9 a.m., eyes closed, just hearing the sound of the train, I couldn’t stop thinking of the beginning of the 2008 movie “In Bruges” starring Colin Farrell (Ray) and Brendan Gleeson (Ken) having the following conversation:
Ray: Bruges is a shithole.
Ken: Bruges is NOT a shithole.
Ray: Bruges IS a shithole.
Ken: Ray, we only just got off the fucking train! Could we reserve judgments on Bruges until we've seen the fucking place?
And that’s it; we were there, in Bruges, a city located in the northwest of Belgium and part of the Flemish region. Standing right outside of the train station, literally freezing our asses because of the strong Atlantic wind, we were ready to discover what the city can offer us. What to expect from Bruges? Well, honestly… the hotness of Colin Farrell, walking around the medieval streets of the city half naked and covered in Belgian chocolate – lekker lekker! That wouldn’t be a bad first impression, but it also will never happen (sad); instead Bruges offers you a very historic city centre recognized as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO with an intact medieval architecture, including the Church of Our Lady (1), the City Hall at the Burg square (2), and the Belfry of Bruges which you can climb and have an amazing view from over the city (3). The way up in the tower is quite narrow and those stairs are a total bitch (believe us), anyway if the weather is nice (not so often in Belgium) it is worthy the experience.
If you are not that interested in the whole thing of looking at stuff, sorry, I mean sightseeing, or your jeans are too tight to walk or cycle around the city, then go for a beer or chocolate (4)! We skipped the beer (sorry Belgium and your more than 150 types of beers, but it is not our cup of tea), and ended our Bruges-visit in a lovely café/lunch room (de Medici) (5) instead. But yes: One day in Bruges is enough! We don’t blame you if you get captivated by the city and decide to stay for an extra day, but don’t be so lame! Get a GO PASS and travel to Brussels (we did! But we will tell you another time about it...)! For now enjoy Bruges seen through our eyes…..
You're welcome / De Nada
For me "If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn't, so it doesn't" is the perfect way to describe it. Was just so full of tourists and not a real authentic feeling to be had. Of course the beer was good...
ReplyDeleteHave you been to Gent?