Belgium is split almost down the middle lingually, with its capital Brussels as the unofficial dividing line between the two languages of French (South, including Brussels) and Flemish (North). Suddenly I couldn't speak a word of the local language, and even though every northern Belgian can speak French, I quickly remembered some advice from my travel book that warned that they don't like to speak "the other" language if they don't have to. Of course, as with most of northern Europe, this would not end up being a problem as most could understand English.
I arrived in Bruges knowing I was just going to spend a night and most of a day there but I was excited nonetheless. A small town, a few hundred years ago Bruges was once a thriving city in Europe, with the same population size as London, thanks to its economically significant port. However over time its importance diminished and it became somewhat forgotten to outsiders, so it sat for hundreds of years just minding its own business until the last century when tourists rediscovered its beauty and charm and started filling up its small town square all over again. Today the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage sight. I wanted to see what the hype was all about.
I arrived late afternoon to my hostel to find just one other person in my 8-bed dorm. Annie, an American doing exactly what I am doing, was more than eager to have a traveling companion for the day and we soon set out on foot to explore the city before it got too dark. Walking into the main square, our eyes opened wide to see a small christmas market, fully equipped with a small ice skating rink built in the middle surrounded by small wooden stalls selling delicious hot beverages (mulled wine is huge in these parts for some reason), and other tasty treats, as well as the usual christmas trinkets and souvenirs. Oh, and the horse-drawn carriages- everywhere! Annie and I decided after bikes, the locals favorite mode of transportation must have been these carriages, because not only were they all over the place, but every one we saw was transporting people.
Seriously this place was a fairytale city. We strolled under the Bell Tower (seen above) and suddenly found ourselves in front of a medieval reenactment with a dozen fully-dressed adults, two of which fought in full armor and real swords. Annie and I couldn't help but laugh, it was just so random. We had both traveled that day so were equally tired so we had an early night so we could get an early start the following morning.
We awoke early the next day and headed out for a full day of touring before I had to catch a train to Antwerp. We headed back to the square and climbed the Bell Tower.
Here you can see the best picture I could get from the top of the square down below. You can see the skating rink, the surrounding vendors, and if you look close enough, three or four horse-drawn carriages near the top.
Back down in the main square, we grabbed a bite to eat from the vendors. We decided on a popular one selling giant sausages. Check out the awkward timing of this picture with the couple on the right haha.
Next we decided to tour the two most Belgian things - chocolate and beer. First we headed to the Chocolate museum, which was way too much museum and not enough chocolate. We did have a fifteen minute demonstration on making chocolate at the end, with a the chance to try the chocolate at the end. Delicious.
After we headed to De Halve Maan Brouweru Taverne (The Half Moon Brewery Tavern), where my guide book had suggested as a good place for a tour of a Belgian brewery. Right again Mr. Steves. We had a blast, our guide was hilarious, and the tour was topped off by one of there beers called Brugse Jot.
In the words of Homer Simpson: "Mmmmm Beerrrrr (and drooling sounds)
After had to rush back to catch a train to go to Antwerp, my final stop in Belgium.
Fin.
- Matt
Location:Bruges, Belgium
gluwein-in deutschland for the xmas season- sehr sehr lecker (delicious)
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