Today we awoke to wet streets and a farmers market in the square nearby. We decided to pick up a few sweet breads for breakfast and enjoyed them while sipping on cappucinos and watching the locals pass by. We had made reservations yesterday to take a bike tour around the city and into the countryside and were a little worried at first that we might hit some rain. After breakfast we walked down some side streets, stopping at a bottle shop and choosing several more Belgian beers and chocolates that we would taste later in the day.
After returning to the hotel to bundle up and enjoy some beer, we were off again, this time to meet up with Jos and the other bikers for our tour. When we arrived at the meeting spot there were two other couples who looked to be joining the ride. One couple was on holiday from Germany and the other appeared to be from the States. As most of us were without bikes, we took a short walk to the garage to pick them up. Upon our arrival at the garage the young (American?) couple decided that they would not be joining the tour (the girl didn’t look too thrilled to be biking). They were then afterward referred to as the ‘wimps’. We are not sure if it was the rain or the fact that they could not pay by credit card, which kept them from joining us. Either way, we had a lovely time without them.
Our ride took us to the limits of the city (only minutes from the market square) and our first stop was to the oldest original windmill in Brugge. There are a total of four windmills in all of Brugge, the other three were built in the 1960’s, after WWII when tourism began booming here. Jos began telling us of the history of Brugge and how it has been the battleground for many wars and thus, ruled by many nations throughout history. Our ride took us into the countryside where we rode down a path of poplar trees planted around the city of Damme which provide an aerial view of a star (much like the way the streets are aligned in Paris at L’Arc de Triomphe). After stopping for a coffee, we were back to the city to complete our tour. Matt and I stayed a while to chat with Jos at the garage when we returned. He is a quite interesting fellow and he suggested a restaurant and some beers for us to try while in Brugge.
Wanting to ensure that we go some chocolate and other souvenirs before the shops closed, we ventured through the streets and did some shopping. We stopped at 2 chocolate shops and one confectioners shop where we purchased some cookies and homemade lollipops. A quick trip was needed to drop off our purchases and head out for a nice dinner.
After returning to the hotel to bundle up and enjoy some beer, we were off again, this time to meet up with Jos and the other bikers for our tour. When we arrived at the meeting spot there were two other couples who looked to be joining the ride. One couple was on holiday from Germany and the other appeared to be from the States. As most of us were without bikes, we took a short walk to the garage to pick them up. Upon our arrival at the garage the young (American?) couple decided that they would not be joining the tour (the girl didn’t look too thrilled to be biking). They were then afterward referred to as the ‘wimps’. We are not sure if it was the rain or the fact that they could not pay by credit card, which kept them from joining us. Either way, we had a lovely time without them.
Our ride took us to the limits of the city (only minutes from the market square) and our first stop was to the oldest original windmill in Brugge. There are a total of four windmills in all of Brugge, the other three were built in the 1960’s, after WWII when tourism began booming here. Jos began telling us of the history of Brugge and how it has been the battleground for many wars and thus, ruled by many nations throughout history. Our ride took us into the countryside where we rode down a path of poplar trees planted around the city of Damme which provide an aerial view of a star (much like the way the streets are aligned in Paris at L’Arc de Triomphe). After stopping for a coffee, we were back to the city to complete our tour. Matt and I stayed a while to chat with Jos at the garage when we returned. He is a quite interesting fellow and he suggested a restaurant and some beers for us to try while in Brugge.
Wanting to ensure that we go some chocolate and other souvenirs before the shops closed, we ventured through the streets and did some shopping. We stopped at 2 chocolate shops and one confectioners shop where we purchased some cookies and homemade lollipops. A quick trip was needed to drop off our purchases and head out for a nice dinner.
Taking the suggestion of Jos, we ate at a restaurant favored by the locals. Matt had steak covered in a peppered cream sauce while I ventured out a little and tried the flemish stew (a stew of beef and pork cooked in a dark beer sauce). We were served with a large bowl of frites and both dishes were wonderful. We completed the meal with some vanilla ice cream covered in a homemade eggnog liquer. Yum, Yum! Easily the best meal we’ve had on this entire trip!
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