We've been back in Paris for several days and are now off on another adventure. It's time to leave for Brugges in Belgium, then Amsterdam in the Netherlands. It's a somewhat short trip this time - to be gone from Paris for 6 days.
The Eurostar high speed train takes us to Lille, Belgium - then a second train to Brugges.
Our stop to change trains between Paris & Brugges
It's always necessary to try the local libation.
The train was very smooth ride - looks like two happy campers here.
There are canals in Brugges - each with its own beauty.
More sights of the city
Some of the, local "touristy" cafes
More beautiful scenes...
The faces of time seemed alive in this clock shop.
One of the many passages.
In strolling along these cobblestone streets, you have to wonder if Rembrandt, the talented Dutch painter, walked along these same streets during his travels?
We took a brewery / museum tour. After the tour, we were offered a sampling of their product. Sitting at the table, we made good connection with others on the tour....The girl on the left from Taiwan, the two fellows in the middle from China (going to school - one in London, the other in Munich), and the three fellows on the right from Spain. It's always great to hear about other peoples' cultures and their current travel experiences.
What to choose? There are Blonde or Golden Ale, Brown Ale, Champagne Beers, White and Wheat Beer, Lambish Beer, Strong Ale and the list goes on.
Something we learned on our brewery tour... In Belgium, beer is always served in a glass to let it breathe. The glass will have the name and logo of the exact beer you are drinking. There are approximately 178 brewerys in Belgium, and over the years quite the number of beer glasses have been evolving.
One more note... Until 1836, all beer was exclusively for the monks. How did they get that deal?
178 brewerys
Our friend Becky said the waffles in Brugges are the best in the world. We tried two different types of Belgian waffles and completely concur with her. Forget the fries in the front, they're actually a promo picture. Anyway, France has the market on fries, not Belgium.
Interior of one of the many churches with incredible craftsmanship.
Belgium has bicycles - and more bicycles...
One of many Architectural styles in Brugges.
This is the outside of our "Airbnb". We were on the top floor (door and porch of our room). Our host, Alexander, played the piano in the evening (Liebestraume No. 3 & Ragtime, among others). It really made us miss our piano and guitar.
Forget the Starbucks. It is always our hope the local coffee shops turn out to be the best. We found a good one in Brugges. It's was a new shop built in a building from the 1600s and... Ooooohhhh, the coffee and hot chocolate was mmmmm mmmmmm good.
The coffee shop interior was done by the owner, Koen, in natural materials ( stone tile, washed wood walls, iron & wood tables). Although we didn't get a picture of it, he welded spoons together into a cage to make his hanging light fixtures. He also used the portafilters (the device coffee is ground into when preparing an espresso) for door handles.
It's quite comfortable in here...making for a long stay in the coffee shop:)
Oh my gosh, we couldn't help but find this place. When Koen roasts his beans, the aroma lingers down the entire street.
Runs on Love, Laughter and Cups of Strong Coffee
A common sight - bicycles everywhere.
I love love love seeing the photos from your trips!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love love love seeing the photos from your trips!!!!
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