Previously, I travelled to Bruges from The Hague, a grueling 9-hour bus ride:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-hague-part-2-journey-to-bruges.html
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Similar to Venice and Amsterdam, Bruges is a city with canals, but calmer, quieter and more relaxed.
I have to admit that I hadn't heard of Bruges before. (They do not have a famous football team). However, while planning for my journey of Holland-Belgium, I decided spend 2 nights in Bruges. This UNESCO World Heritage site oozed a specialty that other nearby cities such as Antwerp, Ghent, Lille didn't have - Bruges had remained virtually the same since the 16th century. It was not damaged during the world wars at all. So it was like traveling back time in Europe.
I had allocate 1 full day for Bruges, and will head to Brussels the next day. I booked a 2-night stay at Europa Hostel. This hostel was really comfortable, while the breakfast was superb.
It was July 2017, but the weather in Flanders was no better than the British weather. From the hostel, I took a pleasant morning walk to the 'Markt' or Market Place in the city center.
The Market Place, as the name implies, is the busiest part in town (Car-free)
Legends of Bruges walking tour at 9.45am
The weather was not ideal for a walking tour...
But Igor, our guide was superb throughout 2 hours. Bruges is unique in the sense that it has been the same since the 16th century. King Maximilian made the city extremely poor, and modernization didn't take place. During the two world wars, Bruges was deemed not significant to be bombed. So, it was quite a lucky escape. Bruges seems to be a happy-go-lucky city.
Roman Emperor Maximilian may have come clubbing in Bruges
In contrast, Bruges is where the College of Europe is located - Center for European Studies
The 'wet' walking tour - Shoes are key
Yes, Jesus's blood in a vial, apparently
Inside the Basilica
The Basilica was quite crowded. Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of the vial. Security personnel were also present. We were not allowed to take photos at the vial, and a priest was on guard, while we queued for our turn.
Wasn't sure of the authenticity of the relic. It reminds me of Prophet Muhamad's relics in Istanbul's Topkapi Palace (There were a few Kaaba stone covers, Prophet's beard, swords and etc.)
Like what they always say, Believers seek faith, others look for proof.
On a lighter mood, Bruges is in Belgium, and Belgium is world famous for one thing~
Is this candle in a beer glass, or beer in a candle glass? A tough question after a few pints
Halve Maan Brewery has a 3.2km long beer pipeline!
No matter where you are, beer can be sent to you
So Bruges may have been quite a happy city
That said, Bruges was once a commercial hub, trading with the major European powers like Portugal, Spain, England, France and etc. But Antwerp proved to be a better destination, and Bruges was happy to enjoy their beers.
Still, there are traces of wealth at every corner
I got back to the Market Place after the walking tour.
City Hall (Stadhuis)
An important event at the City Hall
I thought I would never say this, but the weather in Glasgow was better than Bruges in July~ I head back to the hostel for a rest at 3pm after the rain got heavier.
I went out again at 6.30pm to find the weather surprisingly good.
The sky cleared
Market Square was buzzing
I joined the 8pm walking tour, with some dark legends and ghost stories.
Walking among canals - Felt like a quiet version of Amsterdam
Lots of history and vivid stories
Random bar introduced by the guide
We ended the tour at 10pm with half a pint of Jupiter beer. Needless to say, I had a good nights sleep.
It was a truly pleasant day in Bruges. Flemish architecture is unique, while the people in Bruges are extremely relaxed. Bruges is one of those places you should visit if you want to chill.
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Bruges train station
To be continued...
Read the next post at:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/12/brussels-capital-of-belgium-part-1.html
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