emabromleyBruges was amazing! Especially in the autumn sunshine. I see now why everyone raves about it. It’s a beautiful place. I could have easily spent a few days here.
I had a taken a day trip to Bruges (on 2nd October 2022) at the insistence of my good friend Sergio, who I was visiting in Brussels. Well I say day trip, but it was really only an afternoon. I had spent the morning resting. I was exhausted! This was only the second day of my trip and I hadn’t slept at all on the night prior to leaving Nottingham. I can’t even begin to describe the amount of time and effort it had taken to prepare myself (and my home) ahead of my departure. It must have been at least three months of work.
So, because of my slower than usual start to the day, instead of a day trip I only had a few hours to enjoy Bruges.
I spent quite a while sitting by this canal and reflecting on how this place has intersecting thresholds… the meeting of the natural and man-made, the connecting of one piece of land to the other as we transition over the bridge – momentarily hovering in the in-between, the open door which enticed me in with a glimpse of a hidden courtyard behind. Only then was I rewarded for my efforts and curiosity by the autumn sunshine as it illuminated the canopy of the trees, darkening the trunks which cast long shadows on the grass.
This was such a magical part of the city. Especially with the sounds of water, the birdlife chatting and people drinking in the beer gardens.
And it’s a great place for chocolate lovers, of which I am one! The smell of the chocolate in the air when I walked into each of the artisan chocolatier shops was wonderful. Some even had free samples to try!
I definitely plan to return to Bruges, but next time with a person who I can enjoy it with. It’s such a romantic city and one which deserves to be shared. On my next visit I will eat waffles, drink beer in the breweries and enjoy wandering the streets happily merry, soaking up the autumn (or even spring) sunshine.
Yes, I have definitely fallen a wee bit in love with Bruges.
