In Bruges, and Brussels

My two days in Belgium were absolutely fabulous. I though I’d share my experience for those who might want to go to Brussels or Bruges.

The Eurostar train always makes me wonder at the ease of traveling within Europe. It’s convenient, it’s well connected within Europe and also to London underground, and the international customs are so much better managed, especially if you compare to the nightmare called Heathrow. Anyway, so I bought these last minute tickets online, and although the price becomes a bit steep if you don’t reserve tickets in advance, the convenience of it all doesn’t make it pinch so badly. I bought a Brussels return ticket, and could travel anywhere within Belgium with this. Voila!

Bruges:

Bruges, also called Brugge, is absolutely breathtaking. It was so very romantic and so beautiful. People generally visit Bruges with their partners (I was one of the very few odd balls who were wandering about alone). I thought the city reminded me of Bern, although Bern was a bit too uptight (for lack of another word) for my taste. There is a natural innocence and romanticism to Bruges, which is hard to miss. Of course, like all touristy places, the city has its share of money-minded businessmen robbing you off for 9 Euros for a bland Spaghetti Bolognese, but still I thought the local people were friendly and very happy to have visitors.

I am not a beer person but actually the beers in both Bruges and Brussels were great. Cheery beer and the white and light Belgian beer (think it’s called the blonde beer or something), are a very nice try for about 5 euros for half a pint. The Sterling-Euro exchange rate didn’t help me much here as it is at parity now. I wouldn’t recommend going overboard on food though. I chose the popular and crowded places to eat but didn't want to end up

spending a lot for what I can cook better myself. I kept to simplistic food, but tried out different beers. I loved them beers :)

One day was enough for me to cover the city on foot. My hotel was quite central, so it was easy to just catch a bus ride to wherever. The city is inundated with small and large chocolate shops. I bought some from an underground shop called “Chocolatier Dumon”. It’s on Eirmarkt street, and apparently the most famous chocolate store in town. I hope the pack I got for my family is worth it! The Eirmarkt street also has a couple of clubs with some rather gaudy music, but who cares after a couple of drinks!!

I will continue Brussels in my next post...