Brugge (Day 2)

We decided to find a breakfast spot before our tour.  The Hotel had breakfast for 17 Euro, but we decided we could find something  a little cheaper.  Ha.  However, we found that Brugge does not wake up early.  None of the cafes were open.  Finally found one on the corner of the square and got coffee and a waffle.  No time to go back to hotel to get my Ipad for pictures.  Thought we would run back after breakfast but ran out of time, so we hoofed it on down the street to find our tour operator.  The pictures were all taken with Terry's camera and the ones on the Segways were taken by Johnny.

No on/off bus for this tour of the city.  We booked a Segway Tour.  Our guide's name was Johnny.  There were only four of us so it didn't take long for them to show us how to operate these two wheeled vehicles.  It's certainly not like driving a car.  No wheels to turn you just move the handlebar right or left depending on your direction.  Shoving the handlebar forward makes it go and pulling backward makes it stop.  Easy Peasey!  Johnny said "I'm the papa duck".  "Keep your eyes on my back and just follow along like little ducklings".  We had about 10 minutes practice time getting used to the proper movements.  I kept wanting to turn my shoulders in the direction of my turns and that just doesn't work.  MOVE ONLY THE HANDS back and forth.  We all finally got it and off we went in a row trailing Johnny.  He would give us a heads up when he was turning or stopping by using hand signals.  Worked really well.  For about 10 minutes we had another guy with us making sure we were keeping up and not hitting curbs (sure way to wreck).  We followed along like good little ducks and nobody curbed it in the whole two hour tour.  Great fun and boy does it save the feet.

First stop was the Square where he stopped and explained what the buildings were (the ones we saw yesterday).  We were prepared for this and it was nice to get the history of the buildings.  

We never got off the Segway unless he told us too.

First stop where we got off and Terry could take the picture of us

 

We parked our Segways up against the wall and Johnny talked about what we were about to go see.

He then sent us off to take pictures while he looked after the Segways and our stuff

"The De Vos Almshouse consists of a group of houses for the poor, widows and the elderly. It is one of the 46 almshouses, or Godshuizen, in the center of Bruges. 

The De Vos Almshouse was founded by Adriane de Vos, a wealthy and philanthropic merchant of Bruges. It was founded in 1480 and built, at the time, near the city wall and the Beguinage. Each house was assigned by a specific organization, like a hospital or a guild, e.g. the cooper’s or mason’s guild, with a view to benefit their elderly or poor members. 

The De Vos Almshouse consisted of a complex of eight houses with an inner courtyard. The residents pumped water from a well in the courtyard and grew vegetables in small gardens in front of their houses. Like all almshouses in Bruges, the De Vos Godshuizen has a chapel where the residents were expected to pray for the soul of their benefactor. The houses have a white façade with the name of Adriane de Vos painted on it. The windows do not face the street because a tax was levied for each street facing window. Today, the city owns the almshouse and has converted the complex into six houses for the residence of elderly citizens. It is managed by the social service department of the government. 

Beautiful little garden and lovely little Flemish houses

The well

Next stop was in a beautiful area with a lake and swan's called "The Lover's Lake" also called the Minnewater Lake. The lake itself and the buildings and park surrounding it are so picturesque, that you can see where the name has come from – it’s a great place to be with someone you love!  (Or just a good friend)

The lake is actually a reservoir and is joined to the famous canal system of Bruges so you will see boats on it from time to time including tour boats. You can also spend time crossing the bridges and walking around the park. It’s a great place to see the wildlife of Bruges, in particular the swans which are the city’s emblem. You will see this area again later, especially the swan's.

"Just behind the Minnewater lies the Beguinage 'De Wijngaard' (= the Vineyard). 

It is one of those typical areas in Bruges where one can find more peace and quiet than in the sometimes busy and overcrowded streets of the town center. The Beguinage is a group of houses around a little garden covered with large poplar trees.

 It was here that during the last seven centuries lived the beguines of Bruges. In 1937 the beguinage became a monastery for the Benedictine sisters who still live here now".

The Chapel

Still the home of Benedictine nuns, as well as other elderly women, the Beguinage is a beautiful, calming place. A broad courtyard of grass, trees and flowers surrounded by picture perfect white Flemish buildings, signs welcome you in but specifically ask for quiet. You can stroll through this tranquil area and visit the charming chapel, provided you don't disturb the traditionally habit-donned sisters, who very much remain the center of this picturesque community.  There were a few of the Sisters in the Chapel when we went in.

Next was a small church built for the "Poor" and how can you tell it was for the poor says our guide.  Not a clue said we.  Apparently, if a church is finished inside with marble or stone it was built for the wealthy community.  If it is built with wood, it means it was built for the less fortunate.  It was still elaborately carved, but wood was cheaper.  The Church was closed so we could only get a few pictures through a glass door 

Back on the Segways and we are off to the "Lace Houses"

The Segway shot

And as Johnny would say "The culture shot".  These little white houses were where in olden days, all the ladies lived who made the lace.

From here we made our way back through the streets to end the tour and return our Segways.  Great way to see a lot of the city without using foot power.  It was great fun whizzing along.  Saw lots of people taking pictures of us so we will probably be on social media somewhere.  Ha.  AND I DIDN'T CRASH ONCE.

Went to lunch in a little bistro called "Books and Brunch"

 After lunch we decided to take a short canal cruise.  It was only about half an hour to forty-five minutes and about $10.  We actually recognized a few places from the water where we had been on the Segway tour.  Waiting for my ship to come in.

My Ship

We met the "Captain of our Ship" a jolly friendly gent with a very british accent.  He did say he had been in Brugge a long time however.

Church of our Lady

One of the oldest houses

Remember the  "Lovers Lake"?  We are back there on the water this time.  

Lots of lovely swans

Does anyone remember the movie "Bruge" with Colin Ferrell.  This was where he jumped into the canal.

Another old movie was made in Brugge.  "The Nun's Story" with Audrey Hepburn.  She had a home here in Brugge.

Back to the dock.  As we were walking home we passed the "Beer Wall".  Well one can't just pass it by.  we had to go sample the wares. This may be the place with all 1500 beers made in Belgium.

Great beer signs on the wall of beer

Beer scooter

And she says she doesn't drink beer.  

Headed home to rest before dinner and saw this little side street.  Turns out this is where Colin Ferrell jumped off the balcony from the land side.  HA

Another Belgian restaurant.  After another one of those 10 minute walks that turned into 20 or 25 minutes we found it.  Terry had her mussels and I went for a pasta with light cream sauce, mushrooms and bacon.  The feet were sore but the food was worth the walk.  We took a cab back to the Square.

Tomorrow we are off on an all day tour of WWI battlefields and cemeteries.