The Venice of the North
Bruges is a really lovely, canal based city in Belgium. It is full of beautiful architecture, tasty food and delicious (strong) beer. It is sometimes known as the Venice of the north due to the number of canals that surround the city.
The last time I went there I was 8yrs old, so it was nice to return to Bruges and take a proper look around. This time with my camera.
We took the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk and then rented a car to drive through France down to Bruges.
Jeanne, Brent's mum, loved it as she hadn't been on a ferry like this before and it was great as we got to go to three countries in only one day.
Aboard the ferry
Hopefully those clouds will pass and give us some sunshine!!
Neighbouring Boat
Looking into the deep deep blue
I love the motion and gorgeous colour in this photo.
The Town Hall sits in Burg Square. This area is full of lovely shops, bars and amazing restaurants.
The details on this building are amazing. I am really drawn to the medieval chimneys and spires due to the different colours being so bold and appealing.
The back streets are my favourite place to wonder through in any European city. That's always where you find the quaint, traditional restaurants and experience the true atmosphere and culture of the city.
Teapots in the market
You have got to love all the chocolate in Bruges, soooooo tasty!!!
This shop is a sweet lovers paradise, it was really colourful and charming.
They were giving out samples of all the different cookies. We stayed in there for quite awhile.
The architecture in Bruges is very original. Each building is completely different in colour and brick. They all seem to have a similar shape and size but the different windows and colours make it so much more interesting.
Small foot steps
Looking at Bruges
I couldn't resist a photo of Brent and his aviators. They always call for such great shots and capture so many wonderful sights and natural reactions. Plus using his face in the photo creates a double take on a specific view, its as though I am showing the viewer what Brent sees.
Traditional Ways
The Power of Art
Brugge Blowing in the Wind
Thirsty?
Bruges, Belgium
Take Your Pick
Time Stands Tall
I like this photograph. It almost looks like a very traditional ink drawing because the detail and shading in the building create this effect. The wispy clouds enhance the idea of movement across the sky, contrasting against the very still tower.
I created a dreamy effect in this photo. It shows the everyday activities that occur before this grand building in Burg Square. The horse stands strong and tall against this powerful, important building.
I wasn't able to get a particularly great shot of this dog, however I thought that I would include it anyway because it made us laugh. We were taking a canal ride through the city and we sailed right past this dog in the window, we took a photo and thought nothing else of it, just that it was a sweet dog. When we got back to England we decided to watch the movie 'In Bruges' with Colin Farrel, and what did we see in one of the scenes as they sail down a canal...the same dog sitting in the window watching everyone go by!
It was really quite funny. He must be pretty well known around the city as that movie is a few years old now and he's still just chilling, hanging out of the same window.
Old Friends
Old Times
These photographs give you a better view of the city and what the canals look like.
It was lovely and sunny for most of the day and then all of a sudden it began to downpour. Of course we were on a boat and couldn't really escape it until we got to a bridge for shelter. We were joined by fellow canal riders until the rain stopped which was only about 5 minutes later, then out came the sun.
Sailing By
Watching On
Mother Swan
Here is another example of the beautiful architecture in Bruges. It is full of such charm and elaborate decor. The use of bold colours and contrasting structural styles really draws attention to the buildings making the city so much more unique and appealing.
Here We Are
Unfortunately our day had come to an end. It was lovely to explore the city for a second time and everyone seemed to have had a really great time, especially when it came to happy hour and chocolate sampling time. We drove back to France and boarded the ship to head back home.
Looking Down
After a 2.5hr crossing we made it back to the motherland. It was amazing that we had been in three countries in just one day.
I think we might try Ireland next. We have sampled delicious Belgium beer in Bruges, it's probably time to try some real Guinness in Dublin.
