Bruges (Brugge)
We are staying at the Peellaert Hotel in the Centre of Bruges.
‘The 19th century aristocratic house of Baron de Peellaert is the setting of this elegant four-star hotel in the heart of Bruges, at a mere 150 m from the Big Market Square. The hotel revives this listed monument in empire and classicist style in all its glory. The peace and quiet, combined with the hospitable welcome, are the perfect biotope for a romantic stay in Bruges.
The aristocratic lounges, the 16th century wellness room in the authentic basements, the graceful courtyard and the bar are just perfect to relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing in the world heritage city of Bruges.
Hotel The Peellaert is an adults only hotel (18+). Hereby we commit ourselves to offer a child-free environment within the hotel walls in which peace, serenity and relaxation are the key words.’
Our hosts chose it as it is school holidays here and they thought the adult only aspect would enhance our enjoyment as they have arranged to use one of the rooms for bridge sessions.
When we arrived the bus was too large to stop out the front of the hotel so we had to drag our luggage about 100 metres, but that wasn’t too bad. What made it difficult was the cobble stones as our new fancy wheeled suitcases do not move smoothly on this surface.
First night we all found our own dinner as it was much too late to get a group booking. This worked well for us. We had a few drinks and then had a steak and salad at a local bar.
Next morning there was a 2 hour walking tour on offer, but we opted out as the hard surfaces are not good for my legs. At 12 noon we all met in the foyer to go on a private canal cruise.
This was great, even though all the boats seem to be overcrowded. The water is very black so I was happy to return without getting wet.
The population of Bruges is app. 20,000 but nearly 9 million people visit each year. So as you can imagine the boats are very busy – there is always a queue waiting.
It was amazing to see all the bridges and buildings from the water side. There are 2 lochs that keep the water a consistent depth within the town. The water is over 1 metre deeper beyond the lochs and that area is also affected by tides.
In one area there was a colony of swans.
‘In the 15th century, the keeping of swans was seen as a symbol of prestige, something Bruges was already basking in at the time, given its merchant activity. To further emphasise its prosperity, the City procured the right to keep these magnificent animals from the Count of Flanders.’
In the afternoon we played bridge at the hotel before heading out for a group dinner. After dinner we went exploring and enjoyed a ‘Waffle on a stick”.
The second day was a free day to do our own exploring. Paul and I headed to the Main Square at 9.30 am, hoping to catch the first city tour bus at 10 am. This cost 20 euro each and was worth every cent.
Then we visited the Bier Museum – this is all on Paul’s movies so I won’t add much more here.
We had to decide whether to take the 366 steps to the tops of the Belfry or the 120 steps up to the beer museum – not much of choice really!
I am not a seasoned beer drinker but I tasted some really nice beers today. My favourite was the fruity one with a red colour and pale pink froth. I even enjoyed having a sip of the ones Paul tasted. It cost 9 euros each to visit the museum, then 10 euros for 5 tasting glasses. This was a lovely way to spend the morning.
Paul was amused by the young guy with Beer Student on his name tag. His comment was ‘Damn – I went to the wrong university!’ We got to chat to this young man before we left and he is doing home brew with this dad. He said his dad is having a midlife crisis and is happy to spend his money on all the brewing gear – quite a strange thing to say!
Then we went to a lovely Italian restaurant called Carlito’s opposite our hotel lunch before another afternoon of bridge. Life is hard!
One thing we found very strange is how difficult it is to find an ATM in a town this size. We decided to look this evening and it took ages. We have no idea where the locals get their cash from.
Tomorrow we are off to Amsterdam to start our cruise of the British Isles so internet will not be so readily available. Blogs posts may not be as regular.
Sounds delightful in Bruges. Glad Paul got to try some of the local brews. Life here is much the same. Heading to Long Jetty next Sunday with Lee and Helen. Another win at trivia last week.
Wow – that’s great. Good luck at Long Jetty Mama Cass! Cheers Ruth
Loved the tours of Bruges. It was one place I would have liked to see. I love that the world is so accommodating with a beer smorgasbord for Paul. Am starting to miss you at bridge. Enjoy the cruise.
We are having a great time. Playing a fair bit of bridge here too. Only 5 more weeks! cheers Ruth
Great tour with very grand accomodation
If I had a yen to go again on tour I would book a bridge tour
Have you found the beer stronger over there?
Yes, some are. Paul has tried some 8% and 10% but there are also lower level ones we have enjoyed. There seems to a real for mix to suit all tastes. Cheers Ruth
Wow! Makes Cadbury look a little average!! Glad you’ve both been able to sample a few beers. Fancy finding s pink one Tosh!! No change here so loving your blogs. Have fun on the cruise. Xx
Hi Lyn, yes it was all fabulous. More beers to add to my list of Ok ones! They have not had rain in Bruges for 3 months which is very unusual and the temp is 25 instead of 20. So global warming is really obvious here. Cheers Tosh
Jerry says he would have liked to have joined you at the beer museum!
Such a fabulous trip round parts of France. Hope you enjoy your cruise round the British Isles as much.
Not doing much travelling in the UK ourselves but we are catching up with lots of old friends.
Hi Kate and Jerry, Scotland and Ireland are beautiful. I know a few beer tasting places back home. We should plan a Sunday out! Ruth and Paul
Love the tour bus! Quirky. Enjoy your travels.
Love Bruges too. We stayed at a hotel similiar to yours – real old world. Loving all the videos.
Thanks Laraine. I have been stalking the bridge results – good to see Pam going so well. Yes Bruges was fabulous. Ruth
You are having an amazing time and I feel like we are seeing some wonderful highlights of your trip. Have an awesome cruise and no doubt some more fabulous photos and stories to come xx
Hi Lynda, hope everyone is well back home. Loving our cruise. lots of bridge and lots of sightseeing. Ruth
Love to be able to share the sights of your trip. Some places look quite familiar.
Can’t wait for Amsterdam.
Barb.
Hi Barb, another 18 days till we actually stay in Amsterdam. Only got to beard the ship on first visit. More to come. Ruth
Really loving your updates, especially the guided tour through Bruges. The beer museum and chocolates were both very tempting!
In Europe I am forever fascinated by the age of these amazing buildings and marvel at how well preserved and valued they are! In comparison our oldest buildings are very “young”!!!
Keep enjoying … the trip is certainly filled with great adventures. A really fabulous journey… I am loving it!
Hi Jan, so glad you are enjoying out blog. yes the architecture is amazing! And the farms are so neat and tidy…and green! Ruth
What a beautiful, amazing place Bruge is, thanks for the video. Glad to see you two having a wonderful time.
Hi Krystyna – so much to see. You kept telling us! Love Ruth
Hi you two. It sounds like the best time is being had
I hope you continue to have a great time full of endless memories.
Would you like to play the Friday state pairs with me Paul on October when you return.
No pressure ??
Hi Wendy, can you clarify the dates for October. Paul should be Ok on Fridays even if he goes back to work. You are right we are having a great time! Ruth
Hi Ruth & Paul,
just got to see the video of Bruges, what a beautiful place. That city tour was great, loved the whale coming out of the canal. Hope to see some videos of Ireland when you get there. Enjoy your cruise.
Julie.
Hi Juie, In Belfast today 12/8 so some videos of Ireland soon. Paul
Hi Julie,
just sorting more internet for our cruise now so will get back up to date. Hope Peter is going OK. Say hi to your parents for us. Glad you liked Bruges too! Ruth