Monday, July 20, 2009

Like Disneyland for Grown-Ups


Walking from the train station into the city streets of Bruges was like stepping into some sort of fairytale land of joy and magic and beer. The little cobbled streets, colorful connected buildings, and geranium-filled window boxes could not have been more precious or delightful. Although I was schlepping a purse and a backpack on my way in, I wanted nothing more than to skip through the streets singing made-up Dutch songs (which I did later right into Mr. Wonderful’s ear).


This cute little guy was playing music outside a chocolate shop when we arrived and for some reason I thought of Pinocchio and the Land of Play and his brief stint as a donkey. Bruges seemed so filled with decadent things that one might run the risk of waking up with big floppy ears like Pinocchio did...


We stayed near City Hall in Burg Square—also the location of the Church of the Holy Blood. Apparently, this one very ornate gold cask thingee inside there holds a vial of Christ’s blood…


Another interesting liquid in the city: Cannibal sauce. No idea what’s going on there…


In addition to indulging in many free chocolate samples and guzzling down several pints of Hoegaarden and other wheat beer, Mr. W and I found time to partake of some waffles. And oohh ver dey gooood.


We also took a water tour of the city (it’s known as the Venice of Belgium) that led us through many quaint passageways but also felt a lot like the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. Our driver teased me as we passed the town convent, telling me I could become a sister. I told him I like the wiener schnitzel too much to ever let that happen…


There was a Salvatore Dali exhibit going on in one of the squares that I found endlessly entertaining. The oddities and pervertedness of his works seemed to fit right in with the weekend.


Finally, one of the most delicious sights in the entire city: A solid chocolate statue of Obama. Perhaps this is Belgium’s highest honor…

9 comments:

justrun said...

I have more comments, but mostly mmmmmm, waffles.

laura said...

wow...sounds like a perfect first weekend away...can't wait to hear what your next weekend getaway is...

megabrooke said...

god those waffles look yummy! your pics on fb are great by the way! so glad you're having such a wonderful time with mr. wonderful.

Melissa Maris said...

JustRun - Mmmm everything! It was one chocolate sample after another in that place. And the cheese was delicious... And the beer... You should go there. :)

Laura - Yes I think you and D need to add this to your list of places to visit!

Brookem - They were soo good - his had chocolate sauce on it and mine had raspberry. I highly recommend going over for the real waffle thing. :) And thanks for your comments on the FB pics!

Hannah said...

Beer? Chocolate? Waffles? With your man? In Bruge? Sooooooo jealous. :)

Jane Moneypenny said...

I want your life...you're my inspiration!

Dingo said...

You know, you've taken some risks lately but when it came to really going out on a limb, you passed up on the Cannibal sauce. So disappointed.

Melissa Maris said...

Hannah - Technically, we can get all of those things at home - but it's rare you go out and have all of them in one day!

Jane - Awe, you bring a wee tear to my eye. Remember - you went to Greece first! You're MY inspiration!

Dingo - I think I just peed my pants a little. And Mr. W enjoyed the comment as well.

Mermanda said...

*Drool*