We were
woken early by the cold today – it’s been a while since we slept in the tent! A
quick brekkie consumed before catching the bus into Brugge itself.
The campsite
had given up a map of town and we had a couple of sights we wanted to see.
Started out hopping off the bus next to Saint Salvatorskathedral where we did a
full circuit of the outside and inside. Wandering left down the road to the t’Zand
we had a closer look at the sculpture/fountain there and the concert hall
before following the river around a tree lined path toward Lover’s Lake.
Passing King Albert on his horse (statue) we stumbled upon a cool gated
research centre with great gates before
carrying on our way across another stream to the ‘ísland’ that is the Ten
Wijngaerde Beguinage where we learnt history, visited their chapel and
appreciated the serenity.
Bray shared
a hongi with the stinky horse head fountain next to all the horse & carriage
operators then we wandered further into the old town where doily, lace,
chocolate and tapestry stores abounded. The chocolateries were in fierce
competition to make the most elaborate/obscure object from chocolate. Entire
winter scenes including extra large penguins on skis, chocolate CDs, mountains,
trees, bottoms, and a swan taller than Roni!
After
grabbing a takeaway coffee to warm us up we continued our exploring. Passing
the Diamond Museum and Hospitaalmuseum we carried on to the Bruggemuseum which
takes up entire blocks with fantastic old buildings, sculptures and decorative
touches including a king’s throne Bray tried on for size. Past the
Gruuthusemuseum and the beer wall (containing 1130 Belgian beers!) it was time
to sample some Belgian chocolate – it was tasty but not life altering!
On we
wandered to the Burg square which was overrun with debri and large vehicles
from the morning market. So exploring
the courthouse area, belfry, and Our Lady’s Church passed time until we retired
to the warmth of a Turkish cafe for lunch then returned to the now empty and
tidy Burg square. Here we took photos of the impressive decorated buildings
before beginning our long walk home. We passed through one of the old town
gates just in time to witness the bridges opening for boats to pass through –
once the excitement and bridges had lowered we carried on.
En route we
purchased cooking gas and some kai for dinner then discovered an awesome
confidence course/high ropes thing by the pool. Home for hot pumpkin soup (yay
for cooking gas again!) and a few jobs before settling into our sleeping bags
to keep warm with a movie before sleep.
