Fast Train to Brugge, Belgium

What a welcome change of venue to view rolling countryside, farms, small towns, and colorful fields from the window of our TVG fast train trip to Brugge. We changed trains in Brussels, and arrived in Brugge in the middle of a holiday, so it was lively and loud in the main square.

Brugge is a charming city, now with a vibrant tourist industry; filled with medieval, historical buildings and churches,quaint architechure, cobblestone streets, canals, parks, and hundreds of bicyles that can be rented. Lacemaking, chocolates, and beer are trademarks of this town! In 2002, it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Although one can walk the city, we did rent bicycles one day, and cycled to Damme, a lovely village about 4 miles from Brugge, along a canal, with a bike path on either side. Before we took this trip, we bought fresh strawberries and cheese at the open market.

We passed a windmill, and later viewed a 14th century church in Damme. I took a picture of the sign "Kerkhof" by the church, which is the "church cemetery," (and is also part of my maiden name, Van't Kerkhoff). I also found a tombstone of a couple whose name was "Timmerman", which was my mother's maiden name! Brought back a lot of memories.

I did have one fall, meeting another bicycle, and my bike tire hit the edge of the path, and down I went into a bunch of stinging nettle plants!!!! OUCH! My arm was full of the little stingers, and was very uncomfortable until the next day, when itching set in! At least I didn't fall into the canal, I thought, cheerily!

We stayed two nights at the Novatel, which was very lovely and had a scrumptious morning breakfast. On our third day, I did some shopping, and John climbed the 366 steps up the bell tower, and visited some museums.

With wonderful spring weather each day, we made our way back to the train station, and 3 hours later, we were back in Paris!