Brugge, Belgium

named by the Dutch or a.k.a. "Bruges" by the English language.

Yesterday Amanda, Mike and I traveled by car about an hour to the Northwest, in the Flemish region of Belgium.  The city is actually fairly large with over 100,000 inhabitants. However, we were more interested in the "Old City" and spent our time there.

Horse drawn carriages in the city

Once we parked on the outer edge of it, we walked a short distance into the unique center. The path we traveled on was also very unique and ornate.  Much of it surprisingly reminded Mike and I of our previous city of Fribourg,  mostly because of the cobblestone paths and detailed buildings.

Neat building with a door too small for Mike!

In the Center

However, Fribourg didn't have the gorgeous water canals that this area did. It actually has been called the "Venice of the North" because of this particular feature. We spent the day enjoying various shops of clothing, food, coffee and beer, (of course!)

On a little bridge

More gorgeous water canals

We stopped at a little cafe called Craenenburg for lunch. While here Amanda and I each devoured a Chocolate Banana Belgium waffle! Mike enjoyed an omelet, salad, and plain Belgium waffle. Everything was spectacular!

My Belgium Waffle and Coffee

Our after dinner drinks consisted of Belgium beer. We each ordered a different kind and got to experience a total of 4 differently delicious beer. Amanda and I chose 2 unusual flavors that consisted of lemon-lime and raspberry. Mike first had a "Duvel" that the waiter recommended and thought it was simply, "good." Next, Mike claimed a "Delirium Tremens", which is now his ultimate favorite beer. It was also named the "Best beer in the World" in 1997. On our way out of town we actually purchased a 4-pack with a complimentary beer glass as a souvenir to take home.

Belgium Beer: Lemon Lime, Delirium Tremens & Raspberry!

Mike and I came to a conclusion on our drive home that this was probably our favorite place visited so far! :) LOVED Belgium! ...And another perk was they spoke English here, therefore, NO communication errors all day!