Brugge, Belgium

Brad has a facination for castles, knights, and medieval melee (secretly I do too), so when we learned that Brugge has some of the best preserved medieval arcitecture in Europe were weren't about to pass that up. It was also a great excuse to get out of Antwerp for the day.

Brugge often gets call "the Venice of the North" because of the system of canals that cut through the city. We forwent the organized and guided tours in favor of meandering along the beautiful water ways and cobblestone pedestrian paths.

Strolling across the Grand Plaza we encountered a stunning cathedral that seemed to embody the history of Brugge. The melody resonating from the bell tower was complimented by a one man band playing a didgeridoo and an asortment of other instruments I had never seen before.

We have made a concious effort to eat the local specialties and pass on the American fare. Being in the Flemish region of Belgium our culinary commitment led us to enjoy a lunch of Flemish Stew, which was delicious.