Beautiful Bruges

When visiting Bruges I discovered a romantic corner called Minnewater.  The Lake of Love.  As I stood on the bridge and gazed at the still water, at the lawns on either side and at the pairs of graceful swans, I felt a deep sense of peace.  I could imagine young couples strolling hand in hand or lying on the grass and vows being exchanged. 

There are two ways of enjoying the city -  strolling through the streets admiring the historic buildings, or on a canal boat. This is a smooth, serene sail along narrow waterways which give views, not otherwise seen, of the wonderful buildings.

They vary from bricks and wood to plaster-faced, plain, ornate, square, hexagonal and octagonal. Some are satisfied with simply edging the water, others hang out over the canal and at least one spans it.

The Main Square cannot be missed. It is dominated by medieval buildings such as the 13th c. covered market, a hexagonal belfry (366 steps to the top if you are feeling energetic), and the 14th c. Town Hall - very erect, with towers and turrets reaching to the sky and tall, narrow windows ornamented with the coats of arms of surrounding towns. Across the Square are several 17th c. houses of varying designs.

In a small square I found a delightful metal statue - a small carriage with a naked lady stretched across the back seat, a startled looking horse and a bowler hatted driver.

There are museums and art galleries to see whilst in Bruges but my feet were telling me it was time to stop sightseeing, return to the station and catch the train back to Brussels.