Gentler morning this morning. Sat in the older part of the dining room today, admiring the old ceiling.
Started the day with a boat tour of Bruges. Our captain was very funny and informative. Thought it best to do this before it rained.
When we got out the boat it was 11am and the carillon of bells on the Belfort had begun it's concert for the day playing 'I just can't wait to be king' from the Lion King which was surreal!
Then we caught a glimpse of a marching band parading and decided to follow it. It finished in the courtyard of our next intended destination, the Gruuthuse museum which was a funny coincidence. A Scout band looking at the flag I think.
The Gruuthuse was the palace of a medieval nobleman, then renovated in the 19th Century for the burgeoning tourism industry and told the story of key periods of the city's history. Lots of very beautiful things, and some lovely views and the tiniest window in Brugges for spying on the gatekeepers to make sure they weren't corrupt. Also enjoyed the oratory where the lords could attend mass in the Church of Our Ladywithout having to leave the house and sit next to the locals.
Next stop was the church of Our Lady to look at their art. I do enjoy visual art in churches and they had some beautiful modern pieces too, but I find some of baroque style stuff very over whelming and cold
Waffles in an adorable tea house called Het Kleine Huis for lunch, only a handful of tables but delicious food and a friendly welcome. Back to the hotel via some shopping for a drink and some more sauna time.
Then we went out again to find some drinks and nibbles for dinner. Everywhere very busy, much busier than our other days here, I guess with Belgian as well as international tourists here for the markets. Ended up in Leutz Social Club for cocktails then on to Poule etc Poulette for croquettes and fries.
Home for bed after that, I was woken up by the people on the room next door coming back late slightly inebriated...
Sunday 30 November.
Just on the Eurostar on our way home about to reach Lille. Another gentle wake up and breakfast, followed by some packing. It's amazing how quickly I can pack up when it's just me and not the kids! Was fun trying to fit all my souvenirs in. I've managed it in one rucksack and one carrier bag which I'm pretty pleased with. Jess has managed to squeeze in 12 bottles of beer for Andy!
We walked from the hotel to the very impressive modern concert hall, thinking their cafe would probably be more spacious for our rucksacks. It was indeed and we had a couple of drinks here whilst people watching. They had some kids activities happening and families were arriving to have breakfast and chat whilst the kids played. Loads of cargo bikes!
Then a walk through the park to the station, an hour back on the train to Brussels. We stocked up on lunch in the Carrefour Express. Hummus and crackers for Jess and prepare van de chef and salt and pepper rolls for me.
Eurostar is 15 mins delayed but seems to be making up time. I've really enjoyed this trip and the train travel. Works definitely do something like this again!
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