This might be the biggest post I've ever put on my blog but I have spent the past 4 days in Brugge and really just wanted to share all my photos! I took loads, but have stuck to about 30 I think.
so.... bare with me for a sec ;)
The photo above was my first impression of Brugge. It certainly didn't disappoint! The Christmas markets have always been on my list of things to do there so when Kate asked if I was interested in jetting out there for a few days I couldn't say no!
In the centre of the of the main square was a beautiful (although quite wet) ice skating rink
Shortly after arriving at our hostel and dumping our bags we took a walking tour. Brugge isn't that big so we were only strolling around the cobblestone streets for about an hour but it was just as I imagined... just like a fairytale ;)
This is the Basilica which houses the Madonna and Child, sculpted by Michelangelo
...a slightly smaller square. Behind the Christmas tree in the middle is the Basilica of the Holy Blood which Kate and I visited the next day.
The Belgians sure do their Chrissy decorations well...
Christmas Day and lots of smiling faces!
We did think it might snow but nope... it was freezing but we had bursts of sunshine which was lovely!
We warmed up with some hot chocolate with bailies in...
I wrote some postcards... which are on their way!!
I was very lucky to wake up Christmas day to find Santa had visited us and bought me a nice new jumper :) (thanks kate!) and so after a horrible Christmas breakfast in the hostel we all sat down for a Christmas lunch which was delicious!! I ate a bacon salad for entree and Flemish style Rabbit for main... mmmmmmm it was SO good!
After a few glasses of wine with lunch we strolled (stumbled!) over to the Magical Ice Kingdom and froze our butts off!!
but it was so cool!
Inside the magical ice kingdom was a bar... we warmed ourselves up with some Jaeger shots (which we all regretted the next morning!)
The next morning we jumped on a bus (oh so hungover) and made our way to Brussels.
On our way we stopped at the Atomium which is a massive structure/building. It was very cool!
We took a walking tour when we got to Brussels...
the architecture in the main square was awesome. So many cool buildings
Here is our group! 36 girls and 11 guys! Lucky guys!!
We visited more markets... mmmmmm cheese!
mmmmmm biscuits.....
loads of doilies....
and SO much beer!! we went to a pub that had over 400 beers!
In the centre of the main square was a heap of scaffolding that in the day light, looked a bit funny, but at night time was lit up and changed colours.... it made a very unique Christmas tree!
The buildings surrounding were also lit up and every half hour music was blast into the square to compliment an amazing lights show....
We couldn't go to Belgium and not have waffles!!
and more beer of course....
Our final day in Brugge, Kate and I dragged our second hangover of the trip up to the top of the tower in the main square. We couldn't miss doing this because it features in one of my favorite movies 'In Bruges'
366 stairs later....
Boy was it worth it!!! The bells alone are incredible and we were lucky enough to hear them go off while we were up there! There are more than 40 bells!!
The view from the top of the tower finished off an amazing Christmas in Brugge. Although it is always hard being away from my family, I had such an amazing time with Kate and with the new people I met.
Next year I'll pick somewhere a little warmer though I think!
