Bruges - Mechelan, Belgium

Tuesday 9th November 1999

We headed back into Bruges for another look around and found the same parking spot. We again started in the main square and this time began on the Folkloristic Bruges walking tour. It took us in another direction and past a large number of churches, some open and some closed. We eventually came out to a canal on the edge of the old town. A couple of windmills were still standing and looked impressive against the Autumn colours on the trees.

We headed back into town and began the third tour, after having some strength-giving Belgium chocolate bought by Anita. This walk covered Hanseatic Bruges and went past a number of the 14th and 15th century merchant houses and meeting halls. We finished up along another canal with the sun setting behind a small arched bridge. We had the last of the chocolate then headed back into town and back to the van. Whilst lacking the highlights of yesterday's walk the walks today were equally enjoyable by giving us a feeling for the whole city, and showing how remarkably preserved it is. I left thinking that Bruges would have to be the most attractive city in Europe.

We'd originally planned to visit Ghent as well but we'd spent the whole day in Bruges. We'd already organised to stay with a family in Mechelan, past Ghent and halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, so we quickly headed in that direction.

A little late we arrived at our host family's house and were greeted by Lieve and her two-year-old boy Niels. A tasty dinner had been prepared and we spent the evening talking, Lieve doing remarkably well in her broken English.