Something for the Weekend Sir? (Bruges)

Member Name: Bridgend boy

Product:	Bruges
Date:	29/10/01 (183 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very pretty, Driving distance from Calais

Disadvantages: The ATM's are mind numbingly slow

What can I say about Bruges that hasn't already been said? Not much probably, but I'll give it a go.

The best preserved medieval town in Northern Europe. (Nope, already been mentioned).
The most visited tourist destination in Belgium. (Damn, missed again).

Oh well, so everybody that wants to know about Bruges has access to all the information they could possibly need without me adding to it. I don't care, I'm going to tell you what I thought of Bruges anyway, so listen up.

When i booked my weekend away, everybody I mentioned it to that had been there themselves told me how great it was. Stunning, beautiful, gorgoeus. All adjectives used to dexcribe the place to me. My god, I thought, why haven't I been there before. Has there been some big conspiricy to stop me from visiting. There must have been, I seem to be the only person who hasn't been there.

Needless to say, I was looking forward to it. We arrived Friday afternoon after stocking up on booze in Calais. (£4.50 for a crate of Stella, rip off Britain is still alive and well). We checked into our hotel after a very easy drive and hit the town. Our hotel was situated just off the Markt (the main square in the city) and so was in easy walking distance of everywhere. We spent the afternoon and evening just walking around, popping into chocolate shops (with their heavenly smell) and bars to try out some of the famous Belgian larger. Leffe is the most famous and this is what you can mainly expect to be served. It's much stronger than the British stuff and a lot heavier. It goes down well though!

We ate dinner overlooking the square in one of the bars situated there. We were able to eat outside on the heated terrace. It's fantastic to be able to sit outside and eat and drink in the last week of October. Why can't British cafes and bars install these heaters. They are fantastic.

After spending some more time drinking the evening
away we retired to our hotel for the night.

In the morning we climbed the Belfry bell tower. 366 steps to the top. Great views but it's hard work and gets VERY narrow towards the top. Don't bother if you're claustrophobic. Next (after a drink, obviously) we walked to the canal and took a very pleasent boat trip through the city. Only 190BF per person (about £3) for a great way to while away half an hour. The Belgian guide was very funny. Not his talk, but his accent when speaking English. Worth the money alone.

After some more wandering and drinking, we changed our clothes anf headed out for the evening. We had reservations for
"Le Hobbit". If you're thinking of eating here book, as it gets very busy. They do great ribs and they'll feed you until you can eat no more. Usual cost of a meal is about £10 per person.

Afterwards, we drank some more and went to sleep.

All in all, Bruges is a great place. Refreshingly reasonable for somewhere that attracts so many tourists, and well worth a weekend visit. The town looked stunning and the chocolate shops are practically magnetic to a human being. The smell is something else.

If you've got a spare weekend and are looking for something to do, go to Bruges, there's not a sprout in sight. (Good marketing slogan!!)

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