Why You Should Visit Bruges

When I was in Belgium I knew I wanted to take a few day trips from Brussels. There are countless options to choose from, but I was super pleased with our choice of Bruges. Not even going to lie the movie In Bruges might have had something to do with swaying my selection (don't judge, "It's like a fairy-tale, isn't it, that place?"). 

From the moment we arrived after a short hour train ride from Brussels, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the architecture, and all the nooks and crannies of the narrow streets. It all felt like a movie set. We tried to make the most of our time in the small Belgian town from a canal boat tour, a market visit, waterzooi (oh the waterzooi!), cold pints, and the wonderful wandering and meandering through the cobbled lane ways.

If it wasn't clear already, I really liked Bruges and here are my top reasons why you should visit too

Canals and Boat Tours

Going on a boat tour of a city gives a new perspective to a familiar town or gets you up and close to a city's heritage. Waterways are the highways of the past (do I sound like a high school history teacher?) Plus you can sing "I'm on a boat!" and be cool AF.

The Food

This is where I first tried the waterzooi and it was just moments after this photo was taken that I feel in utter love with waterzooi. Plus it's super fun to say. Read all about the must try foods of Belgium here.

That Square!

European cities are known for their town squares and I could probably write a post about my favourite ones in Europe...actually that's not a bad idea...the town square in Bruges would definitely make the top of that list. Museums, shops, history, culture, architecture, restaurants, flags, horse-drawn carriage, a grand statue, hustle AND bustle. 

Endlessly Quotable

Yes, I saw the movie In Bruges and it made me want to visit. This place makes that movie endlessly quotable and fun to do, if but just NSFW. 

Ironically, we didn't make it in time to go up the bell tower, but the view of it from ground level was just as pretty. 

"Been to the top of the tower?" 
"Yeah, yeah, it's rubbish"

Have you visited Bruges? What would you add to my top reasons to visit?

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That Fountain Boy aka Manneken-Pis

I don't know exactly when I became aware of the famous peeing boy fountain, possibly in an art history class I half paid attention to in undergrad or maybe it was earlier than that in a Bugs Bunny cartoon parody. After all that is where I became familiar with the Barber of Seville. Possibly it was more mundane than that and it was something observed in a garden centre one summer as a  child. 

So at first when I was told I had to check out the Manneken-Pis, I didn't immediately recognize what it was I was being directed to. Coming upon it after wandering a bit aimlessly I instantly understood what was before me. Then, I was intrigued to find out more about the history of this bronze statue.

First erected in the 15th century, the Manneken-Pis was an integral part of provided drinking water to the population of Brussels. It was recorded in the 19th century as being dressed with special costumes four times a year. Since it's practical beginnings it has moved into the realm of symbolism in Brussels folklore and an iconic image of the city.

Costumes from around the world have been presented to the College of Mayor and Aldermen and he is dressed on set dates each year (go check him out March 14th, and March 17th!). He has over 900 costumes and many of them can be seen at the Museum of the City of Brussels. I, of course, had to visit and take a photo of each and every costume on display.

It would be about 300 years before Manneken-Pis would have a sister; Jeanneke-Pis, erected in 1987. It is not easily found as it's located recessed in a wall down a narrow alley, that is unless you find yourself bleary-eyed at Delirium Cafe (cause with their beer bible there is no other state to find yourself in) and then you will have easily spotted "Waldo".

Last in the family is the Zinneke-Pis, the dog peeing statue erected in 1998.

I immensely enjoyed hunting out these quirky statues dotted around Brussels main centre. I think they speak of the city itself, it's not a place that takes itself too seriously despite being 'kind of a big deal' in the EU. It's a good adage for life in fact; Take things seriously that need to be taken seriously, but don't forget to have fun.

Must Try Foods in Belgium

I was in a funny mood when I did a weekend trip to Brussels back in August

I was nearing the end of my time in England with the looming expiry date of my visa. I just wasn't myself. Don't misunderstand, I was excited to be visiting a new place on a mini-break, but I couldn't help feeling some sort of resentment. Resentful of what exactly, I'm not entirely sure. But to say the least, I was being a bit of a mardy one. 

