Wish You Were Here...: Brugge

Fear not: After neglecting my blog for a week, I'm back with lots to write about! Now you have some reading material for work. I know that game.

As I mentioned in my last post, my Aunt Kris came to town before Easter. She arrived with a bag full of Pace Picante and peanut butter, so we let her stay at our place. We took her to the usual sights around Brussels on her first day in town, reserving a trip to Brugge for a weekday. We jumped on the train Monday morning and headed about an hour north, almost missing our stop because we couldn't decide if we were in the right place. Yes, I've been there before, and yes, the stop said Brugge, but there was a stop immediately after that one that said Brugge St. Peters; I think we got on and off the train twice before heading into the station to ask for directions. In my defense, the station was MUCH smaller the last time I was there, so things looked rather unfamiliar. Anyway, Brugge is a tiny, Flemish-speaking, medieval city about one hour from Brussels, not far from the coast. Many quiet, cobblestone streets lead into The Markt (market square), which is lined with cute restaurants, shops, and horse drawn carriages. The Belfry of Brugge, as well as the Provincial Court, make up two sides of the square and create an almost Disney-like backdrop. Kris and I wandered through the streets and enjoyed lunch at my favorite Markt restaurant: Café Craenenburg. About three years ago, I had the best panini EVER at this restaurant and I've been craving it ever since. Kris indulged my craving and we both sat down for a camembert, apple, and honey panini, plus a local Flemish beer. Wipe the drool off your chin!

My little food journey didn't stop there, as C and I went back to Brugge yesterday (one week after I took Kris) with his coworker. I coaxed them into Café Craenenburg again and all was right in the world. We enjoyed the sunshine (yep, sunshine!) as we walked through the streets, stopping at chocolate shops and all the little bridges over the canals. I should address the chocolate shops: They sell chocolate penises. Why? I'm not sure, but you can spot those particular chocolate shops from a mile away because people are crowding around the windows taking photos. C's coworker stopped and bought his brother a chocolate member as a gag gift; that "gift" is now living in my fridge, awaiting its voyage to the USA. Thanks, coworker. Luckily, I have a good sense of humor (you have to when your grandma gives your boyfriend a man thong for Christmas! Cat's out of the bag, Grams!).

After walking around for a bit, we headed to De Halve Maan (the half moon) brewery. The only active brewery in the center of Brugge, De Halve Maan brews a particularly famous beer: Brugge Zot. The word "zot" translates to jokester or jester, and a jester serves as the brand image for the beer; "zot" is also a nickname for the residents of Brugge. We climbed stairs, ducked through tunnels (poor C almost lost his head), and learned a lot of other interesting tid bits during the tour; the tour even takes you up to the rooftop of the brewery, granting amazing views of the Brugge skyline. I would highly recommend a tour at De Halve Maan-- you get a free beer at the end!

All in all, both trips were great and I'm sure they won't be my last. Even though I'm just an hour from home, I always feel like I'm in a totally different country when I'm in Brugge. It's the perfect little escape from bustling Brussels. There are so many little paths to discover, it's nearly impossible to make one trip identical to the next....except for the panini part.