Day 3: Bruges!

 

Our third day in Europe featured a day trip from Brussels to Bruges. Travel is quick and easy here. Trains run frequently from Brussels major rail stations to Bruges, sometimes as little as 20 minutes apart. The trip took about one hour and eighteen minutes from Brussels North station. We boarded there since it is just two blocks from our hotel. That was a good choice because the train was standing room only by the time we got to Brussels South station. Just before boarding, we grabbed some croissants and a cappuccino for the journey. There were plenty of cafes and restaurants at the station to choose from. 

Upon arrival in Bruges, we chose to take the bus from the station to the centrum area near the main square. Once there, we decided to do a city tour by open-air van. The driver pointed out all the major sites with some commentary about a few important ones. After the tour, we lunched on the main square despite being warned by the driver not to unless we wanted to pay way too much. Three meals, two beers, and a sprite totaled 75 Euros, by far the most expensive mediocre meal we have had since arriving in Europe. The burger and fries stand next to where we ate was probably better (and I know it was cheaper because I got my fries there in the afternoon). 

Kate had her first Belgian waffle with chocolate, caramel, strawberries, and whipped cream. Grace had a milkshake. I went for a walk around the old town, did some window shopping, and ended up at the fry stand before we headed back to Brussels. 

The train back was somewhat less crowded and we had three seats around a table to ourselves. After arriving back in Brussels, we had a picnic dinner of salami, fruit, cheese, and some pastries that included eclairs and fruit tarts. I also found a bottle of my favorite Delirium Red Ale in the Super Marche at the mall across from the hotel. Now, I just need a bottle opener. LOL!

Tomorrow: The City of Light, fair Paris!