In Bruges is a movie set in, well, in Bruges. It was one of the reasons I first wanted to go there, that and the beauty of this place not destroyed by the war raging around it. An untouched ancient canal town with a rich history. Last time I had no spare money so my travel companion and her small child and I just wandered. This time I was determined to do a trip on the canals by boat. The touristy thing to do. We waited in the sun for our boat soaking up the rays while enjoying the bright flowers lining the canal with a back drop of some amazing buildings. I must confess it was lovely to sit down for a bit. We'd just had the loveliest waffles, mine with cherries and chocolate and the boys with the full works, so I was a bit sleepy.
For centuries the canals of Bruges have linked the city to the sea, a guarantee of wealth and prosperity. International merchants built up Bruges into one of the largest Hanse cities. In the 15th century the city flourished as never before. Large parts of the medieval heritage remained practically intact so UNESCO designated the entire city centre as a World Heritage site. What fun the boat tour was, especially the commentary presented with dry Belgian humour. I've not been one for tours in the past and have realised how valuable they are in understanding the place and the people who live there. They also add value by bringing in tourist dollars, supporting the community and keeping the towns and cities alive.
Here's some information from the official Bruges site:
Although the Bruges region was already populated in Roman times, the city’s name appears for the first time in the 9th century, probably derived from the Old Germanic word ‘brugj’, which means ‘mooring’. Bruges has always had a special bond with the sea. After all, water played a crucial role in the city’s foundation. It was the place where several streams merged into a single river (the ‘Reie’), which flowed north into the coastal plain. This river was linked to the North Sea through a series of ‘tidal channels’, guaranteeing the city’s future welfare and prosperity.
During the First World War, Zeebrugge became the operational base for the German submarine fleet, coordinated from their headquarters on the Market Square in Bruges. Fortunately, both world wars left the historic city centre virtually unscathed, making Bruges increasingly appealing to visitors and culture-lovers alike. Its beauty and attraction was confirmed in 2000, when UNESCO classified the entire medieval inner city as a world heritage site.
I was the driver so didn't get to sample the famed Bruges beers, didn't think that one through properly! Back in Ypres it was Kreik beer all round, that delicious cherry brew I've always loved and which holds fond memories of family times in Antwerp. It was a long day of walking and exploring, although we didn't find the horse head fountain. Maps, instructions and directions were to no avail. Next time.
What to do on Thursday? The Cloth Hall museum was the first stop, a disappointing one for me. I'd been there in 2004, quite a while ago really, and remembered it having a display of the Flanders refugees displaced by war. Families moved from their destroyed homes, farms, towns. The victims of war not always acknowledged. While the museum was well done, and of course I had expected it to be updated, it was a quicker visit than expected. Then it was off to Dunkirk for lunch. Not such a highlight with a cold wind off the North Sea so we didn't stay long. I was pleased to be back in our warm apartment with hot chips, tomato sauce and an end of day beer.
And then there was my Friday treat, a trip to Paris to meet up with Nicole and Olivia friends from the Gold Coast. An entry on it's own.
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