We were both a bit slow to emerge from sleep due to the previous day being so long. When we arrived at the breakfast room we found it was stocked with all the basic needs for a no-frills breakfast. After enjoying breakfast, we decided to step into the hotel’s garden quadrangle and found that we could not return because the door had locked itself as it shut!! The quadrangle was completely enclosed and all other exits were also shut. After a few minutes we were able to flag down an amused member of staff who fortunately was able to open the door.
After our escape we made our way to the tourist information centre where we picked up several information leaflets and gleaned additional information from the lady behind the desk. We had a drink of tea in the market square whilst deciding our plan of action for the day. After Mr C had booked a Town Hall tour for later in the day, we briefly visited the church of St Peter before making our way to the M Museum. The museum was a very interesting art gallery and we found the electronic guided tour system was a lot more advanced and discreet than we are used to in the United Kingdom. The current exhibition was a display of silver objects, some of which were from St Peter’s church. After a break for lunch we completed the M Museum tour which was a display of art and silver housed within St Peter’s church. We finished looking around the church with only a few minutes to spare before it was time for our guided tour of the Town Hall.
The Town Hall tour was excellent and our guide explained many interesting facts and features, one of particular interest is that the statues on the higher levels increased in height to give the building a sense of height. After the main tour, a few of us stayed behind for an additional tour of the attic, reached by a spiral staircase, where we were able to view the original stonework which had been copied and replaced with more durable material on the outer edifices of the building.
After our busy day we returned to the hotel to freshen up before returning to the city for our evening meal. I had rabbit with prunes for my main course. Whilst dining we chatted with a Finnish chemistry professor and his Chinese student who were preparing for an eight minute talk in the Catholic University next day. I once again observed the white robed monk I saw the previous evening passing by. When it was time for dessert, I asked how many scoops of ice cream would be served because the menu was unclear. I was informed that all the dishes had three scoops unless I wished for less so I ordered one scoop. When the waiter served the dessert he said, “Here you are miss” and as I looked down I noticed that the serving bowl seemed to have two black (Disney-like) mouse ears protruding from the side. On closer inspection I found Minnie Mouse hiding underneath my ice cream… The amused waiter was enjoying himself and referred to me as Miss for the rest of the evening.
After our evening meal we once again retired to the hotel, where I once again had a nice glass of Rose wine before retiring to our room for a good night’s sleep.
I had Rabbit and Prunes in the main square of Bruges, and very nice it was too.
That town hall is spectacular.
On my visits to Bruges I didn’t eat in the main square. Possibly because on each visit I was with extended family. And I don’t remember seeing rabbit on any of the menus there.
You are right Bruges Town Hall is spectacular and I have memories of Mr C taking us on a walking tour and pointing out things of interest within the main square.
Locked in a garden like a prisoner in the exercise yard. Hahahaha. What a fine place to visit, Cherie, and interesting people you met – including the waiter.
We did meet some interesting people along the way.
This was an excellent tour you took us on Cherie… it was a nice garden to get locked into… the Town Hall is magnificent gothic architecture… or was that St. Peter’s church…
i love the image of your glass of Rose… a fine way to end a wonderful day….peter:)
It is the Town Hall, I will show St Peter’s church in another post. We did to many things in one day to show them all in one post.
I suppose I should have been drinking it and not playing with it
As I mentioned the last time, Leuven is now on our list of places to visit in Belgium, Cherry. It’s fun to learn about new sites through people we know, like you! So, thank you.
It is well worth a visit but overall I think I liked Mechelen more. But both are nice