Brugge, Belgium. Monday, 14th May 2018
A dark sky with plenty of wind. This seems to be the trend for the day, I muse as we step out of the hotel, after breakfast, at 10:05. Walked to the canal cruise point, only to find that the cruises would start at 12:40. Continued strolling and window shopping, in the direction of a spot called Begijnhof, which looked promising, as per a local guide map. As we arrived at the place, we were absolutely stunned! To our right was a green patch on which lazed many
swans; the patch bordered a canal on the other bank of which stretched a row of red and white brick buildings with their typical 16th-17th century architecture. To our left was another row of beautiful houses and ahead of us, yet another attractive construction !
The canal passed under a cute bridge behind us while there was another to our right, a little ahead. It was cold and cloudy and a light mist that hung around all but covered the tall turret of the church of Salvador, in the distance. The scene was straight out of an Enid Blyton adventure and we really expected to run into the Famous Five or Fatty & co., with Buster snapping at the heels of Mr. Goon, any moment! We crossed the bridge that lay ahead to our right and turned left. The canal, now to our left, had broadened considerably and to our right lay another long row of the red and white brick houses. On the left bank of
the canal was a huge verdant patch that was home to a restaurant; and trees with shades of maroon and green! The canal passed under another bridge, some 150 mtrs. ahead. There were tourists everywhere, a few eagerly and faithfully following their guides, others busy clicking selfies and still others talking animatedly. Groups of school kids in their colourful attire and wearing broad smiles on their visages, passed us at times. It was unbelievable!
At that moment, we called up an aunt of mine - who wasn't keeping too well - in Mumbai, to enquire of her health. My mother was with her too and I confessed to her that Brugge was the best place that I had ever seen!
We carried on and turning left after a while, were on the bridge. The view on all sides was simply surreal! We were close to Katelinjpoort, the place that we had visited and had been impressed by, yesterday. However, instead of continuing on to Katelinjpoort, we suddenly turned left and walked into a serene garden that looked very inviting. We cut across the garden on the periphery of which lay the stately homes of lucky people. Emerging onto the main road, we started walking in the direction of our hotel.
Purchased liquor chocolates on the way. Braving the chilly winds, we reached our hotel, but carried on to Wallerstraat in search of the handbag spotted in one of the show windows, yesterday. The bag was not worth the price, so did not waste money. Came back to our room and deposited the chocolates. Stepped out again and walked to the Thai restaurant for lunch. Had another sumptuous meal. Went to the boat station and booked a ride (Euro 16/- for two). Had to wait for almost half an hour at the 'jetty, marked by the
statue of a mermaid. The next half hour was spent admiring the mystical town from the water, as the captain took us from one canal into another, with a running commentary on the important buildings to our left and right. A truly memorable ride! The ride ended at 15:41 and we trudged back to our hotel, having decided against any further sight-seeing, thanks to the winds which had now turned bitterly cold. The sun had taken a holiday today. Lazed in bed, viewed the photographs and videos, watched T.V., enjoyed tea with the window open and our looking out at nothing in particular, talking about Brugge.
To the Belgian capital - the land of Hercule Poirot and Tintin; tomorrow!