Tomorrow we visit the the Bruges Christmas Market. Tonight, I curse you, Glenmorangie.
It seemed like such a good idea. It was past midnight.
The buttons on my Tux trousers were on the verge of conceding. Unable to take the punishment of Afternoon Tea, plus a 3-course evening meal.
All this washed down with a couple of glasses of Malbec, and the odd Peroni or three. It would have been no surprise if my waistband would have declared “That’s it, I’m done” and given up.
As it was, we ended up sitting content. Me with a glass of single malt, one ice cube, listening to the hub-bub of fellow passengers.
We then go to bed, feeling top of the world, and now, I wake up feeling like the bottom of it.
Three toilet trips later and we are now making our way to one of the coaches that are going to drop us to the station for a day in Bruges.
A Day in Bruges – Blankenburg to Bruges
A 15-minute coach journey sees us arrive at Blankenberg. A shiny, clean square sits behind 11 letters reminding you where you are.
We cross the square and back, nothing much to see or do, other than kill the 30-minute wait for the train.
Like clockwork, the train leaves on time, and we settle ourselves on the top deck. The journey lasts 13 minutes. Perfect for someone that was feeling like the world’s bottom!
I say again. I curse you Glenmorangie!
Despite the Scottish whiskey’s best efforts, we make it to Bruges. Not sure of where to go, we exit the station and follow the crowd.
Everyone trudges along the same line, and we pray the person at the front isn’t a local heading home!
We negotiate narrow, cobbled streets. Streets flanked by footpaths barely wide enough for two to walk side by side.
After what has been a rather pleasant 20-minute walk, we arrive at the market square.
A day In Bruges – The Bruges Christmas Market
A succession of little wooden huts nestle side by side, peddling their wares. Christmas lights adorn each of them.
Their sparkling fools you into thinking it is the 23rd December, rather than a month earlier.
Stalls selling Christmas decorations. Alongside the ones selling chocolate. Positioned next to the ones selling waffles or foot long sausages. Then comes the ones selling hats and gloves. Preying on those that haven’t brought their own, and are suffering in the winter chill. The Bruges Christmas Market is in full swing!
Squeezed between, is a cheese stall. We don’t actually see this one, but we know it’s there. The scent wafting through air tells us all we need.
It is not long before the nostril-filling smell of “Glühwein” fills the air. A Dutch mulled wine, Suzanne spoils herself with a warming cup.
Enjoyed in German and Dutch-speaking countries, Glühwein is a popular tipple during the holiday season.
A day In Bruges – A Chocolate Lovers Delight
Around the circumference of the square, are the more permanent stores. We wander along. Chocolate shop. Then a waffle shop. Then a chocolate shop. A gift shop comes next. Then back to a chocolate shop. You get the idea. Chocolate is a big thing here.
Immediately, temptation gets the better of us and we venture into one. This trip is all about the smells as again, we get acosted by the wonderful aromas.
The sights and smells wear us down, and we relent. €10 later, and we are the proud owners of 5 chocolates.
We step back out into the ever chilling air. Bells ring in the distance to go with the constant sound of horses hooves as they tug their carriages.
The coachman skillfully weaving them in and out of the narrow cobbled streets.
A day In Bruges – A Carriage Ride
We happen to now be at the pickup point for the carriages. Never having ridden in one before, we hand over the €50 charge. We enjoy being chauffeured around town. The coachman always willing to impart his wisdom.
The most reassuring knowledge he passes over is about the horses. One day a week is all they work. And halfway through our ride, they get to stop for 5 minutes so they can eat and drink.
You can tell from the way he talks, the relatively young Coachman loves his horses. He owns several and tells us he has even bought one over from the New Forest, where we live.
We return to the square, having spent a pleasant 45 minutes trotting through the town.
It is now lunchtime, and there are a wealth of bars and restaurants vying for trade. Some have tables outside. Most have their Christmas lights on.
In some establishments, the indoor tables are out of bounds for those wanting a drink only. For those like us, parting with more of their money, get offered the luxury of sitting inside.
Suzanne’s Moules Mariner & Frittes gets delivered and dispatched in record time. My cheeseburger is a close second.
A day In Bruges comes to an end
The 60-minute lunch means it is now time to start thinking about heading for the train station. We amble through the town, navigating small stone bridges that span the meandering canals.
The canals are a charming feature of Bruges. Had we had a little more time, we may have been tempted to enjoy a jaunt around them.
But alas, our day in Bruges and our visit to the Bruges Christmas Market is coming to an end. An event free journey back to the ship sees us join the throng of other day trippers waiting to board.
45 minutes later, and are sitting in the bar, reflecting on the day. A worthy excursion if you have the chance. Bruges is a beautiful town, and we make a promise to ourselves to return one day.
We both think it will make an ideal campervan short break!
I glance at the glass in front of me. The first Peroni is going down well. I wonder if it will lead to a whiskey. If so, I fear for my insides in the morning.
