Bruge, with its picture-perfect, fairytale looks, was like a medieval time warp for us.   It is a city of colorful bricks and mortar and is largely pedestrian with all the major attractions explored on foot.  We easily managed to continually get lost in the tangle of cobbled alleyways complemented by the Venice-type canals.  These canals link the two picturesque main market squares with their lofty towers, historic churches and pretty brick homes.  This mini-city is also known as “the Venice of the North” due to these canal system and bridges.  Today, this overcast, drizzly little enclave had a constant crush of tourists.  It felt like every tourist in the entire country was visiting Bruge today! ( It is only a one-hour train ride from Brussels.)  The city was also teaming with locals clad in yellow, red and black ready to celebrate an today’s soccer game against Ireland.

We had lunch at a fabulous fusion, health-food restaurant called #Food.  Yes, we know it wasn’t the typical Flemish food we should be eating; but, we were drawn to it’s upscale exterior and unique menu.  The food was superb and interesting.  The presentation was possibly the best we have ever seen-absolutely beautiful and really artistic. There were lots of amazing vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.  Both our dishes were fantastic.

Burg Square is the heart of the city.  For the architectural lover, this city is a treasure.  We were in total awe with all the exquisite buildings around the square, especially the Town Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.  The Basilica is very famous because it holds a piece of Jesus Christ’s clothing with a blood stain.  The second major square is the “Markt” (yes, that is the correct spelling) which is surrounded by gabled medieval palaces and  the Belfry.  The Belfry is the city’s looming clock tower with its 365 steps.  We wanted to climb this tower for the great views but there was a 2 hour wait!  This square is lined with lots of Flemish eateries with seats under colorful awnings.  Bruge is certainly not a city of green spaces.  Bruge is, of course, known for it’s beer, along with diamonds, lace and what appears to be hundreds of chocolate shops throughout the city.  There is even a chocolate and friet (French fry) museum within the city!  It was a fun Saturday in Medieval-land.

Now, off to Amsterdam for a week.  It is hard to believe that we only have 3 weeks left in our 7 1/2 month journey!