Off again to another country.

Another early morning, I thought I had left these behind but it seems not, and we are on a train from Paris Nord to Brussels the. Another train to Bruges. So in just over an hour once more am in another country.

Arrived just after 9 am and walked to the old city of Bruges. What a beautiful place!!!! Old buildings from the 1600's, canals, churches, chocolate shops, beer shops and Belgium lace shops.
















We wandered for a while and found a shop that served us coffee and cupcakes, won't be having cupcakes for breakfast come next week when we are home!!!!! Really lovely and now we have some sort of fuel to carry us on the next part of our exploration journey.







There are a couple of easy ways to get around some places - bus routes or tour groups. Looked around and saw the tour groups so we walked the same way as them. Through a cobble stoned street, through a gateway and a garden and we see one of the canals, almost as good as Venice.
















More beautiful scenery, cobblestones lining the streets and a craft market as well.

Next on the list was the windmills so asked for directions and off we went. When we turned the corner at the end of the street the wonderful view of the windmills greeted us. One of my favourites.
















Back up another street, more cobble stones, old homes which are loving kept and into a huge square with museums on two side and restaurants on the other two.







Lunch time and we found a place that was serving the $18, oops, €15 lunch. Very nice , tasty food, good wine, company and a waiter that had a wonderful sense of humour, he even gave me some coloured pencils so that if I go out again and the place doesn't have wi-fi I have something to do. Photo below the dear kind waiter took!!!!





Full tummies we set off again, not knowing where to look next. Little did I know that my dear GOF had checked where my fav shop is in Europe and one just happened to be in Bruges. So we turned a corner and there it was.......he is so sweet. As they ship to Australia I made a mental note of what may be on the Christmas tree this year.




Back on the train and as we did not have to be at the station in Brussels till 7 we went for a walk around. Saw Manneken Pis, a tiny statue of a little boy who is peeing.



Walked to the Grand Place, then through the restaurant area until we found a place to sit and enjoy coffee and waffles. Starting Tuesday we are eating lettuce.

Back to the station and writing this on the train back to Paris so will add in photos and post later. Tomorrow is our last day, looking for markets to visit so will see what we find.


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