serious business first!  :

 

 

 

 

 

The following day disappointingly we lost the warm sunshine and blue skies, replaced with a bitter cold wind and dismal grey skies.  So, with the downturn in the weather we hunkered down for a couple of days with plenty of reading, local walking, some biking and Ruth embarking on her next needlework project.

After which impatience won the day - who can afford to wait for better weather with so much of Bruges to explore - assailed at every turn, in every street by the joys this medieval city has to offer.   Its imposing buildings,  magnificent churches and humble little cottages;  cobbled streets ringing with the clip clop of horses' hooves as they pull the traps showing off Bruges to the tourists; the musical carillon of the Belfry  on each hour, the many little bridges spanning the circuitous canals lined quaint cottages and houses - Bruges has not disappointed - it's delightful.

 

 

Fountains can emerge from the most unexpected places !

Highlight of our visit to St Saviour's church - the choir.  Their voices rang out so pure and beautifully,  filling the vastness of this magnificent church

Alms Houses

This rather reminded me of a film set with just the facades in place (though on further investigation there was a building attached behind!)

 

Graffiti Bruges style?