(Note: slow internet may mean some photos aren’t working at this point. I will try to fix things when the connection is better.)

Once we got moving (long after Greg had already gone out and investigated) we went to find breakfast. Not much was alive at this time of day, on a holiday in Bruges. It’s Ascension Day, and later today there would be the Heilig Bloedprocessie or Procession of the Holy Blood. Many places were closed, and they were setting up a huge stands in the market square and putting up barricades for the whole route. But we walked, found the place Greg had seen earlier, and bought our pastries and coffees. Goodbye low prices. Belgium is not cheap! But the pastries were delicious, and our server was quite delightful, very friendly and ready to joke around with us. No food photos below, but just some from our walk and yes, there is a Tupperware store here.

Then we walked. And walked. It wasn’t a sunny day in Bruges and, eventually, it was misty enough that one might call it rain. My glasses certainly thought so, and I neglected to wear a raincoat or hat, nor did I bring my umbrella. Ah well. At least it wasn’t freezing.

One thing you have to learn in each city is whether a pedestrian has a right of way or a vehicle. Here it appears the vehicles do, so one has to be a bit careful when out walking.

We did find a special little spot for the boys. (HAH!)

Someone had written that the church where we saw this (St. Anne’s) was the “strangest in the city”. Hm. We couldn’t enter so if it was about the inside we didn’t see it, but maybe it was because of the “facilities” for the men attached to it? Dunno!

More walking …

We finally thought it was getting wet enough that we wanted to find a lunch spot. After wandering through extremely tourist centered places we got to a place Greg had remembered from earlier (maybe yesterday?) and it was really nice inside, warm, and the food was tasty, although there was much to much of it and they made it clear on the menu that there was no sharing! Still, it was good to be inside, we finally got some nice photos of each other, and it was a relaxing, though rather expensive, time. When we went to pay I suggested we put it on two cards, splitting it in half, and the guy we were going to pay said, “No splitting. Welcome to Belgium!” I couldn’t tell if he was being blunt or funny, but it was clear that we are in a different country and the thought of splitting or sharing was now out of the question. At least in some places. I am having to readjust due to the expense of it all. And to think we go from this to New York, where it will, most likely, cost even more! I think I’d rather move in the opposite directions so I wonder if I need to think of that when planning the next trip. Hmmm.

We went back to the hotel for a bit of a rest, and since it had been cleaned I could grab a photo or two of our room.

Then it was out to see if we could catch some of Heilig Bloedprocessie. And, indeed, we could. From start to finish, in fact. It is a fairly amazing thing to see, and you can read about it, if you are interested. It begins with police, but soon moves to various Biblical events, starting with Adam and Eve, and ending with the resurrection. Eventually it moves to other things, including various dignitaries and priests and more. It is a fascinating thing to watch, and the number of people, instrumentalists, animals, costumes … well, let’s just say I was rather amazed. I took gobs of photos and videos.

I could add more, but I suppose that’s enough for now.

We decided to go back to our rooms to freshen up for a very brief moment. Since the room had been cleaned I finally remember to grab a few photos.

Soon it was to to go to dinner. We’d been warned that this particular day could mean difficulty in finding a spot to eat so I had made reservations a few days ago at a place called Breydel DeConinc. What a wonderful meal it was! I would say I ate too much but that’s getting boring so I won’t tell you I ate too much even though I did. You’re welcome.

Taking a small bit of time we looked at the nearby square.

Shortly after the detour, we walked back to the hotel, and enjoyed some wine at Jan and Greg’s premier room. (Ours is simply too plain, small, and humbling so we dare not offer to serve glasses here. 😉 ) I mean REALLY … this room …

I’m not sure what’s up for tomorrow. A canal boat ride? Some churches? Something else? Who knows? This is a fun city just to roam in, so that works too.

Bonne nuit!