Waffles, Chocolate, Canals, Chocolate...

We got a later start this morning than we anticipated due to an Internet/downloading pictures problem. Trying to do picture stuff on a foreign computer in a different language is, well, just bizarre. :)

Blue skies this morning again - we've been so blessed with the weather! We headed straight to the 700 year old Belfast (Bell Tower) in the Grote Market square and bought tickets so we could climb to the top.

Grote Markt





366 steps later and 290 feet higher and we were looking down on the gorgeous housetops of this fabulous village!

We wandered around town, looking in shop windows and admiring the architecture, and finally chose a place to try the famous Belgium waffle. Wow! I seriously thought I would be disappointed, but this waffle was nothing like any waffle I've ever had. Anna and I split one - and wished we had each bought our own later. :D

I'm determined to recreate this! :D I started a Taste of Europe Series on my cooking blog and will post results there. Right now you can check out the Kerststol recipe from Haarlem!

One of the many phenomenal buildings.

We happened upon marvelous little cheese shops...


and bread shops...


pastry shops...


and, of course, chocolate shops. Bruge has a total of 88 chocolate shops and everyone of them is a work of art.

Anna and I aren't big on museums, but we decided to buy a combo ticket for the Choco Story and the Lumina Dominica (A museum that took us through the history of lighting - from the flint of the cavemen to modern day light bulbs.) - two of Bruges' most popular.

Bruge is also known for it's handmade lace. Now we know why!





Canals, swans, and flowers...this was Bruge, but specifically Minnewater Park.















Begijnhof is inhabited by Benedictine nuns to this day. It was definitely a sanctuary of peace. Who knows? I may go back for good! :D

After walking for hours, we opted to chill on a little canal boat ride. I'm glad we did! Our guide did the tour in four different languages, flowing seamlessly from French to English to German, then back to Dutch. I was so impressed!

My favorite part of the day was when we put the map way and just wandered the cobbled streets. Most the tourists seemed to fade away and the local families came out for evening walks. The lighting was beautiful.

Not that this family is local - I thought they were just so cute!

We came upon an artist by the name of Hossein Socotti, who painted photograph-like oils of Brugescapes. Had a great conversation with him about society and Christianity before buying one of his brilliant pieces.

(Photo borrowed from igougo.com)

After dark, we found a small "pasta huis" on a side street - Pili Pili - and ordered Tortellini to split. It was getting rather chilly, so we called it a night and headed back to our cozy B&B.

~ Sarah