Bruges Day 3: Sunday 23 April
Started with another morning jog, on which I dragged Duncan kicking and screaming, and then we decided we would get in touch with our holy side. We returned to the Begijnhof church (the one with the nuns) where they were having a morning service (as were all the churches) but this one was in Gregorian Chant. The Gregorian Chant in Flemish meant that we didn’t understand a thing, but it was beautiful to listen to for a while.
Took a detour on the way back past the chocolatier with the yummy hot chocolate and spent a little while taking in the sights while sipping it.
We headed back to the room around lunch time to get changed as were intending to go for a bike tour in the afternoon. I will not mention the name of the company as they say there is no such thing as bad publicity; however lets just say their brochure says no reservation required, and they were full. So we couldn’t go cycling with them. It turned out to be very overcast and rained a little (only a tiny bit really, but it gave us some consolation).
The old vismarkt (fish market), had a bit of an arts and craft thing going on which we perused, we got there by walking down “Blind Ass Alley” (tee hee).
One of the most pleasant things about Bruges is the atmosphere. It is completely tourist driven, a little cheesy and cliché, but it works. The cobbled streets and restricted vehicle access, and the fact that everything is walking distance is lovely, and it is very peaceful walking exploring the streets and alleys and hearing the bells of one of the many churches ringing.
So we had tried beer and chocolate, but still had Flemish stew and waffles to go. We went to a small bistro that had been recommended for it’s stew and it did not disappoint. Delicious tender Belgium Blue beef stewed in Belgian Beer…. mmm. The cows are called that because they are Fresians (black and white) crossed with another white cow (which I can’t remember the name of) and they end up white with grey patches, and look mouldy like blue cheese, hence the name. They are very muscular and have good meat – to which I can attest. Dessert was at a local waffle shop. Neither Duncan or myself are big waffle people so we shared one – it was ok.
Took a detour on the way back past the chocolatier with the yummy hot chocolate and spent a little while taking in the sights while sipping it.
We headed back to the room around lunch time to get changed as were intending to go for a bike tour in the afternoon. I will not mention the name of the company as they say there is no such thing as bad publicity; however lets just say their brochure says no reservation required, and they were full. So we couldn’t go cycling with them. It turned out to be very overcast and rained a little (only a tiny bit really, but it gave us some consolation).
The old vismarkt (fish market), had a bit of an arts and craft thing going on which we perused, we got there by walking down “Blind Ass Alley” (tee hee).
One of the most pleasant things about Bruges is the atmosphere. It is completely tourist driven, a little cheesy and cliché, but it works. The cobbled streets and restricted vehicle access, and the fact that everything is walking distance is lovely, and it is very peaceful walking exploring the streets and alleys and hearing the bells of one of the many churches ringing.
So we had tried beer and chocolate, but still had Flemish stew and waffles to go. We went to a small bistro that had been recommended for it’s stew and it did not disappoint. Delicious tender Belgium Blue beef stewed in Belgian Beer…. mmm. The cows are called that because they are Fresians (black and white) crossed with another white cow (which I can’t remember the name of) and they end up white with grey patches, and look mouldy like blue cheese, hence the name. They are very muscular and have good meat – to which I can attest. Dessert was at a local waffle shop. Neither Duncan or myself are big waffle people so we shared one – it was ok.
posted by Gemma at
5:47 AM
3 Comments:
Sounds like you guys are having a fantastic time. We so look forward to reading the next blog each time. Thank you for taking the time to keep it up to date. Are the beers in the standard glasses or have you had the giant glasses, I think they are called stiens or is that just in Germany? Looking forward to the box of Belgian Chocs in the post!!!!
Love you both
By
Dad & Mom A, at 10:07 PM
Ummm arrrr Didn't you guys know that you are not meant to take photos in the churhes, You better learn that before you go to Italy.
Love Vic
By
Anonymous, at 2:14 PM
In many of the churches in Italy (and Vatican City) taking photographs is prohibited (probably because then you won't buy a postcard ;) tee hee), but other churches in other areas photos are allowed, often a small donation to the church is appreciated.
Love Gem
By
Gemma, at 5:16 PM
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