Bruges

I left the house yesterday when A. went to work. Seamlessly found the platform, a good seat and was on my way. Changed trains in Antwerp and arrived in Bruges around 1:30. Amazing day to be a tourist what with full-on sun, breezes, and warm enough to shed the as soon as I left the train station.

Called the hostel, walked to the hostel. It's just off the main shopping street and down a little passage way. Great atmosphere, friendly staff. Friendly folk in the room - I know of three guys and three chicks (myself included). There's another person I haven't seen. I wondered if it would bother me to sleep in a room with strangers, but it doesn't. Long gone is the modesty (translated - self-consciousness) that once made gym such a torture.

Bruges is a fantastic walking city. Medieval, gothic, baroque scattered everywhere. Many cafes perfect for people watching. Yesterday I wandered aimlessly, then I climbed the belltower on Market Square. 366 steps. I wondered if I could do it and thought I'm too young to have to ask myself that sort of thing; especailly when I see little old ladies heading on up the stairwell. The climb was tough, but I made it and took some lovely photos. The bells started ringing on the half hour and I had to run away. Soooooo loud.

After the exercise, I wandered in search of a chocolate shop, Dumon (recommended by Rick Steves). Found the chocolate. Mmmm. The gift chocolate box might not make it home as it is oh, three weeks from now? Not to mention the severe squashing it will undergo in my bag. What was I thinking? I will likely send a package home before I hit England, so the chocolate should make it to that point.

After the chocolate, I wandered a bit more until I came upon a boat tour ticket booth. The light was beautful and I thought of no reason not to take a cheesy boat tour. It was fun. The guide was amusing and his French was that of a non-native speaker so I could understand the commentary.

Went back to the hostel to wash my face. Met a woman in the room - S. from Toronto. Went down to dinner in the hotel restaurant. Tasty. I may eat there again tonight because I'm not feeling particularly adventurous.

Today I started out with a visit to the Groeninge museum - fantastic Flemish paintings from 1400s to 1600s with some modern pieces at the end. After this, I went to visit the Church of Our Lady. Quick visit; a vibrant, living church. There is a small statue by Michelangelo - a Madonna and Child. It is beautiful, but set so far off and so small that it was a bit disappointing. Had soup for lunch - a tomato soup that I didn't realize had meatballs in it until I'd taken a spoonfull. I'm such a bad faketarian (a word I have picked up from A. and her D.C. friend G.) - I ate the soup (leaving a pile of beige meatballs in the bowl. Better to eat the soup than to waste 3 euro and look like an idiot.

After lunch, I went on a walking tour. From the Bruges tourist info website - tranquil Bruges. It was. The trees are turning and it was lovley for the most part; the rain I could have lived without, but you take what you get when you travel in the Fall.

I'm at an expensive internet cafe. It's a comfortable place, so I don't mind the high computer rent. I think I'll be heading to Lille tomorrow. I'm not certain. I think I'm going to write-off Honfleur (think medieval French fishing village) this trip as it involves lots of train transfers. All roads may lead to Rome, but all train lines lead to Paris.

To be honest, I've no idea where I'm going tomorrow. I don't think I need another day here, so we'll see when we get to the train station.