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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

ABC Wednesday: B is for Brugge, Belgium



My intrepid photographer and his long lens capturing other tourists in a small boat.

© Photos by Kay Davies and Richard Schear






Theatrical release photo from Wikipedia.
After seeing the 2008 comedy crime drama In Bruges starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes, we were determined to visit this lovely city in Belgium. We enjoyed the movie but we enjoyed the scenery even more.  It was actually one of the reasons we chose last year's Tulips and Windmills Cruise with Viking River Cruises. The reality did not disappoint, but unfortunately I was very ill the day we visited. Nevertheless, I took more than 150 photos and I don't know how many Dick took. The canals...the medieval architecture...the skies in varying shades of blue...we loved it all.
The English spelling Bruges was used in the movie, but the Belgian spelling is Brugge, which is now more familiar to us. A longtime friend from the Netherlands told me, before we went, about the port city called Zeebrugge, some 15km away. However, river cruise ships don't go to sea, but stop in Antwerp, about 100km distant. The Viking Pride tour-guides took passengers to Brugge by bus. I still think I would have felt better if it hadn't been for that hour or more traveling by bus. Give me water travel any time.

Posted for
Mrs. Nesbitt's alphabetical meme, hosted by her capable team.

20 comments:

Jo said...

What a beautifully clean city with artistic buildings. I would also find the reality much more enjoyable. Sorry you were ill that day, Kay. I get very tired with all the long road trips on horrid surfaces that we undertake here in Kenya! Hope you're having a great day. (((hugs))) Jo

photowannabe said...

What a beautiful part of the world. Sorry you were sick but you still got glorious pictures.
The film sounds interesting. I may have to watch it.

anthonynorth said...

A beautiful city.

Carver said...

I thought that movie was hilarious. You got some great shots and I'm glad you were able to visit this beautiful city. Carver, ABC Wednesday team member

Leslie: said...

How BEAUTIFUL! I had no idea there were canals in Belgium. Glad you had a wonderful time and took bounteous photos.

Leslie
abcw team

Reader Wil said...

Hi Kay, Bruges is such a fantastic interesting city. Very ancient and beautiful. I have been there before I was married . We made a boat trip through the canals.
You had beautiful weather like you had in Kinderdijk when we met. I often think of that morning. Remember me to your husband! Love, Wil, ABC Wednesday team.

Joy said...

Wonderfully acted film, the city was as much a character as the actors. Lovely to see the sights here, its on my list to visit (and Antwerp). My sympathies with the bus travel, I have the same problem. Give me a train any time.

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Believe it or not, on the lil ol island of Molokai back in the '60's...we had a Belgian priest.

Roger Owen Green said...

Meant to see that movie, but I recognize the city name from the film title, at least.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Gemma Wiseman said...

The architecture along the waterways in these photos is fascinating! Such a beautiful place steeped in so much history!

Penelope Notes said...

This seems like a photographer’s paradise. A movie inspired you to go there but your own initiative made it happen. This area of Belgium really does look intriguing.

Hildred said...

A beautiful city, - I can imagine living there and loving it.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Is the weeping willow dead? Beautiful photos as usual Kay.

Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Isn't Brugge considered to be the Venice of the North?

Fran said...

Bruges is certainly a beautiful city, we were there a couple of years back. We sailed the yacht over to Ostend and jumped on a train to Bruges, about 15 mins. Sorry you weren't well I suppose you missed out on the chocolate then?

Gattina said...

Now, this town I know very well, lol !

Meryl said...

I was in Bruges years ago. Loved it. Charming!

Vicki said...

Beautiful pictures! You make me want to put my traveling shoes on. :)

Kay said...

Oh... wow! This was so much fun to see, Kay. We were there too and loved it. You and Dick really took gorgeous photos!

Anne said...

What a thoughtful and informative post, great choice for B! Your photos are spectacular. I haven't been to Belgium...yet! But it sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing your experiences!