Bruges, Belgium
This morning was spent at sea on our way to the fourth country of our trip, Belgium. A country created in 1830, in part due to pressure by the English to ensure no large power could control access to the Thames River.
We enjoyed a couple of talks by staff members including a discussion of the French Revolution by David Barnes. Robin MacNeil gave us a sneak preview of his next book, which is about his journey from being a Canadian to becoming an American citizen.
During lunch the ship was docked in the coastal town of Oostende. After lunch we boarded coaches for a 20-minute trip to the 9th century town of Bruges. This town has an extensive canal system that we enjoyed both from the shore and from the long narrow canal boats that transport tourists along the waterways where we saw the incredible brick and mortar buildings including the belfry at over 350 feet tall. There were many visitors in the town along with us so time was short at each of our stops, but we managed to see many of the highlights of the town including the 12th century hospital of St. John, the Halles marketplace, and the Notre Dame church. A few of us founded some authentic Belgian bier (beer) as well as some waffles, covered in chocolate.
This morning was spent at sea on our way to the fourth country of our trip, Belgium. A country created in 1830, in part due to pressure by the English to ensure no large power could control access to the Thames River.
We enjoyed a couple of talks by staff members including a discussion of the French Revolution by David Barnes. Robin MacNeil gave us a sneak preview of his next book, which is about his journey from being a Canadian to becoming an American citizen.
During lunch the ship was docked in the coastal town of Oostende. After lunch we boarded coaches for a 20-minute trip to the 9th century town of Bruges. This town has an extensive canal system that we enjoyed both from the shore and from the long narrow canal boats that transport tourists along the waterways where we saw the incredible brick and mortar buildings including the belfry at over 350 feet tall. There were many visitors in the town along with us so time was short at each of our stops, but we managed to see many of the highlights of the town including the 12th century hospital of St. John, the Halles marketplace, and the Notre Dame church. A few of us founded some authentic Belgian bier (beer) as well as some waffles, covered in chocolate.
