DAY ONE:

Got the busabout bus to Bruges!! A beautiful town in Belgium- famous for its chocolate, waffles and Beer!- (1,050 different types of Beer!) Also the home of Tin Tin, Audrey Hepburn, and The Smirfs.

Unpacked things in hostel- 'Bauhaus'- very cute, 16 bed dorms available with lots of room to feel comfortable. Slightly out of town centre, but town is so small we didn;t mind the walk!

Had lunch in the small town square 'Burg' (was nice, but not recommended as they up the prices the further in the square you get)

Saw Jesus' relics at the 'Holy Blood Chapel'. Its a little cylinder that was taken on a crucade to Jerusalem in the 12th century, and is believed to be filled with Jesus' blood. Everyday, the shiny cylinder is taken out of its safe and put on a pillow to be worshipped. This time is usually between 1400 and 1500- when it is believed that at this moment the blood miraculously changes from fixed to fluid. (Scientists tried to establish that its temperature changes...)

In May, Ascention Day (we left on this day so missed out) the holy relic is the centre of attention in the Holy Blood Procession, a big folklore event. (beware- for days beforhand they put up grandstands of chairs in the square 'Markt', and close off streets- kind of ruins the visual amenity of the place...although Im sure attending the parade would be a worthwhile event!)

We were also there during a big 'Fair' that they had in the park- the loud noises of rides kind of ruined the atmosphere also...

We ventured into the 'Crowne Plaza' Hotel- which, a few hundred years ago was the Sint-Donaas church. You simply walk through the lobby and go down to the basement of the hotel where you can play hide and seek in the old foundations- long, winding narrow pathways. In 1127, Charles the Good (Duke of Flanders) was murdered here while praying.

We then went to "Da Vinci"- only 1.2 euro and delicious!! (I had ferrero rocher). It is recommended to go around the corner to escape the shopping streets and lick your icecream on the Muntplein.

Did some shopping!! (H&M)

Then went back to our cute little hostel and relaxed with a Belgium Beer, and got to know some of the locals

DAY TWO:

On the walk from the hostel to the Burg square, we bought some home made meatballs from the local butcher up the road from the hostel, then sat in the Markt Square to eat them, whilst admiring the gorgeous surroundings.

We then walked off our lunch by climbing the 83 metre high Belfry- 366 steps! This medievil tower is not straight anymore- bending over 1.5m! Its 4 euros for under 26ers, but its definately worth the view- a must do in Bruges!

Continued onto the Chocolate Museum, for another 6 euros (YUM). This is open from 10am- 5pm every day. Here you learn about the history of chocolate, how chocolate is made, and get a few free tasters!!

We then went to go to the Belgium Fried museum, however this also closes at 5pm so we missed out. Here you would get the history of the potato, some baking tips, and old photos... not sure if its reslly worth it for 6 euros... we bought a bag of fried and mayo to share instead.

So instead we wandered to the outskirts of the town (which doesnt take long) and observed the greenscapes and rivers, before realising it was dinner time.

Went to dinner with 2 canadians and a scottish girl who we had met during the day, at a cute little Italian Restaurant in St Amandstraat- just off the Markt square. Was affordable with great service. Is quite difficult to get into restaurants along this strip so you may have to put your name down earlier to avoid the crowds and guarantee yourself a table.

By nightfall, Bruges is just as beautiful- Make sure you take the time to wander the streets. All the churches, the tower, and squares are lit up- it really looks like a fairyland.

DAY THREE:

Went to meet up with the Canadians at the Beer Museum but was too late for the tour, (Tours between 11am and 4pm but I think they left every hour.. ) Its a family brewery 'De Halve Maan'- the only active one left in Bruges. We were told it was a definate must see, so was slightly disappointed we missed out!

Instead we had waffles and Raspberry Beer just opposite the factory

Recommend getting the waffles from a stall set up on the side of the road as opposed to a restuarant... they over charge in the restaurant and doesnt have that home-made taste