Bruges, a City of Canals!

Bruges, Belgium

Today, we visit Belgium, a country containing two separate nations – – the Flemish whose language is a variation of Dutch and the Walloons who speak French. This tiny nation in the north Atlantic, is surrounded by France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands. When I lived in France, in college, it was an easy stop on the way to a visit to Amsterdam. Because of its lack of defensible borders, Belgium has historically been one of the most fought-over places on the globe. As a result, the country did not gain full independence until 1830.

Belgium is a foodie heaven famous for its waffles, hand-made chocolate, fries – – (french fries are from here not France), brussels sprouts cooked with chestnuts and bacon pieces, mussels, and pralines. Belgium is proud of its beer-making tradition and contains more than 125 breweries producing more than 350 fine brands of beer.

Belgium is home to BRUSSELS , a thriving Cosmopolitan city known as the capital of the European Union and home of NATO. I will visit BRUGES, known as the “Venice of the north,” based on its extensive network of beautiful canals that traverse this vibrant city. I took a canal ride during my first trip here, two decades ago. Importantly, Bruges is a UNESCO world heritage city!! Bruges was made famous by the 2008 film, “In Bruges”, a dark, quirky film. The Bruges medieval Belfry is a bell tower, dating back to the 13th century, which still employs a full-time bell ringer to maintain it’s 48 bells. It’s the most popular and most visible landmark in the city. Bruges has been a center for lace-making since the 15th century and lace products with intricate patterns can be found in many specialty shops.

There is even a chocolate museum and a french fries museum here!! If I visit either one, I may never leave!

On a final note—one of Brussels most beloved landmarks/mascots is the mannneken pis. It’s a bronze statue of a little boy relieving himself. And yes, they dress him up in different costumes throughout the year. see manneken pis:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manneken_Pis

I recall walking in circles and getting lost searching for him when I visited Brussels many moons ago. He is cute!

By the way, it is 50° here today and we are six hours ahead of Eastern standard time. Pictured here: room service breakfast on my balcony as we head into the industrial port of Zeebrugges. Ordered breakfast from the ships app.

Manneken_Pis