EUROPE -- JUNE 2001

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Back in Brugge we climbed to the top of the Belfry.  Not only is it a challenge to get up the 366 stairs, but you must do so on a narrow, circular stairwell with people trying to get around you as they head down the same staircase.  It gets particularly narrow as you reach the top flight.  There are a few landings where you can catch your breath.  The view from the top is worth the effort.

There are a lot of shops in Brugge.  Many of them sell lace (not necessarily from Belgium, so buyer beware) and tapestries.  I particularly liked the tapestry handbags, but they are a bit pricey.  The city has many, many restaurants, chocolatiers, pastry shops, and teashops.  We make chocolates and pastries here in the States, but they have perfected the art of display.  Just pass by one of the windows and you cannot help but salivate.

Honestly, you cannot go hungry in Brugge....unless you want to sit down in a restaurant between 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm. There is a small window for eating lunch and you need to be on their timetable.  We found the restaurants in the city to be expensive, especially for mid-day as they use the same menus for both lunch and dinner.  Overall, we were okay with the food, but not delighted, and the only restaurant we ate at worth recommending is 'tZwaantje -- I think it translates to little swan -- address Gentpoortvest 70.

When I was in Brugge in June 1996, I had the impression of a sleepy city where few people spoke English.  I had to search for a shop to buy a souvenir.  There are many more tourists and many more shops and hotels now.  The charm of Brugge was that it was a hidden gem.  Brugge has been discovered.  That doesn't mean you should avoid the city, but know that some of the mystique of the destination has now dissipated as it has become well acquainted with the all important tourist dollar.