8/24/19 Brugge, Belgium

Ok, I can tell when tour guide Cindy is excited to visit a place because she makes me do research with her the night before we visit the location. I did research last night on Brugge😎

Brugge is an old city developed by the Romans (who else) and invaded by the Vikings (familiar story). The canal system was built to access the sea for trade with the world. England for wool and then trading of textiles throughout the world. In the 1400-1500’s Bruges was a very, very wealthy city.

However, the rivers and canals silted and became impassable (must be climate change), and Antwerp became the trading partner in the Belgium lowlands. Brugge fell into disrepair and the town was basically abandoned. Then in the early 1900’s the city was rediscovered by rich Europeans and became a tourist attraction. The reborn city was occupied by the Germans in WWI and WWII, but was undamaged.

Brugge is an incredibly beautiful city, but very, very busy this time of year. So, we did our usual plan of attack, early walking tour before the throngs of people overwhelmed the city.

Off we go on the short half hour drive to Brugge. We parked in an underground parking garage. You know your in Belgium when they have a whole level of the parking garage just for bikes.

Pop out of the parking garage and low and behold it’s a market with beautiful food and rotisserie’s. We must be back on the continent😎👍

Nothing against the UK and Ireland but their idea of a gourmet meal is bangers and mash with mushy peas😳

Ok, walking tour of a very, very beautiful city. Nine miles in total before we are run over. Let’s go!

Everywhere in Belgium brick is used. It creates a very clean look.

St. Saviour’s Cathedral…huge

Ok, on to The Markt. Again, very beautiful. We think it’s prettier then the Grand Place in Brussels. It is breathtaking.

Our pictures do it no justice, and even at 9:00 AM it’s filling with people and a concert is being setup.

Ok, let’s visit the famous canals, they are lovely.

The architecture is lovely and constant throughout the city. No homeless, no graffiti, and no drunks, lovely.

Next stop, Burg Square, where several weddings were taking place.

Rozenhoedkaai, lovely views!

Beautiful views everywhere!

Beautiful city, very walkable and easy to navigate. If you like bicycles this is Mecca. Safe riding on bike paths and bikes rule the road😎👍

We are in Belgium, think it’s beer time👍🍺

Ok, travel day tomorrow. Back to Germany with a stay in Dudeldorf, a small village in the Moselle River Valley. Could be Schnitzel time👍🍺