Bruges

Bruges' lovely canals

Bruges is known as the "Venice of the North" and when we walked into the town this morning, it did remind me of Venice with its beautiful canals, cafes, Bell Tower and cobbled streets.  Swans were swimming everywhere on one part of the canal while the chocolate shops were doing a booming tourist business.  Our guide hit the top spots - the beautiful Church of Our Lady where we enjoyed viewing Michelangelo's sculpture, Madonna and Child.  The Begijnhof, a women's Benedictine retreat was interesting with its tree houses that were built for reflection.  The group had a wonderful lunch and many of us enjoyed strolling around window shopping and people watching. 

Swans on the waterways

Belgium has 120 different varieties of beer and over 580 brands - more than any other countries.  It's interesting that each beer is served in its own particular glass that has been designed exactly for it.  Since we were in the city of beer connoisseurs, some of us decided to participate in beer tasting at one of the local breweries.  The variety

100's of beers

is endless - there is even coconut beer! 

Michelango masterpiece

Bruges name comes from the Viking word for wharf.  Right from the start, Bruges was a trading center and in the 14th century became the most important cloth market in northern Europe.  It declined in the 16th century because its harbor silted up.  Then, in the 19th century, a new port, Zeebrugge, brought vitality back to the city and today tourism helps it prosper.  It is uniquely well-preserved and fun to wonder around. 

Would you believe chocolate owls

With our host, Roger Longhorn

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