I’ve taken my sweet time for this post but looks like I’ve run out of superlatives to say about Bruges.
The pictures will speak for itself.
Standing crisp in morning sun.
On a bright and breezy day in Bruges.
Not too keen on water activities – least of all boat rides, I did enjoy hopping into one here.
With more canals than roads in this pretty city – it no longer was an option but something that ‘had to be done’.
Otherwise we would have missed out on this!
Perhaps the loveliest sight of all.
Meet Fidele. A golden ball of cuteness.
We were lucky to catch of glimpse of him as he had his last siesta by the window in 2016.
Bruges is magical in the way that whenever the city starts to feel a bit quieter and duller than one would holiday in – a lively art work would appear to buffer the damper out. I don’t know if it is so designed but really, one could hardly add to the thought!
One of the fun & lively art installations along the canals.
A day that was perfect for a boat ride was also perfect for a bike ride – something that we both enjoy and so we rented a bike each and rode to the windmills.
Riding to the mill on the hill.
Sint-Janshuismill – actually a grain grinding mill; is not only the oldest but also the only one to occupy its original position since 1770.
Riding by this canal side was one of the best things to do in Bruges. Locals peppered the embankment on their routine jog and walks.
Coming back from the mill we parked our bikes by the tree, sat on one of these benches and munched on the idea of being on the beach.
It was as if the universe said ”think of three things you’d like to do on a day such as this and your wish will be my command” and et voila!
There we were!
Not by magic of course! We took a train and a tram and walked some.
We were being totally whimsical of this trip and if the beach is close and forces are with you – why not?!
Knokke- heist, I’m guessing, is the more popular one but we chose to go to a beach in Wenduine simply because it was the closest and most accessible by public transport.
In Wenduine.
So glad to have touched the Belgian coast!
It was quite windy and water was very cold. But to walk on the sand and enjoy the views from a higher promenade were more than enough to call it a happy day!
To reach the beach – took a train from Bruges to Blankenberge station from where a tram took us to Wenduine centre and a short walk lead to a beach full of life, cabins and sunshine!
Oh and we also caught a glimpse of an optical phenomenon called Sun dog or mock sun.
Caught window shopping!
Our evening and night time strolls were no way ordinary.
We traversed so many quaint paths with gabled houses standing shoulder to shoulder.
Some of them would make a perfect setting for a suspense- thriller. A deserted path – chill in the air – boots clacking on cobbled streets – did you just see someone turning a corner a bit hurried than normal …. (You got it!)
‘In Bruges’ a dark comic thriller, is a film about a hitman on the run and all and sundry coming to Bruges have seen it. And almost every travel blog on Bruges begin with the mention of the movie. I did watch it too but I found Bruges very different to the idea I carried in my head after watching the movie.
The quiet town becomes quieter by nightfall but without losing its out-worldly charm.
I’d been so starry-eyed and involved even in recalling and writing about this place so much so that I almost saw tiny stars glittering in the picture above. Oh, do you see them too?? Ok, then it’s time for you to wipe the dust particles off your screen.
I just did.
Still life on a still night.
An open concert was held close to where we stayed.
It had good vibe, great atmosphere and great music!
Oh, I realise I haven’t talked about the food scene in Bruges – which, by the way, is state of the art! We had food at Narai Thai, Sivalai Thai, Bhavani (Indian fare), Promessa (Italian) and Ellis Gourmet Burger (self-explanatory) – each of them was infallible. I guess, having a few Michelin star restaurants in the city ups the ante for the rest as well.
Soup for two at Bhavani. We gobbled the rest and let go of the camera for a while.
It was quite tasteful in ambience as well.
I must tell you Bruges is a complete holiday destinations for someone like me as it has amazing little local stores with inviting windows and wares.
And one of the most delightful weekend markets that I’ve seen.
I mean just look at those three pouring over!!
Proof enough.
Also that looks like a shorter version of Nick Jonas passing by (Don’t blame me! he is all over in Indian dailies these days).
I’d heard of Belgian Chocolates, waffles, diamonds, fries and beer – none of which is my thing but what was a pleasant surprise was Belgian lace.
Such intricate pieces that take months to make are more like works of art. It is such a brilliant idea to put them up on windows.
On the final day in Bruges.
The day was like the last one – a water-colour sky, warmish weather and generous sunshine.
And just like the last day we did the unplanned and took ourselves to Ten Wijngaerde or Beguinage – A world heritage site from 13th century.
The rows of white faced gabled houses opening to convent gardens is the current and quiet residence of nuns and women who decide to stay unmarried.
We were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of tree house installation by a Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata.
The visitors are expected to be hushed around the residences and to maintain decorum. If I thought Bruges was a city free of typical ‘city-noises’ this area attained a level of Swiss silence!! And the clicks of our camera seemed rather awfully loud and so after a quick photo we took our noisy camera outside.
Beguinage is said to be at its beautiful best in springtime when the garden where we stand is abloom with daffodils.
Just one more 😛
and off we go!
I’m aware I’m leaving out a long list of things that we did not do/see. But we did enjoy every moment of our time in Bruges.
I really do not know how day trippers manage to tear away from it!. I guess, it is very flexible and forgiving that way.
Bruges is a small city made busy and bustling by locals and tourists alike but its hustle and bustle, unlike other cities of similar popularity, doesn’t wear you down. Finding a calm corner to sit by the canal is a cakewalk. Whole city feels and looks like it gets scrubbed clean every day! Also unlike many old historic cities it doesn’t have one particular area or quarter that has the ‘old town’ feel but the quaint charm runs singularly throughout the city. It’s a place for all ages and all seasons.
And a place to be at for so many reasons 🙂
Easily one of the best places to visit in Europe.
It’s a great city and kudos to those keeping it that way.
We visited Bruges in July 2015, I hope it’s still the same. Or even better.
If you think fairytale towns exist only in fairytale books…
…get yourself to Bruges.
Still here? Go and pack.
Meet you later, in Africa.
Looking great Nikita, masterpiece pics and masterpiece words.always love to travel through your blog.keep writing dear and stay blessed.
So happy to hear that. Thank you!
Awesome !!! Beautiful !!! Amazing !!!
Thank you! Merci!!