Bruges likes to compare itself to Venice, which is somewhat true, at least when it comes to overcrowded streets, though Venice has actual human stampedes. Our strategy to see the town has been to walk early/walk late. We've begun our tours sometimes before 8am and sometimes after 8pm. There is a lot to see. An intact medieval trading city, which grew dramatically through the 1500s. The Medici, of Florence, had offices here. The Bourse, probably the world's first stock exchange, opened here in 1309. Bruges was on the North Sea at a vibrant crossroads of commerce, trading with Spain, England, Italy, Russia and the Baltics and via Italy with the Levant and points east. Early in the 1500s it fell behind Antwerp and dwindled into insignificance, even losing its access to the sea, only to be "rescued" by mass tourism. Sniff. Like so many of those places it's almost suffocating with its own success. But it still is magical.
This market was a delight. And the oversized wraps we got Neira (see pocket) were a big hit. We also did well. Belgium is looking very promising in terms of food. We intend to explore its renowned specialities --- beer, chocolate, pasteries, beer and frites. Judiciously, of course.
