Trip Log: The Low Countries - Part 3a: Near Brugge
In which I share about our travels around (but not in) Brugge
I’ll be going back and forth between calling this rather busy town Brugge (Dutch spelling) and Bruges in this post, so apologies in advance. And, yes, it is the town where most of In Bruges takes place though we saw no evidence of organized crime or murder, at least of the modern variety. Lots and lots of tourists, however.
Wednesday, 30 July
Stop in Antwerp
After getting up for an early train, we headed to Antwerp via Rotterdam. We dropped off our bags at luggage lockers - so glad they still have those in Europe! - before heading out to explore. We did the Rick Steves walking tour, surprise surprise, including the church. Everyone got to try some Belgian chocolate from a place right by the palace. (I’m not a huge chocolate person so fancy chocolate is particularly a waste to give to me.) Lunch was at the second place we tried - the “closed for summer break” striking again. Matt had a trio of stews, Lizzy got mussels, and my mom and I split garlic shrimp, cheesy cauliflower, and au gratin potatoes. After lunch, we stopped at a waffle place before catching a longer train to Brugge.
Friday, 1 August - Split Up
While my mom and Lizzy stayed at the rental to chill, Matt and I went and spent the day in Ghent/Gent. My only notes from that day are that we walked around, got lunch at a random fry shop, and got to see the Lamb of God altarpiece. We also wandered the local market. Clearly, though, I enjoyed it as I took a ton of photos throughout the day.
Dinner was at the oldest pub in Brugge (or all of Belgium?). I had carrot soup and shrimp croquettes, Matt had beef stew, my Mom had mac and cheese, and Lizzy ate....well, she had something. Once we got back, Matt did his own thing while us girls watched the 2019 version of Little Women.
Where We Went - Outside Brugge
Main church in Antwerp (Cathedral of Our Lady)
Grandma’s Restaurant (de Bomma) - special treat if you bring a printed photo of your grandmother with you
Antweerp Chocolate Shop (The Chocolate Line)
Ghent Churches (St. Nicholas, St. Bavo - this one had the Lamb of God)