We wandered the beautiful streets of historic cities, lined by colourful buildings and canals, dotted with magnificent architecture and friendly locals, yet I was closing myself off to what was going on around me, unintentionally, but it was happening. 

The only time my mood lifted was whenever food was in front of me. What can I say, I'm an emotional eater. When seated in a restaurant or sidewalk cafe, I couldn't help but look around and notice my surroundings. I was captive there and could finally take a breath and open myself up. It was through the food that I connected to my location, their culture, and to the history of the country. 

Neuzen from Ghent, is a jellied purple candy in the shape of a nose. Because of the candy's short shelf life, it's not often exported and therefore can pretty much only be purchased in Belgium. Specifically Ghent. And just look how cute the carts are that sell the Cuberdon. 

In Belgium, french fries are more than just fries, they are frites. Baked twice and served in a paper cone with a mayo dollop. (Not a great picture here as I was more focused on the meat stew across from me). The frites are super crispy, extra hot, and hit the spot any time of day; I saw people eating them morning, noon, and night. Here are better pictures of Brussels frites.

Waterzooi is next on my list. I had heard the word before, but never had the pleasure. This dish originated in Flanders and can be made with fish or chicken with a cream base soup and root vegetables. This was so nice, I had it twice.

Belgian waffles. What makes a waffle Belgian? It has to be made by a Belgian.*Ba-doom-ching* I've never been a huge fan of pancakes, waffles, or french toast because I don't like 'soft/soggy' bread, but I figured I couldn't leave Belgium without trying one and thank goodness I did. Oh-em-gee! So good! Served with fresh fruit and powdered sugar. It was light and crispy; I could have ate these all day!

Being a fan of Belgos in London, I knew what to expect on the issue of mussels. However, it's another must have food in Belgium and pretty much anywhere you go, you can't go wrong with the mussels.

A must try food in Belgium would be the chocolate. There are chocolatiers on every corner like a Tim Horton's in Canada. I bought an assorted box as a gift for my pops and got to try a few. Mmmm no one does it better. We also visited the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, which gave the history of chocolate, showed us punters how moulds were made and even displayed chocolate 'clothing', along with the all important free samples.

Belgian beer, not technically a food, but a certain must have. In Brussels I highly recommend a trip to Delirium Cafe. They have all the beer there, including exotic fruit beer for me. (Cactus beer pictured here). Sunny in London did a great post on the cafe.

After a night at Delirium I dragged my tired bones and tender head to an Irish pub serving a full "Irish" breakfast. No matter the location an Irish pub is a good idea. Just what this girl needed after a night out. (It included blood pudding. I think that's what made it Irish?)

So although Belgium has gone down in my books as not one of my most favourite destinations (I think it needs a redo), I do very much think back fondly to my time spent in the restaurants and to the foods I shared in Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent.

The Day I was a Giant in Mini Europe

As a kid, I used to love tiny villages. There were several in Ontario that I have fond memories and awkward preteen photos of visits there. When I heard there was a 'miniature' Europe in Brussells, I was super excited to plan a visit for when I was headed to Belgium for a long weekend. 

Mini-Europe is exactly what you'd expect; it's not super thrilling, but their amazing attention to detail and the cool sense of gigantism you get walking around, is worth a visit in my books.

I particularly enjoyed the location next to the Atomium, it made for interesting photos. Had we timed it better, we could have also checked out this 1958 World's Fair structure, getting lofty views of Brussels, however, due to heavy rain, hunger, the late hour, and general travel grumpiness, it was not meant to be.

The Monument of Freedom, Latvia and University of Vilnius, Lithuania

Collegiate, Dinant, Belgium

The Exchange, Copenhagen, Denmark

Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark

Remembering WWI Cemeteries

Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium

Graslei, Ghent, Belgium

Belfry and Halles, Bruges, Belgium

Alden Biesen, Belgium

Town Hall, Antwerp, Belgium

The ferry from Dover to France

Royal Crescent, Bath, England

Pompidou Centre, Paris, France

Sacre-Coeur, Paris, France

Palazzo Ducale, Venice, Italy

Brandenburger, Berlin, Germany