Bruges and Ghent Belgium

We had a full day guided excursion today. We traveled first to Burges which is in the northwest in the Flemish region where they speak Dutch. The town is nicknamed “Venice of the North”. We took a ride on the crisscrossed canals, which provided perfect views of the town. Because Burges was not an industrial town, it was spared in wars. The medieval architecture is mostly intact and is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Flemish and Gothic architecture, step gabled guild houses and buildings, cobbled streets, colorful squares and expansive medieval parts are all a part of its historical beauty. It’s Palm Sunday today and the 47 bells of the 12th century Belfry of Burges rang out today. Burges is my favorite place that we have visited so far. Rebecca and I had our Belgium chocolate, Belgium waffle, and Belgium french fries. French fries were invented here…not in France! Belgium fries are fried twice and they use beef tallow (fat)…just 3 ingredients. MacDonald’s uses 22 ingredients!

On the way back we stopped in the town of Ghent for a mile guided walk of the historical area. After Paris it is medieval Europe’s largest city and much has stayed intact. Ghent seems grey and somewhat dirty, not pretty and colorful like Burges. We walked by Gravensteen, a 12th century castle that has been restored and quite impressive.

Every evening there is entertainment, and we decided to finally go tonight. It was a string quartet from France…nice way to end the day.Read more