June 18: Brugges Tourist, Rest Day, and Father's Day

  Vrienden Families

All of our Vrienden host families have been great, all in typical residences, a great way to meet local people and better understand the region and culture. Our Brugge-area host is on a quiet street about 3 km East of central Brugge. 

Hilde was a primary school teacher and her husband taught classical guitar before he passed 9 years ago. Willy is Hilde's partner, both very warm and welcoming. While not common within the Vrienden network, we arranged to stay 2 nights. Given our 1:30 PM train, Hilde said to stay as long as we liked, just leave via the auto-locking front door. We had light rain intervals the last two nights, the first of our trip, so nice to have that flexibility. 

Our airy Vrienden room in Brugges.

Willy and granddaughter Laura

Hilde



Three large Windmills along the NE Brugges Canal.

Relics were medieval tourist attraction in many churches. This basilica featured a robe containing Jesus' blood stains.






Dog of the Day #1



Brugges is know for chocolate, lace, and beer. 

Enough to fill a yard

Rudy, our Vrienden host, has a pet turtle that he acquired when he was 10 years old. Rudy and I have the same birthday, his just 1 year later.




Beguinage Chapel

Quietest spot in Brugges.



Horse watering trough


Outdoor food truck, food booths, and bar area in the SW sector, near the bus and train stations.


Dog of the Day #2. Yes, Melissa, we finally spotted a Golden.

Pano of Market Square from the Beer Museum Bar Window. Best place to people watch and get away from the crowds.


Only IPA among 14 on-tap offering at the Beer Museum. 

Skip the Beer Museum Tour. On the market square, free bathrooms, no admission to bar and gift store, and 4, 25 cl samples for 10 euros.








Beer Museum Entrance Signs






Cycling miles: 7 today; 363 total. 

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