When I was staying in Brussels, I took a day trip to the nearby city of Bruges, which is about an hour away by train.
Bruges was an important trading city during the Middle Ages, but it was abandoned around the start of the 20th century. Because of this, it just feels like an old town, everywhere. Also, Bruges is the home of some beautiful canals and has earned the nickname, "Venice of the North."
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| Left: old streets. Right: Belfry tower - 366 steps to the top. The climbing wasn't too bad, but there was only one narrow staircase for everyone to use (both up and down). This meant that sometimes I found myself plastered to the wall as I tried to let people through from another direction. Also, the tower had a 70 person limit, you know, to prevent the entire thing from collapsing and ruining tourism in Bruges ^^ |
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| How the bell tower plays music. Check out those pulleys and levers. |
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| Left: I made it to the top and saw the arrangement of various sized musical bells. Right: one very expensive glass of fresh squeeze orange juice. |
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| This dog is known as the "most photographed dog in Bruges." Maybe in Belgium even? I don't recall. Anyway, it's this delightful adorable lab who chills outside a window everyday. Too cute. |
