Part of the Market Square. Note the funny roof style, which is characteristic of the Low Countries.
The Bell Tower on the Market Square.
Saturday morning I took a half hour canal cruise. I recommend Bruges for travellers with sun exposure problems because there are lots of trees and very narrow streets, which means lots of shade, even on the canals (mostly). Some highlights from the canal cruise:
Don't forget to check out the Begijnhof and Minnewater, which are peaceful, green, shaded retreats from the tourist hustle and bustle. Begijnhofs were founded during the Middle Ages as lay orders for women who wanted to earn a respectable living without taking the full vows of a nun. There were more women than men around during the Middle Ages, so the single gals needed an option that wasn't marriage, nunnery, or prostitution.
View across a canal from a bridge in the Minnewater
Nice sunset view of the canals
6 comments:
I loved Bruges. Way more than Brussels even. Of course, it rained the whole weekend, so we didn't do very many touristy things. We ended up spending a lot of time in the shops and bars and other random nook and crannies. We just really loved the atmosphere. Okay, that and the flavorful beers.
Bijenhof!! That's what we need!
Ooooh I just watched the Colin Farrell movie "In Bruges" and from your pics, it really DOES look as pretty as on the movies. Nice! Did you enjoy belgian beer? ;)
I'm still trying to catch up on all your travel pics. They are so nice. I want to see Bruges!!
Shannon - yeah, the atmosphere was really nice, I loved how peaceful it was by the canals.
Rose - I have to agree! Think of how many women we could save!
Kiwi - I have to see that movie! They mentioned it on the tourist map and I was like "what?" I'm so out of it. I'm really not a beer drinker, but I can take a kreik. Yes, that's how lame I am :)
Jennie - thanks! I'm enjoying your pictures too! I definitely recommend going to Bruges, and it's pretty easy with Thalys
It reminds me of Lille!
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