We finished up our Crystal river boat checking and flew to Bruges . What a fabulous place! Everyone who has been has told me what beautiful town this is, and now we understand. Right now there are Christmas decorations everywhere which is absolutely delightful.

So many alleyways, adorable cafes, incredible architecture, it is like a fairyland town. We arrived late afternoon and checked in at our hotel. Then we hit the main Christmas market. Followed by a dinner in a small cafe on a side street. Our waiter was black and he knew all about the Dallas Mavericks. Then off to the secondary Christmas market. This one was not so crowded and lots different rides for kids. The kids were adorable all bundled up in snow suits. By 8.00 pm we crashed. Unlike Italy where nothing opens until 8.00 pm stores were closing at 7.00 pm some earlier. Lots of people eating dinner early.

Next morning we went to a great pastry type shop. They only serve a few specialty items but what they had was all yummy. We arrived and were the first patrons at just after 9.00 am by 9.30 am there was not a seat available. The shop had a massive chandelier. We ate upstairs eye level with the chandelier. Going back tomorrow morning for sure. Ken will post a picture.

Then we did the canal ride that was great. A real overview of Bruges main downtown area. The cruise went by an area where there were a lot of swans. I wanted to go back and see the swans again. So we got off the boat but were waylaid by shops, churches and things we wanted to see, plus a little shopping for the girls, Linda and Ngaire.

So then we were all turned around. I thought I knew the general direction but everyone was coming towards us we were the only ones going in a different direction. I stuck to my guns on our direction with both fingers crossed. The others where not convinced. So we went into a restaurant to find out where we were on the map, and we were just one minutes walk from the swans. All the people were coming from the train station is what we finally figured out.

Next stop more food. Found a lovely little cafe with a three course lunch for 16 Euros.
Everything was great, a really fantastic meal, mussels in cream sauce and Salmon for me. Ken abstained and just had soup. He wanted a giant sausage roll with all the trimmings. This was close to the swans and a boarding place for the horse and carriage rides. I love the sound of a horses hooves as they go down the road. There was a drinking fountain for the horses. Ken got a shot of that fountain.

So we made our way back to the main square, they all had faith in me now and followed my lead. Usually I have a terrible sense of direction so anytime I am wrong in the future I can say, remember Brugge. We split up to do different things. Ken got his giant sausage, I got some mulled wine. Now resting the tootsies and we will meet for dinner later. Tonight we are going to an all you can eat Ribs place. Within a few blocks of our hotel

August 2019 we are doing a Regent Explorer cruise from Oslo to Stockholm that comes to the port for Bruges. Cannot wait to come back and check out Bruges in the summertime and see the town in bloom with summer colors. Several ports I have not been to before, including Gdansk, Poland . Europe is such an amazing place always something new to discover.

Bruges at the Christmas Market tonight:










Store window at a real estate office near the Christmas Market, I thought it was well done.

Just to add the ribs were great. All the way from Texas that is famous for ribs to Bruges to eat ribs at a restaurant called BONES. Came with a baked potato. They start you with a whole rack and bring more ribs in a half rack at a time. Plus another potato as well if you want it. We finished off with a creme brûlée and an apple tart with ice cream and cream. Ken was the super eater with extra ribs plus dessert.

Tomorrow we return to our delicious breakfast place then onto Brussels. We have our Mario Andretti driver picking us up and we will be in Brussels in no time

Aaaah food glorious food !!! It all sounds scrumptious. It will be hard for you to think of Bruges without the delicious food being in the forefront of your mind, as much as anything else, although the pictures tell a story of a really beautiful city, especially at this time of the year. This has been quite the trip for you and in many respects almost better than a cruise.You have done so much and had such a variety of hugely enjoyable visits and activities. It’s great. Enjoy Brussels !

Ngaire, you are making me jealous for Brugges (and Belgium) again. Brugges is beautiful. Our favorite restaurant in Brussels also had all you can eat ribs; they were fantastic. We are hoping we can make a pilgrimage to Brussels (and Cafe Whitlock) on our stop in Brugges; should be a fantastic trip.

Marc

This morning we were greeted by snow. Pretty but not the best for walking around. We had our final morning coffee at our lovely restaurant and back to the hotel. We leave in an hour for Brussels. Our plan was to take a train to Brussels but if the weather continues we will just veg out at the hotel. A quiet day before our flight back is a good thing.

Been a great trip. Learned a lot about Crystal, Viking and we also visited one of the newer Tauck boats. Our visit to Bruge was definitely a wonderful experience. Spending time with Linda and Ron on a trip was great too. Linda and I work in the same office but never have anytime to talk, we are both so busy.

Will be back in the office on Monday.

What a fabulous trip you've been on !!! So happy you had such fun with Linda and Ron. I'm with Marc feeling the envy of returning to Brugges. It is certainly one of our favorite towns though we haven't been there in 15 years. We loved it, like visiting something in a fairy tale !

Well that SNOW, not so neat now. We are all stranded in Brussels, our flight plans for tomorrow were cancelled FOR THE THIRD TIME. If we could just get to London we would be okay, the international long haul flights are now getting out but intra Europe flights at a halt.

Tried the train to get to London - all sold out. London is the key problem but snowing here as well and cancelled flights to many destinations. Will not go through all the scenarios but after many attempts we have new plans to get home IN TWO DAYS . We will see what happens

At the Sheraton in Brussels and have a room so that is good and the hotel is offering free lunch and dinner for stranded passengers. Not much of a buffet but still a lovely gesture on their part.

Oh boy. Well, all part of the winter travel adventure. We spend christmas in NY every year and always concerned about snow delays. Somehow it always turns out ok. Safe trip home
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Helen

I think Linda will get out today. American crossed alliances and got them on a United Brussels to Chicago flight. Weather cleared here and flights are taking off and international flights take precedence. We can see the runaways and planes for the first time since we arrived.

Our issue is that we are on BA, they will not cross Alliances and we have to get to London and that is where lots of problem lie. They cancelled our Brussels to Heathrow flight today. Not because we cannot get out here but the problems at Heathrow. We are set for tomorrow so hopefully it will happen.

Last night there were cots spread out in the hotel and people all crammed in. We were grateful to have a room. The airport vendors ran out of food. Just like I have seen n TV before but never been in a situation like this.

We are making the best of it. No sense getting frustrated. Internet is good, we have a room instead of a cot, and we can get NETFLIX so " life is good".

Ngaire, I can't believe you had not been to Brugges previously. We love that place. Your pictures are so good. When the Christmas market is not going on, that area in front of the church is just a big plaza.

Bummer about all the cancelled flights. But as you say, at least you have a room. And you can go out and get good French fries in Brussels.