We had an ambitious day planned. First a bus ride to Bruges, and then a walking tour of the city. Bruges today has a population of about 20,000 with 9 million yearly visitors. It had been one of the most important cities in Northern Europe due to its much sought after cloth manufacturing. From the 13th to the 15th century it was very rich and pretentious. However, the port silted in, there were religious wars, and the wool trade with England ended so that Bruges declined.
The city is a World Heritage site that has both 13th century Gothic architecture and 19th century NeoGothic buildings to keep the style. It has a small network or streets and bridges. Despite having a map, it was confusing to find the way around through arches and alleys.
We walked towards the city along one of old dykes. As we crossed the footbridge into town there was one of several art installations that are part of a triennial event.
One of the points of interest in town was a Beguinage which was in the 13th century and still is a place where single women could live a pious life but not be tied to a life with the church. Many women lived and worked there during war years when few men were in town. It is an enclosed area inside the city.
We walked through winding. streets and tiny alleys. We saw a beer producer who had installed a pipe to the outskirts of the city so that trucks didn’t need to navigate the crowded streets. When our guide gave us time to roam, I found an entrance lined with beer glasses and bottles that made me decide to test the product. Luckily, they had a choice of tastes. I decided on local beer. Other options were “strong” and “dark”. It was fun to try 4 different ones. I was surprised that I actually preferred the heavier tasting local beers. Perhaps the cold weather was a factor. And luckily while we were inside, it poured rain. It has rained off and on every day!
We met our tour guide near an appointed spot and walked to our bus for the afternoon trip to Ghent. We arrived in Ghent in the early afternoon. Although both cities are considered medieval, Ghent is clearly larger and not as charming.
We walked toward the church that houses the famous Ghent altarpiece, the adoration of the mystic lamb. The church was free to enter and quite impressive. The altarpiece required payment and a line. I needed to get warm and try a Belgian waffle too. My friends agreed that we should find a warm spot to eat a bit and stay out of the cold wind. My waffle was excellent, served with butter and brown sugar. I added a coffee with Baileys to warm my hands along with my insides. Many of our bus group seemed to have had the same idea. We met our guide again, hopped on the bus, and returned to Antwerp.
Next stop Rotterdam.
The Adventures of Anne 
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Lovely photos. When you come home watch Girl with the Pearl Earring. Old time Ghent and stunning cinematography.
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