The initial plan in Belgium was to have a relaxed 5 days touring the area and walking the forests. This plan changed somewhat when we got an invite to attend the every 2 year meeting of the Australian Canal Society (ACS) at the Blue Lias near Leamington. We left the ‘van at Erezee and headed West early on Saturday so as to have a few hours in Brugge before heading across the channel.
Brugge (the Venice of the North) is just magnificent. If you haven’t been there then you must go – if you have been there you are probably planning your next visit. The first sight to greet us was one the Western gate which traverses the canal that surrounds the city. Cyclists also play a substantial part of the road system.
Brugge (the Venice of the North) is just magnificent. If you haven’t been there then you must go – if you have been there you are probably planning your next visit. The first sight to greet us was one the Western gate which traverses the canal that surrounds the city. Cyclists also play a substantial part of the road system.
We arrived Saturday morning and everywhere there were markets. The quality of the produce was unbelievable. Every flower or piece of fruit was a candidate to win a show prize. We bought 3 pummets of raspberries – they did not last long.
The city comprises a series of linked squares where restaurants and cafeterias abound. We eventually came out at the main square. Here is the Town Hall which shares the same square as the Belfry.
Helen loved the place and after several hours of walking we decided to treat our legs to a horse and carriage ride. Just as well as there was a substantial area of the city we were not even aware of. 
The Belfry (of “In Brugge” fame – a black comedy definitely worth seeing) dominates the square. 
The city is interwoven with a canal system which breaks into many picturesque vistas.
This is the gatehouse to the system where taxes had to be paid (not everything is perfect!)
In one of the squares is a statue of Simon Steven who is credited (or otherwise) for introducing (inventing?) the decimal system into Europe.
We then got on the ferry to England and stayed with Jo for two nights. We went to the ACS lunch – great to get an update on the latest developments. The day was so busy that I did not get any photographs. During the lunch we caught up with a couple of hitchhikers from Canberra and they came back with us on channel crossing number 5.
We stopped in Calais to post some cards with French stamps on them as well as a bit of lunch. Having skipped through Calais on a number of occasions it was good to spend a little time taking in the sun and a park.
However, Brugge was calling and we arrived mid afternoon to show Martin and Sue our new find. Helen at last had someone who appreciated the finer aspects of the famous Belgian lace.
Whereas Martin and I looked out a canal trip.
Many of the canal locations were lined with spectators. Some were more interested than others about all the boats… 
Each corner of the canal without exception gave rise to wonderful vistas. This was underpinned by over 200 photos being taken during the weekend!
Erezee was some 4 hours from Brugge and we arrived quite late on Monday night (3 days and 1600+ kms later).
We spent the following day pottering around the areas. There was an old light rail system just down from the site so Martin and I hopped on for a quick trip. As we were on the last trip we also managed to hitch a ride back to the sheds and saw a number of old engines and carriages in various stages of refurbishment.
The line was operated by students.
The next day Martin plotted a great day trip along the river Meuse from Dinant running North. This was a beautiful day culminating in a drive and exploration of the Citadel at Namur where we had lunch.
Unfortunately when I found our lunch spot I had forgotten Sue’s leaning to vertigo so only 3 of us really appreciated the view at this location with its nearby drop off.
We stopped in Calais to post some cards with French stamps on them as well as a bit of lunch. Having skipped through Calais on a number of occasions it was good to spend a little time taking in the sun and a park.
However, Brugge was calling and we arrived mid afternoon to show Martin and Sue our new find. Helen at last had someone who appreciated the finer aspects of the famous Belgian lace.
Whereas Martin and I looked out a canal trip.
Many of the canal locations were lined with spectators. Some were more interested than others about all the boats… 
Each corner of the canal without exception gave rise to wonderful vistas. This was underpinned by over 200 photos being taken during the weekend!Erezee was some 4 hours from Brugge and we arrived quite late on Monday night (3 days and 1600+ kms later).
We spent the following day pottering around the areas. There was an old light rail system just down from the site so Martin and I hopped on for a quick trip. As we were on the last trip we also managed to hitch a ride back to the sheds and saw a number of old engines and carriages in various stages of refurbishment.
The line was operated by students.
The next day Martin plotted a great day trip along the river Meuse from Dinant running North. This was a beautiful day culminating in a drive and exploration of the Citadel at Namur where we had lunch.
Unfortunately when I found our lunch spot I had forgotten Sue’s leaning to vertigo so only 3 of us really appreciated the view at this location with its nearby drop off.
No comments:
Post a Comment