Distinctive Flemish facades line a gorgeous square
The train from Antwerp was crowded, and Dan had work to do, so he sat on a suitcase in the corridor and got down to business
Laura mentioned that Bruges, with its network of canals, is known as the “Venice of the North.” I disputed that nickname, since I have long known St. Petersburg, Russia as the “Venice of the North.” So I googled that expression only to learn the alarming news that there are at least 40 pretenders to that moniker scattered across the northern hemisphere. At a glance through that long list I’d say that Amsterdam and St. Petersburg have the strongest claims, but I guess I’d better get to all the rest before I pass judgment.
Nonetheless, Bruges is a gorgeous place with its calm canals, lively squares, medieval towers, and distinctive Flemish architecture.
Some great contemporary art punctures the medieval landscape of Bruges. In this case it’s know as “Skyscraper (the Bruges Whale)” and it’s made of plastic waste removed from the ocean.
Even the libations are charming in Bruges, as demonstrated by Charlie’s ancient Belgian beer in a traditional glass and Elizabeth’s super flavorful cherry beer
I’m not sure exactly why, but I just love the canal shots in black and white
I love the occasional glimpse of canal-side domestic bliss
Design details
Here I am, captured by the magic of the Jeruzalemkerk, a quirky 15th-century church built by the Adornes family, modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and privately maintained by the family until this very day
One of the endless old public monuments to grace this beautiful city