Twists and turns in Bruges

Today we travelled on the train to Bruges, about 1 hour from Brussels (5 euros return - a bargain!).  As you leave Brussels, the announcements, and the signs on the train, are in both French and Flemish, but once in Flanders, in Flemish only, which proves difficult.  The trip takes you through flat farmland, very muddy, which brings to mind the trenches of WWI, which must have been unbelievably horrible to live in, let alone die in.

Ice-skating in Bruges

However, Bruges is absolutely beautiful - the "Little Venice of the North" with canals and very quaint architecture. A must see at least once in your life. It's lovely in the summer, but very much on the tourist trail, so very congested. Winter is better, with Christmas making it very cosy. An ice-skating rink has been set up in the centre of the old town.

We visited all the sights of the town, including the Beguinage, the Town Hall, the canals, the Lake of Love, churches and cathedrals, the lace shops and the markets.  Lots of parts date back to the 1600s, and the narrow cobbled streets are full of twists and turns, making it very picturesque.

canals and quaint houses in Bruges

We had a bit of trouble in the Metro on the way home, we had to evacuate two trains, but finally made it home on the third. There is to be a strike later in the week, so we hope not to be caught up in this.  Not so nice at Christmas time ....