Bruges

 We sailed into Antwerp, so we are now in a different country, Belgium. There was no customs check, no questions to answer, no paperwork to produce. We are just here.

A short bus ride took us to Bruges which is one of the most beautiful cities anywhere. Once, Bruges was an important trading centre, but this faded and Bruges became a backwater town which was considered unimportant. As a result, it was largely ignored. Wars raged around it but Bruges was never touched. This is a medieval city which still stands as it has for hundreds of years.

Beguinage

Our guide explained. Since this was strictly a residence for women, there were always men hanging about.

Vera did her job.

This was our first field of daffodils.

Streets are narrow, but very walkable.

It is not the Netherland, but there are still canals.

And churches

And churches.

Deb found a model of the central square, so she could youch to get a sense of her surroundings.

We tried two traditional Belgian foods. Mine was a Flemish beef stew served with Belgian fries. Of course, the fries are called Belgian because the French did not invent them. The fries are served with mayonnaise, which turned out to be delicious, especially when combined with the gravy from the stew.

Deb tried mussels in a creamy white wine sauce. They were delicious, but she could not finish the entire potful.

The market was in the guild Square. The buildings are guild halls.