Breezing Through Bruges (and Occasionally Brussels)

The second major part of my travels circa June, 2016 began and ended in Belgium, a small and rather Sylvanian Families-like country famed for its obesity rendering foodstuffs and its incomprehensibly confusing polyglot population. During my three and a half day stint, my friend and I stayed in a hotel in Brussels, yet traveled two of those days to Bruges, Belgium's crowning glory as far as architecture, ambiance, and beauty is concerned.

When Disney made Snow White (I'm not sure why Disney's animations seem to be my consistent point of reference, but let's go with it) they undoubtedly looked to Bruges for inspiration. Unwinding like a labyrinth tailor made for the Seven Dwarfs, turrets, gold leaf, pastel facades and flower boxes flow past its visiting population as seamlessly as the water which enhances the city's enchantment.

During our time in Bruges, my friend and I enjoyed a boat cruise - you'll see many of these little bateaux floating around town - as well as takeaway Chinese next to the water, a visit to hundreds upon hundreds of chocolate shops, while also finding the time to pull up a chair in two of the wide selection of outdoor cafe terraces in order to enjoy a hot beverage. Although it's a shame that a few of the waiters we received were unreasonably frosty, Bruges is a wonderful city full of friendly faces, and permeates a relaxed atmosphere.

The train to Bruges from Brussels - while operating one of the least reliable and confusing train services I have ever experienced - took around 90 minutes from start to finish. Why did we insist on escaping to this beautiful place in favour of Belgium's actual capital? Simply because, by comparison, Brussels was a little lacklustre ...

Don't get me wrong, it's not like the city housing the European Parliament alongside the most concentrated selection of waffles ever to be found is a bad place, I just wouldn't recommend going out of your way to take a visit. Besides the Grand Place, the Mannekin Pis is feeble, the atmosphere is less than buzzing, the opportunities for good shopping is lacking, and other sights such as the Royal Palace appear in a state of near desertion. Focused most heavily on its role of diplomacy, Brussels' status as a European capital lays in its importance as a political powerhouse. Other than that, its seeming lack of authentic charm would be enough to put off a second visit.
xoxo