Bruges (Brugge in Dutch)

'Venice of the North

We flew direct from Dublin airport to Charleroi airport.

It is a small airport at present but they are in the process of building a huge new terminal. It is roughly 2 hours drive south of Brugge. We got a taxi both ways which really took the stress out of the journey when we were exhausted from the flight. Belgium is very flat and very pretty. My partner in crime on this journey was my wonderful friend Ellen. Having her there made such a huge difference to me. She was so supportive, and had she not been there holding my hand on the morning of the operation I would have run ! Thank you Ellen, you are a star.

The surgery was carried out in St Jan Hospital in Bruges. We flew there on Monday 23rd October 2006, and stayed a couple of days in the Hotel Acacia, before the operation on Wednesday 25th October.

Bruges is the Jewel in Belgium's crown. One hour by train from the city of Brussels, it is a splendid medieval city with canals running through it. The population of Bruges is 117,200 including all the suburbs and the city draws many travellers to it to explore it's charm and beauty.

The city is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. When you think that Rome, Venice, Saltzburg and Paris are in that list, to come top of it, it has to be pretty special.

Roll your mouse over these 2 pictures

Bruges is also famous for it's 13th Century Belfort which houses the Carillion which comprises of 47 bells. The city still employs a bell ringer and he gives regular performances. It's really lovely to sit and listen to the bells ring out a variety of different tunes. He pulls quite a crowd when he plays too !

Amongst the Medieval architecture the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of our Lady) stands tall. At 122m it is Europe's highest brick tower. It is spectacular to look at close up and from a distance.

There are canal boat tours round the city's waterways. Ellen did not fancy this, and we opted for a horse and cart ride instead !

This picture above is the old Hospital St Jan. It dates back to the 14th Century, so I am mighty glad they built a new one before I got here !! It is a museum now

The streets in Brugge are all cobbled. They are either one way or cars are not allowed down them at all. There are many bicycles used in the city for ease of transport about the city.

Other things that put Brugge on the map are windmills,

Lace making, Chocolate shops ( and there are a lot !)

(even selling chocolate boobies !)

and Dr Evil !!

( He was supposed to be from Brugge... no, it's only a film)