Timeless beauty, chocolate so good it makes me weep, romance in every cobblestone- Venice of the North. How is it that I had no idea this indulgance of the senses was within my reach?

Ok- do 4 hours on 4 trains is not exactly easy access. But oh, she is worth it- Brugge!

I found my B&B ( Loft 71) at the last frantic moment. I made my way across Belgium and went directly to the tourist office and bought a map. The clerk was very helpful and drew directions for me and I was on my way. We finally are having summer and I was glad to have water on my 20 min walk. I packed light. But dragging a case doesn't make things faster. The way into town is anything but boring, It took me through a park where bronze heros on horseback acted as sentinels. Go left past the huge red tourist office and cultural center to the Zanst and a fabulous fountain filled with posed frolicing figures.The crowd thinkens with thirsty tourists and diners in every cafe.

Traffic isn't much of a problem since most of the city center is a no- car zone. You can rent bikes. But I swear every street is cobblestone and the city is so walkable. I didn't miss my bike.

Walking toward the center is a shopper's paradise. So many beautiful things..... I turned left and, within 2 minutes, there was almost silence. No bustle, no crowds, no horns. Loft 71 is an ultra modern and supremely comfortable home . You should look at the pics. Glass, clean lines, polished cement floors- with a view out of the 15th century.

I met Genevieve, stowed my bag, grabbed a shower and headed out to met the city. I walked around- just getting orientated and then settled in to catch a free concert in the market.

Sitting there in the gathering dark, I heard music getting louder. Then a major in a red (almost Canadian-Mounty like) uniform and throwing a 5 ft long silver-topped staff in the air lead the band into sight. It was a local Scout band. How cool is that?! They filled the stage and were accompanied by a soloist playing the church bells. We watched him by video- he was up in the belfrey. I had never experienced anything like it. Welcome to Brugge! For those who know me- contact me for the story of the mysterious handsome stranger ......