What I loved most about living in Maastricht, the Netherlands, was its location at the southernmost tip of the country, bordering Belgium and Germany. Weekend trips to historic towns in both neighboring countries were not only common but delightfully convenient, thanks to the region's well-connected rail system. On St. Patrick's Day, some friends and I took a train ride (just over 3 hours) from Maastricht to Brugge (the Dutch spelling), in the Flemish region of northwestern Belgium. The return fare was 15 euros.
Charming Bruges (the more widely used spelling) is often called the "Venice of the North" for its cobbled lanes and countless bridges spanning narrow canals. In 2000, UNESCO designated the city's entire historic center a World Heritage Site. Much of its medieval architecture remains miraculously intact. Bruges has long been a maritime hub, with Flemish cloth, lace, and jewelry among its most prized trade commodities. Although French is the official language of Belgium, many locals here still proudly (and perhaps a bit defiantly) cling to their Flemish heritage, speaking the local tongue and embracing their Dutch roots.
Life is good in Bruges. You can whet your appetite at any number of fine restaurants or indulge your sweet tooth with creations from the city's world-renowned chocolate confectioners. I treated myself to nearly 40 euros' worth of chocolates - and have no regrets.
One quiet highlight of the trip was the beguinage (or begijnhof in Dutch) - a peaceful dwelling of lay sisters of the Roman Catholic Church that is comprised of small houses arranged around a courtyard and enclosed by walls that separate them from the town beyond. In its courtyard, clusters of bright yellow daffodils bloomed, heralding spring and renewal. It was all so very lovely.
Above left: The Provincial Court at the Grote Markt (Big Market Square); Above right: The central monument at the Grote Markt
Above: Belfort van Brugge (Belfry of Bruges) ~ an iconic medieval bell tower rising approximately 83 meters above the Markt (main square), where it has stood since the 13th century
Above: The Reien ~ Bruges’ iconic canal system, once part of the historic Reie river, now winding serenely through the city’s medieval heart
Above left: 'The Madonna and Child' (1504-5) by Michelangelo in the Church of Our Lady
Above: Inside the Church of Our Lady whose origins trace back to the 13th century
Above right: The tower of the Church of Our Lady ~ rising 115.6 meters, it's the tallest structure in Bruges and ranks as the third tallest brickwork tower in the world
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Above: The Church of our Lady tower in the background
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