Yesterday I travelled from Amsterdam to Brugge via Antwerp. It ended up being a bit of a trip as I left my case in a locker in Antwerp and so had to return to the station to collect it on the way to Brussels. It would have been easier going straight from Brugge to Brussels, but the eurail pass covered it anyway (I took 5 trains yesterday - should have been 4 but some Belgian Railways Information officer sent me on a train in the wrong direction... I am not sure if it's how they get their kicks with the tourists??). Here's a photo of Antwerp Station - it is a magnificent building.
I arrived at Brugge not knowing what to expect - but it was rather overwhelming. Wherever you directed the camera you got a picture postcard scene. I found it all a bit too much actually as it was full of tourists and, while it is a remarkable example of a wholly preserved town, it reminded me of Disneyland. I spent two hours there - as I had to be in Brussels by about 6 pm to check-in
to my B&B. The B&B is nice and it's a pleasant change to
have a shower and large bed in the room - compared to the postage stamp sized room in Amsterdam. I have decided to spend two days in Ypres after Brussels and booked a good room in the Shell Hotel. I thought it would be good to see the WWI graves as well as the town itself.
Today in Brussels I had a look around the Grand Place - amazing Guild Halls from the 17th Century. I then took public transport to see the Atomium - quite the contrast - so space-aged and yet 50 years old now. The first photo is Hotel d'Ville and the second for a contrast is the Atomium. Enjoyed a nice belgian beer in Brussels - gotta love how they make beer here!
Me at The Atomium
No comments:
Post a Comment