Belgium Chocolate, Waffles and Shopping ...

SSD_6779Belgium chocolate is considered the gold standard by which other chocolate is measured based on the quality ingredients and the use of old world manufacturing techniques. It didn't take us long after we arrived in Bruges to enjoy this decadent treat!

Now a UNESCO World Heritage SSD_7079Site, Bruges is a charming city with wandering canals and cobblestoned streets lined with shops selling popular favourites including chocolate, waffles, lace and a variety of different beers. We enjoyed exploring in the historic centre of the city. We happened to find a popular Christmas decorations store to browse in. SSD_7091Apparently this shop is a popular destination because of its variety of unique figurines and ornaments made by master craftsmen. Danielle picked up a couple of ornaments while we were here.

We stayed in a private apartment in the city centre while we were here, but we didn't end up cooking many meSSD_7121als at home. Most mornings we started out our day indulging in a waffle topped with chocolate ... very nice! The city centre is closed off to cars but there was still lots of traffic on the road as well as a steady trail of horse drawn carriages shuttling tourists around. That said, we kSSD_7208new this had to be a popular tourist attraction because the streets of the old town would be bustling with people in the morning, quietening down in the evenings, except for the public square where people would congregate.

On the cultural side, we learned that Bruges' claim to fame is the sculpture of Madonna and Child which is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime! Sadly, we didn't realize the sculpture was here, so we missed seeing it…

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