Some people call Bruges 'the Venice of the North', or 'Belgium's Amsterdam'. But it is one of Europe's best preserved medieval cities.
It's really a beautiful town to visit. It's full of old, cobbled lanes and canals. We didn't do a boat tour, but it is a big attraction. Maybe next time. The lines were long yesterday, and our little travelers are not good line waiters. I think we should save that for a week day visit when things aren't so busy!
Bruges is also well known for it's chocolate. There are quite a few 'artisan' chocolatiers in Bruges. One I've been wanting to try for a long time is Dumon. Of course, she is featured in Rick Steves. And he does not steer us wrong. Madame Dumon is featured in Rick's PBS episode on Bruges, and I recognized her immediately when I stepped in the shop. She was very gracious, and even offered Grace a piece of chocolate for free. It helps that Mama was buying the mother load! :)
Actually, I didn't get the largest box..... but maybe next time! It is divine! I am going to need an intervention after this is all said and done. I can't even eat Godiva anymore! Even though it was originally Belgian, it's now owned by a Turkish company and much too 'mainstream' and mass produced. The smaller shops, like Mary and Dumon are so much better!
For a link to all of my Bruges pictures, click here: Bruges June 2012
