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Bruges is a picturesque European town that oozes with character. I don't know what I enjoyed more the narrow cobblestone streets, architecture or the chocolate stores on every corner. Small canals run through the city with stone briges that stretch from one side to the other. This has given Bruges the name "Venice of the North". Being inside the old part of the city, it seemed time had forgotten Bruges altogether. We wanted to experience everything this small town had to offer which includes waffles, fries (don't dare call them French fries), chocolate and beer. Not necessarily in that order. Just walking along the narrow streets, it seemed everywhere you turned there was a picture waiting to be taken.
Our morning began in search of a Belgian waffle for breakfast. Who knew that Belgians eat them for afternoon snacks instead of breakfast? Luckily, our hotel was only one block off the old town square and the search for our tasty treat was quick. It was a charming little cafe with a roaring fire in the fireplace and a table next to the window with a view across the square to the bell tower. Fresh waffles with cherries and whipped cream and a cup of coffee (hot chocolate for Josh), perfect!
After breakfast, we now had the energy to climb to the top of the bell tower. All 344 very narrow and spiral steps! It seemed the higher we climbed the well worn steps became more narrow and the walls more enclosed. Josh who is slightly claustrophobic, was not particularly enjoying this part of the journey , however the view at the top was spectacular. A walk around the top offered the best view of Bruges from every angle and while enjoying the view, the bells play behind you. The musician plays these bells from within the tower.
A short walk from the bell tower we visited the Broeninge Museum. Here we saw Flemish works of art that covered over 6 centuries.
Just beside the museum, is the Church of our Lady Cathedral. It was built in the Gothic style during the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. The churches most prizes position is the large alter piece that houses Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, created in 1504. The statue was created from Cararra marble and measures 128 cm tall, but sits center stage as part of the churches large alter piece. It was so awesome to be looking at a piece of art that before I had only read about or seen pictures of in books. The church also has several pieces of art and a beautiful wooden pulpit.
Across the street from the Cathedral is the St. John's Hospital Museum. It was once the hospital in Bruges and dates back to the 11th century. It later expanded to include a monastery and convent. It now houses many pieces of Flemish art as well as hospital records, medical equipment and furniture.
After a quick lunch (fries with mayonnaise) and a beer, we took a tour of the De Halve Maan Brewery. This is the only brewery that makes their beer within the city of Bruges. It has been family owned and operated for many generations. It comes complete with a complimentary beer at the end of the tour.
We finished our day with a walk through Begignhof, a Benedictine Nun courtyard and a walk around Minnewater Lake to see the beautiful white swans.
Dinner this night would be at Delaney's Irish Pub. Burgers, fries, fish and chips, and of course beer! Do you see a pattern forming here?
According to my pedometer, I took over 17,000 steps which is supposed to be around 8 miles, give or take.
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