Today, I woke up after a short night’s sleep to a delicious breakfast served by my B&B hosts, Daniel and Christine. If you’re ever in Bruges, I highly recommend B&B Stoega. Daniel and Christine, who are just a few years older than I, converted their children’s upstairs bedrooms to en-suite units so they could host guests. The room itself is large, fully furnished, and incredibly comfortable. A surprise for those of us always trying to charge our phone: they have wireless and USB charging stations by each bedside. Breakfast was a delectable array of yummy and healthy food. Daniel and Christine both gave me great ideas of where to visit, adapting their recommendations to my preferences. They even gave me a book with four local walking tours. This is one of my most favorite lodging experiences!
After breakfast, I went on my second free walking tour – this one with a yellow rather than red umbrella! Pascal, this guide, was fantastic! Young, energetic, theatrical, knowledgeable, engaging. He showed us areas of Bruges I hadn’t seen the night before with Louis. Although Louis gave a good tour, his English was hard to understand. Pascal, a Dutchman who relocated to Bruges, spoke very clearly. It took no work to understand his English, so I could focus much more on his entertaining and interesting stories rather than on deciphering his words.
Next, I went to Cafe Vlissinghe, the oldest pub in Bruges, for a light lunch – salad, soup, small beer – and then walked…and walked…and walked. There are so many intriguing sites to see in this small city!
Following a luxurious nap, I joined Janet and Geerte, the two women I met on the previous evening’s tour, for dinner. What a wonderful evening! For three hours, we ate, drank, talked, and laughed!
There’s something about doors and windows…and flowers…and blue…that I love!
Outside Saint John’s Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in Belgium, they honor the women – mainly nuns – who cared for the ill.
On the “Bridge of Love,” another popular place in Bruges for photos.
Along a canal.
Panoramic photo of iconic Bruges.
Before parting, our tour guide Pascal took this group photo.
[https://ambassadorstours.com/en/]
Archeologists uncover human remains near a church as the city prepares to upgrade its sewer system.
Many years ago, working families lived in each of these homes, consisting of one downstairs and one upstairs room.
One of four windmills along the city’s ramparts.
Entrance to a former monastery which now houses schools and a meadow.
With Janet (from New Jersey) and Geerte (from Utrecht).
