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…