Bruges

Bruges
The first weekend after the New Year, Jesse and I went to Bruges, Belgium. It was about a 3 hour drive there to the “Venice of the North.” This city of course is very old. Canals run through it, but were frozen so Jesse didn’t get the boat ride he wanted. We stayed in a quaint bed and Breakfast with only 2 or 3 rooms ran by a family. It really was one of the nicer rooms we’ve ever stayed in, in Europe. She made us breakfast every morning complete with open faced sandwiches, eggs anyway we like and a chocolate fondue machine to dip fruit. From the hotel we walked a good 10-15 mins in the freezing cold (thermals again) and explored old windmills, buildings, and shops.




The first day we climbed the big clock tower 366 steps to a wonderful view of the city and a treat to see the inner workings of the song the bells rang.




We also saw the “Church of our Lady,” which housed an original masterpiece of Michangelo’s sculpture of Madona and Child.



We stopped in to a lace shop and a wonderful man described how things are made and the history that he and his family has been through.



We were also fortunate enough to go through a ice sculpture fair. It was really cool.



As recommended by the locals we found a bar that has been standing since 1500. We went in and had a drink there and marveled over the age of the place. Later we found a chocolate shop and saw that we could warm up on a chocolate drink…it was fantastic. That night we dined at a near by restaurant suggested by our host of the hotel.



The next day we woke up to winter wonderland. Everything was frozen. We toured a museum and took lots of pictures around the city, but one of the most interesting things we saw was in a Basilica. We walked in to this old church where we heard they kept a vile of Jesus’ blood. When we got in there we realized they were actually holding a service. Many people came on pilgrimage from who knows where to see it. There was a man sitting on a throne with the relic in front of him. People were allowed to form a line and one by one lay their hands on it. Each time someone was done the man would wipe the relic down. Jesse and I watched for a little while, and then felt guilty for not sharing the belief and walked out quietly. That night Jesse and I went exploring for a new restaurant and found a little hole in the wall bar. They served the best steak that I have had in Europe. Jesse drove me back to the hotel and went out afterwards to get some night shots of the city. Hope you all enjoy.

Jen