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  Bruges, Belgium
Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Hello Everyone,

I am in the lovely Belgian town of Bruges. Arriving yesterday from the Eurostar Chunnel train, I hopped a very full train to Bruges. The close proximity created quick friendships with several older English couples who were heading for some quaint shopping. When I arrived, I waited in line for a taxi, I got into my room, did a quick unpack and headed out for a dose of Belgian Holiday charm.

There was plenty of it. A short walk away is the Belfry. The bell tower played Christmas songs and chimed, the gabled buildings on the market square were lit with many strands of lights and an ice rink had been placed in the center of the market, surrounded by little huts full of local wares and yummy foods and deserts. This is my first Christmas Market- wahoo

Belftry in Bruges

! I got a cup of hot wine and took in the scene. A little snow would have made it complete.

There is a small restaurant which I remembered from my last time here. It must have been good for me to recall it after 7 years, right? So I skipped the Quick burger and didn't even look for McDonald's and decided to invest in a little Belgian culinary magic. Oh, that was such the right thing to do. The restaurant is charming, with a fireplace and lots of candle light. The potato cheese croquettes are to die for. There is nothing like it in the states that I have found. Think mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and then breaded and deep fried. So bad and yet sooooo good.  I chose the Chicken Waterzooi as my main course and that did not disaapoint either. Of course I had to try the beer I have heard so much about. I had Kirche beer- uh, that would be cherry flavored beer. It was so yummy. Chocolate beer is on the list for tonight. They also have something called vetiver- in chocolate flavor. I think it is an appertif. uh oh... I didn't mention the chocolate yet did I? About every 4th shop is a chocolatier. I have never seen such yummy goodness. I tried the chocolate covered hazelnuts and a chocolate asparagus- filled with a chocolate ganache type thing. Heavenly. Tomorrow I will have to sample a bit more.

While I sat eating, the rain started, then the lightning and thunder. It was a great show as it passed right over us. My next table neighbors - more Brits- were having a good time watching it from inside. When it started to hail, I had to laugh too. After it was over I left for an early sleep. 8pm- yep.... I can't help it, it gets dark at 4pm!

My hotel serves breakfast - some items are typical and some are not

Canal across street from my hotel

. Like the slices of meat, fish and  cheese to go on your bread- or my favorite- the chocolate sprinkles to put on your toast. I had to sneak that in my pocket for further investigation, don't you know?!

I must also add an important note on iced tea abroad. While I have mostly chosen water with my meals- I have sampled a few iced teas. So far they have been flavored and they really have had a nice taste to them. Today though, I ordered iced tea and found out that the iced tea in Belgium is sparkling- wow- very nice, refreshing sensation. Had to add that for my iced tea loving friends out there. :)

I am having a hard time recalling what day it is. The time seems to be going by quickly. I had meant to see Ghent and go to Brussels but honestly I am so content here that I don't have the desire to leave it. Of course I keep running into the English folk I met on the train so that makes it feel more homey. I met some American women today- they ate waffles covered in chocolate whilst I ate my hot mushroom soup- yummmm. They were from Florida and decided to leave the husbands behind and go find winter. I'm thinking they found it.

Well, it is time for me to go get some chocolate beer. I am looking forward to it- hoping it is gross so there isn't another thing I love that I can't get at home!
:)
Wishing you all very well indeed. Take care- and thanks again for reading this and writing your kind words to me- it really does mean a lot!
Love,
Kathryn

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Cherry Beer!	Market Square	Market Square- night	on the street

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