Middelburg to Brugge

The pictures with this entry aren't very exciting, but oh, well, here we go anyway.

Green Median

It's early evening as we leave Middelburg.  The map shows a ferry crossing just south of Middelburg.  It has an icon representing pedestrians, but none showing vehicles.  We assume that the ferry will take cars too, but when we get to Vissingen there is nowhere to drive up to the ferry.  We drive back north, then east, hoping we can get across the water without driving all the way around.  After we travel a few miles east we come to a relatively new tunnel under the water - no toll required, and we are soon south of the water and cross into Belgium.  Crossing into another country is no big deal - just like passing between provinces back home.

Entering Belgium

Gary has been telling us that Brugge just might be the most beautiful city in Europe, or possibly the world, so our expectations are high.  At the same time we are a little apprehensive.  I had booked our rooms in Gouda ahead of time, and that had worked out well.  Not so well for Brugge.  There was a "mix-up" I wasn't too happy about.  I found a fantastic old house to rent from Exquisite Homes, requested information and was offered the place if I responded within 24 hours.  I responded to them within 6 hours and awaited their e-mail with information.  Rita kept telling me that I should call them to confirm, but I had responded in time so I kept telling her not to worry.  I eventually telephoned and left a message, then e-mailed again.  Finally Mr. Noel Roel e-mailed me back to tell me he hadn't heard from me so he let the house to someone else.  It seemed bogus and I was very unhappy.  I had even told him in an e-mail that my son's name and one of my grandsons each bear one of his names.

Still..entering Belgium

Just after we cross into Belgium we turn right, heading west, then encounter a river.  Just as we approach the bridge, it lifts up and blocks us from crossing.  Many cars turn back but we stay there, watching the boats glide by through the gap left by the raised bridge.  When the bridge is lowered again, we speed westward into the setting sun, and by the time we hit Brugge it is dark.  I have no idea where to find the city centre or where most of the hotels are, but we stop at one and it's a little pricey but we decide to take it.  We are in Brugge, the beautiful.

The literature seems to suggest that Brugge is the best preserved medieval city in Europe.  It was a wealthy city in the 1400's (or so), then the river silted up and trade ceased, and the city died economically.  The industrial revolution passed it by, and nobody felt the need to tear down old buildings and put up factories.  Eventually most of the old buildings were restored and it is a story-book place; beautiful old buildings, canals, bridges, narrow cobblestone streets - it's gorgeous.

Approaching the Tunnel

We finally enter the city, cross the bridge into the city centre, and are wandering around narrow windy roads looking for an inn.  We get into a couple tight spots and finally decide to stop at a hotel that faces a canal.  Gary and I enter the building and I register despite the price being a bit higher than I like.  When the guy behind the desk sees my passport he tells me that Canadians liberated Brugges - but that doesn't lead him to give us any kind of discount.  The rooms are very comfortable.  I have some pictures in the next entry. 

Gary and I run off to find munchies.  It's an amazing picture book place.  We walk along canals on streeets that reflect glimmers of the soft streetlights off the raid-soaked cobbletones.  Even though its raining lightly, it is warm, quiet, and beautiful.  I love this place!  We find a convenience store and buy munchies, then make our way back to our hotel, enjoying the ambiance all the way.  I am looking forward to what daylight brings.

OOps... bridge up...

Bridge still up....

Bridge still up....

On our way...