Bruges, Belgium

The next city we visited on our trip was not originally part of the plan (much like Nara, Japan many weeks before).  As we traveled the world and met other travelers, we heard more than once of this charming Belgian city just a short train ride outside of Brussels called Bruges. (also spelled Brugge depending on who you ask)

The first time Bruges came up was in Bangkok, where on Chris' bike tour, he met some Danish citizens who recommended the excursion.  Then, again, in Istanbul by the shoreline, a group of girls asked to have their picture taken.  In the short conversation that followed, we discovered that they were Belgian and when we mentioned our stop in Brussels, they immediately recommended Bruges.

So on our second and last day in Belgium we took the train out to Bruges.  Like Brussels, Bruges was another lovely, quaint European town.  It's fame comes primarily from the fact that the town was spared the destruction of both world wars and most of its medieval architecture remains completely intact. 

We spent the morning walking around on our own and then took part in a walking tour of the town.  We were glad that we did the tour because there was much more to this town then what we thought!

Kate in the Markt (or Market Square)

The Belfry, a medieval bell tower, in The Markt

Saint Saviour's Cathedral

City Hall

Welcome Church of our Lady

Before leaving Bruges we enjoyed some mussels and went shopping for chocolate.  We couldn't leave Belgium without getting any chocolate!  

After getting back to Brussels that night from Bruges, we hit the Delirium bars!  As mentioned in the blog post before this, there are several Delirium-named bars (though apparently unaffiliated with the beer company) in Brussels.  The first night we found the Delirium Monastary.  This second night, we found the Delirium Cafe.  They had more than 2,500 bottled beers!  The beer list was a huge book with full of descriptions of their beers. 

This was a lot of fun.  Chris especially enjoyed the selection since he's not a big fan of the sweet Belgium-style beers that Kate loves.  Chris tried a variety of beers and learned that there are multiple classifications of Belgian beer.  He particularly liked the "Trippel" style that typically indicates the highest quality beer with a full-bodied flavor and a hoppy aftertaste.

Beers come in all sizes!  This was the same size has a champagne bottle.

Kate stuck to some of her old favorites.

 Kate outside of the Delirium Cafe. 

Thanks for having us Belgium!  You were all we wished/hoped/wanted you to be!!