Brugge, Belgium

This is an incredibly cute town--it is like taking a step back into medieval Europe in the very best sense of the word (there is plumbing and electricity and automobiles but the buildings and the ambiance is very much out of a by gone era.

We were in Belgium for a very short period of time this summer, but decided that we had to spend a bit of time here--so we took a train from Brussels, and an hour later we were trasported back in time.

Brugge streets are full of tourists--I am not sure if I saw even one native citizen beyond the horse cart drivers that we saw in the main square.  There was a steady stream of people going from the train station to the main square, where we immediately bought frites and sat to soak up the atmosphere.  A horse drawn cart ride through town seemed like a good way to get an over view, and we were fortunate enough to make that decision before all the carts were taken--I am not kidding when I say we were not alone.  We followed the ride with a stroll through the medieval streets, had lunch, bought a few chocolates, and went back to the train to Brussels.  Well worth a day trip, and if you want to see a museum or two, an overnight would be warrented.  One thing I must do now--rewatch the Colin Ferrell dark comedy 'In Brugge'.