Belgium and the Netherlands:  1998
Brugge to Delft

From about 985 to 1983, a market was held in Brugge's Markt square.  Today, it is the home to bicycles and tourists and is the beginning of most guided tours of the city.  Surrounding the market square on all sides is a fascinating collection of restaurants and shops.  At the time of our visit, Brugge was very cold and the open fires in the restaurants were a welcome sight.  The building in this photo is the home of the provincial government of West Flanders, but the most famous building on the square is the Halle and its high tower.  Many tourists climb the steps there to get a great overview of the city.  (I settled for the postcard!)  Anyone trying to decide where to stay in Brugge should simply measure the distances to the Markt on the map and stay as close to it as your budget will allow.
Although our budget did not allow us to stay within a stone's throw of the Markt, we were only about ten minutes north at the Ter Duinen.  Located on this quiet canal (the photo is taken from the room window), the hotel is comfortable and clean and would be an excellent choice for anyone.  Mornings begin with a great buffet choice in the bright breakfast room that features quiet music playing in the background.  The Ter Duinen is run by a helpful couple who suggested Delft as our next stop.  The city bus stops immediately in front of the hotel for those who don't want to walk.
The museums of Brugge today reveal how important the city must have been in the Middle Ages.  A number of important artists called Brugge their home at least for a short period of time, and many of their works are featured in the museums there today.  The Groeningemuseum and the Memling Museum contain great works of art, while the Gruuthusemuseum contains both art and decorative pieces.  The buildings housing the works of art provide a wonderful setting for the works that are displayed. 
In Brugge, our hosts at the Ter Duinen suggested Delft for our next stop.  Their description:  "If you liked Brugge, you will also like Delft."  They were so right.  It seemed at times that Delft had more bridges and bicycles than we had seen in Brugge.  We were unable to get a room at the hotel suggested by the Ter Duinen, so we had to settle for a place near the station and outside the city center.  But most of what we wanted to see was located within easy walking distance.
At one of the downtown shops we had bought a Delft tile with a painting of one of the locations in town.  We decided to walk over and have a look at the spot.  Ostport is a drawbridge and tower combination.  While we were there, one of the larger barges came through and we got to see the bridge operate.  

Introduction - Amsterdam and the Zuider Zee - Conclusion
Pack Your Bags - Travel Albums Index
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