Belgium

[Lotus Freak]

anyone been? I need some tips. We're going to Spa to see our friend race so we're tying in a holiday while we're there. We're actually taking the Liz through the chunnel and driving through France so we're already going to visit a few WWI memorials and things like that. It's the start of one of our dreams...to drive the Liz all through Europe, wish we both could take a couple of months off work and just travel. This is where having pets can be a drawback...oh well...anyone want to pet sit for a week?

[Pahakissa]

We really loved Brugge.  I would suggest spending some time there.  Plus Brussels was nice.  I had the best hot chocolate there!  But really Brugge is really nice little medeval town with lots to see and do. 

[weesoul]

Dh and I took my sister to Brugge last summer and we loved it.  Even crowded with tourists it was fantastic - it was the beginning of July.  I'd love to go back.  Here's a wee trip report:  http://europewithsis.blogspot.com/2006/11/brugge-belgium.html

[Lotus Freak]

will have to see how far Brugge is from Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Had a looksee at your blog Annie and the pics look fab. I remember when you guys went there. I'm really excited about driving there. I need a map!

[weesoul]

will have to see how far Brugge is from Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Had a looksee at your blog Annie and the pics look fab. I remember when you guys went there. I'm really excited about driving there. I need a map!

Dh did all the driving over there.  But here in Michigan we've been borrowing my brother's GPS.  It is brilliant!!!  The voice on ours is a lady which dh is calling his sweetheart.  She doesn't scream when he makes a wrong turn.     I'd recommend a GPS for a tour of Europe.  Stress free and no worrying about signs in a foreign language.

As you can see on my page about Brugge we really liked our B & B. 

[Lotus Freak]

yeah, we're taking sat nag with us

[steveg]

I can't help you I'm afraid Cherri - I've never been to Belgium - to be honest I've never felt the need to either, though I'm sure the more well travelled here will tell you/me why I should go there, and that would be a good thing as I really don't know much at all about this place.

Considering travel in general and what you said about visiting Europe - Paula and I have been discussing travel for the past few days (All your fault Vicky - we seriously want to go on a Cruise now (sotto voce) well done lass! ) especially as I noticed an ex Leeds footballer died yesterday, and the poor man was 2 years younger than I am!  Life is too short to say "some day" I am now really strongly thinking that some day is now. When Paula and I retire to the US in 8 or 10 years from now, European vacations will be unlikely - so now is the time - we may never get another chance.

Have a great time over there when you go

Steve

[Howard]

But really Brugge is really nice little medeval town with lots to see and do. 

Pahakissa is right, Cherri - Bruges is utterly wonderful, and should not be missed.  Joss, Molly, family and I go for short holidays most years!

[Lotus Freak]

I'm really getting excited about the trip especially looking at Annie's pics and hearing all the wonderful things about Brugge.

Steve, don't put things off....hmmmm, I remember a certain gentleman telling me never to put things off . You might as well make the most of locale. I'm definitely thinking that MR and I are going on a cruise along the fjords next year. We keep putting things off because we always say ''we don't have the time''. We do have the time, we're just not making the most of it. I would honestly love to take a month off and drive the Liz all over Europe

thanks all for the input.

[Lotus Freak]

I'm getting excited, MR has just booked our chalet and we're taking the ferry...I just don't fancy the chunnel, don't like the thought of being in a tunnel and being underwater at the same time....yeeeesh

[Molly Mockford]

Brugge is definitely not to be missed!  My favourite bar is called the Staminet de Garre, down a little alley near the town square - the best hot chocolate (with rum) in the world!  And 300 beers... some of which they ration, because they don't want to see you fall over.  The town itself is very beautiful indeed, particularly the square;  there are many wonderful places to eat (in Brussels one runs the risk of being grabbed by the arm and almost forced into one of the many restaurants, but Brugge isn't like that), a chocolate museum, brewery tours, canal trips - it's got everything!

And the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse - a modern sculpture in a wee public garden.  A local came along as we were admiring them, and in a strong Flemish accent informed us:  "Dat one iss War.  You can zee, he has an e-rect penis."

You don't get that kind of tourist information in most places...

[Howard]

Here is a photo I took of the statue that Molly refers to.  You will notice that War is, erm, 'anatomically correct'! 

[Lotus Freak]

goodness, chocolate museums, brewery tours and pornographic statues...what's not to miss?! I'm definitely heading to Brugge

[Molly Mockford]

A good place to stay is the Hotel Patritius, run by a delightful young couple - although we haven't been there recently, because last time there were five of us, so we rented a self-catering apartment instead.  Oh, and in my opinion the very best chocolate shop is the tiny Dumon at Eiermarkt 6.  http://www.chocolatierdumon.be/ is about the most atrocious web site I've come across - their chocolates are far superior!

[Lotus Freak]

mmmmm chocolate, thanks Molly