FIRST DAY TRIP

The weather has been absolutely beautiful this weekend so we thought it would be a good day to go on a day trip to Brugge.   Of course the weather might not have been as nice up there but we got pretty lucky.  While we were there dark clouds would drift in and we'd have a light shower of rain and then the sun would come out.   So overall not a bad day for weather - especially in Belgium.  


The photos below are of the Belfry of Brugge. There have been Halls built on this sight since the 13th century and about 5 versions of the tower - all burned - mostly due to lightning strikes.  This latest tower was built in 1822.  It is 83 meters high and it actually leans 1 meter to the left.  366 steps take you to the top.    

INTERESTING SHRUBS IN THE COURTYARD

This musician was playing in the courtyard.  Definitely eclectic music.  But he got the prime spot for crowds and coins.  We saw a guy playing the accordion down some obscure alley.  Brugge doesn't seem to be a real mecca for polkas but he sounded good!

Following are some pictures of the historic buildings of Brugge; the Grand Place, the Markt, the canals and bridges.

TYPICAL TRANSPORATION FOR BRUGGE LOCALS

THE GRAND PLACE;  GABLED HOUSES ON AART VAN DE GEER STREET 

GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE & PROVINCIAL COURT 

PROVINCIAL COURT - 1887 

KING'S BRIDGE 

ROSENHOEDKAAI WITH BRUGGE BELFRY IN THE BACKGROUND

LOOKS LIKE A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE LUNCH!

SPEIGELREI WITH BRUGHER'S LODGE

THIS RESTAURANT WAS AWESOME. IT WAS ANOTHER ARGENTINE PLACE CALLED EL CHARASSCO ARGENTINO. 

THIS GUY WAS CRAZY GOOD!  HE REALLY LOOKS LIKE A STATUE.  I LIKE HIM BETTER THAN THE BRONZE GUYS THAT YOU SEE IN THE CITIES.

FINALLY, THIS IS THE BASILICA OF THE HOLY BLOOD;  BUILT IN THE 12TH CENTURY IN BURG SQUARE.  THEIR SACRED RELIC IS A VIAL THAT REPORTEDLY CONTAINS THE COAGULATED BLOOD OF CHRIST. THE PHOTO OF THE INSIDE WAS TAKEN FROM THE INTERNET.

WELL THAT IS ALL FROM BELGIUM.  WAS A GREAT WEEKEND.  GREAT WEATHER.  GOOD THING WE DON'T GET THE WEATHER YOU ARE HAVING IN THE U.S. BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ANY A/C!  NOT MANY PEOPLE DO AROUND HERE.  

NO SPECIAL PLANS FOR THE WEEK BUT MAYBE WE'LL TAKE A RIDE TO THE CHATEAU DE LA HULPE.  GREAT PLACE FOR THE DOGS.  

BYE!