Sign in with Facebook"Brugge - Towers, Steeples, and Historic Canals" Brugge by littlesam1
Brugge Travel Guide: 2,686 reviews and 7,159 photos
Reading the pages I have created here on Virtual Tourist its obvious that I mix the reality of travel with the fantasy of movies. When I visit a city or a country I almost immediately think of some movie that I have seen that was set there. With all of the historic buildings and beauty of Brugges you would think that I would be so overwhelmed that a movie would be the last thing I would be thinking out. However just three months before my trip to Brugges I saw a movie starring Colin Farrel called In Brugges. In the movie Colin Farrel hated Brugges and hated the fact that he was stuck there and unable to leave. He kept grumbling that there is nothing worse than be stuck in f--king Brugges. But to the contrary I could think of few things better than to be stuck in Brugges for a few days. I do have to admit that as I walked through the cobble stoned streets, climbed bell tours, toured churches, and admired the beauty of the canals, still under my breath I was saying in my best Colin Farrel imitation "I'm stuck in f--king Brugges."
I was staying in Paris for only four days. Once arriving in Paris it is difficult to make yourself leave. I had wanted to see Brugges for a long time, and this was the closest I had been in several years. So I decided while planning this trip that I wanted to take a day trip to Brugges. Before I had a chance to think about it and change my plans, I immediately bought my train tickets to Brugges the first day I arrived in Paris. And I am so glad I made that decision. Brugges is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. The historic buildings and canals survived both World Wars with little if any damage. The historic area looks as it did hundreds of years ago. Its like stepping back in time.
Of course along with the churches and canals there are also many restaurants and pubs where you can find some of the best beers in the world. Belgium is known for its wonderful beers. After a long day of walking Mark (Hikerpark) and I were very tired. Mark still had a couple of areas on the Brugges map that he wanted to try and see. I on the other hand had walked the entire day and could not think of walking any farther than the pubs and restaurants in the Market Square. I told Mark I did not mind if he wanted to walk on and see the other areas but I was staying in the Market Square, resting my feet, and having a couple of beers. Mark stopped and thought for about two seconds and said "Great idea".
Be warned. When you ask for a beer and the waiter asks if you want small, medium, or large think back to this picture here of me drinking a "medium" sized beer. It was very large, came in its own wooden cradle to hold the glass, and went down real smooth. At first I did not think that I would be able to finish the beer. Then about half way through I realized not only could I finish it, but I wanted another. However I asked for a small the second time around. It still was very big by most standards. But I was very very relaxed for the train trip back to Paris!
Reviews (12)
Above all else enjoy the magic
Things to Do
(12)
Forget the beer, the fried potato museum, the statues, and the towers. Above all of this just allow youself the time to... more travel advice
Friet Museum
Things to Do
(12)
Would like to start an argument in Belgium. Ask for some French Fries. The Belgians will proudly tell you that they are... more travel advice
Memorial to Jan van Eyck
Things to Do
(12)
Another statue, another photo. As I mentioned in an earlier tip there are few statues that I pass by without taking a... more travel advice
Jan van Eyck House
Things to Do
(12)
The most famous Flemish oil painter of his time, Jan van Eyck purchased a house in Brugge in 1431. I found this house... more travel advice
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“"The only thing to do with family skeletons is to take them out of the closet and dance with them."”
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Comments (6)
Interesting perspective...your experiences n Brugge..Mine was only so so but I totally enjoyed the architecture and the history that this photogenic little treat has to offer.. I cant believe that you had such a difficult time getting into the churches..HOLLLY SMOKES!!!..Nice photos of an interesting city...I see you've signed up for Seattle...Maybe our paths will cross out there :o)
I like your historical writing style Larry. Your tips were a pleasure to read. So many people do the cut & paste thing... I found Brugge on vt and now I will be visiting it! :o) Can't wait! Think I'll one of those beers. Cheers, Ann.
Nice useful tips ;-)
great page from one of my favorite towns in europe. what in the world is better than frites and beer? :O)
I did not get to spend much time here, need to go back.
Wasn't "In Brugges" a great movie? Great shot of you quaffing that "medium-sized" beer!