Bruges, Day 1
Trip Start
Jun 24, 2010
1
11
13
Trip End
Jul 04, 2010
Where I stayed
Brugge, West Flanders, Belgium
Friday, July 2, 2010
After lunch, we took a boat ride down the canal beneath the beaming, unadulterated sunshine. The waterway was exceptionally charming, and the medieval landscape surrounding us teased me with mysteries of lives lived behind pastel pained glass and solid masonry.
With pinkened noses and for me, shoulders, we headed forth to the belfry, where Rene stopped for a beer, and after sitting with him for a while, Philip and I dared the impossible. We climbed 300+ crowded spiral steps to the very pinnacle, from which we were able to inhale the fresh summer air looming above this magical city.
From the tower, we visited the Chapel of the Holy Blood, where the old Grail stories come to life, as a chalice within is said to hold drops of the savior's very blood. I don't particularly give the story much credence, as much as I would love for it to be true; however, I appreciated the visit because of the beautiful gilded murals inside, as well as the possibilities of unknowable truths, which are afforded so generously by faith. I appraised the faith of the chapel goers, and I admire their steadfast austerity.
After spending a few somber moments soaking in the scenery, we headed back to the hotel for a nap before venturing out again for dinner.
