Beer, Chocolate, Waffles, Canals and a break from gardening

Some of you were asking how our trip went. I’m pleased to say we had a very enjoyable visit to Bruges (Brugge in Flemish). This Belgian city is very beautiful and a joy to visit. We went on the Eurostar and the train journey was smooth and painless. It’s is an ideal place to amble around and and there are a number of museums and other places of interest to visit. If you are feeling lazy you can have a tour on a canal boat or in a horse and carriage! The white arches above the horse on the right are part of an ice rink which is being erected for Christmas.

Horse and Carriages waiting in The Markt (The Market Square)

During this particular visit culture took a back seat as we were here for the Bruges beer festival. Belgium is famous for its beers, and rightly so. There is a strong tradition of craft brewing and at present there are over 120 breweries producing a wide variety of different brews. Off we went feeling very adventurous. Three euros (almost 4 dollars) bought us each our own drinking glass, ten beer tokens and a programme listing what was available.

Festival glass and programme

The festival took place in the Hall attached to the medieval Belfort (Belfry Tower) so it was a very attractive setting. The Hall had a huge beamed roof and was very atmospheric – drinking beer in medieval surroundings – not something I’ve done before. It was a very relaxed experience, lots of different age groups including families with children.

So many beers, so little time

Each brewery had its own little stall where you could buy draught or bottled beer. I say buy, but no money exchanged hands, only little red plastic tokens (1 token per beer). The tokens were bought from a separate stall. It was like shopping with toy money.

Caulier Brewery Stand (No 33)

Lest you think we spent all our time carousing – I have photographic proof that we did do some sightseeing. Interestingly almost all roads running alongside canals end in “rei”

A View from Spiegelrei

As you can see canals and bridges add that extra magic.

View towards Groeinrei (the street on the left)

The buildings are a delight and the streets are cobbled – its like stepping back in time. We did pop into a café for a waffle with chocolate sauce but I ate it before I remembered to take a picture. Bad blogger – show some restraint next time!

Jan Van Eyckplein (Jan Van Eyck Square)

I get bored with shopping (unless garden or book related) but I do make an exception for Belgian chocolate. This isn’t all I bought, some has already been given away as presents. Note the tins of chocolate cats – ideal for all you cat loving bloggers. Next visit I’ll take a picture of a chocolate shop window – it’s unbelievable what the Belgians can make out of chocolate.

Mmmmm....chocolate....and cats!