Brugge

Canals, chocolates, cycles, horse carriages, paved roads, old style architecture buildings and churches dating back to the 13th, 14th and 15th century, shops full of lace work, a nice mix of old and new - that is Brugge for you.. or Bruges - the way the French will like to pronounce it.

Brugge is perhaps the third largest city of Beligum, part of the Flanders region of Belgium, around one hour by train from Brussels. It is referred to as the Venice of North, and is famous for chocolates and lace making. And you get to see ample of chocolatiers and lace work all around the place. It is unique in its own way - the best part is having paved roads everywhere.. Gives it such a different feel altogether..

I spent almost one entire day in Brugge, roamed around with a Mexican group I met at the train station. They, like me, were there as tourits for a day, and it was a nice experience roaming around with them - telling them tidbits about India and Indian culture and arranged marriages and trying to dispel their misconception that in India the bride and groom see each other for the first time on the day of the marriage! People still have such ideas about India - though I agree there must be lots of places in India where it still does happen.

The best part of the entire Brugge day was the half an hour boat ride in the canals.. It feels so great to pass from below the small bridges, with people walking on the roads alongside, lined by beautiful houses and bungalows, and really old tall buildings looking down at you.. Brugge is definitely a very romantic city, I had read that in one of the reviews and I totally agree with that reviewer..

Some people will say Ghent and Antwerp are perhaps more beautiful and scenic than Brugge, but nonetheless, I found Brugge to be a must-visit place if you are anywhere near it.. A very relaxing and pleasing one day get away from Brussels - that is Brugge!

Check out photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/arati.rahalkar/Brugge19thNov2006