Beautiful Buges

This was an amazing place to finish our travels.I had few expectations on arrival but that was probably a good thing as the old town captured your attention as the cobbled streets led you up through the town from the railway station towards the Market Square.
Our hotel was right on the edge of the square in a quiet street beside a chocolate shop and the best waffle place in town so temptation was an every day occurrence as we left the hotel.
We had got up early the morning we left Amsterdam to visit the Flower Market.I had saved this as a treat but it was not open until after we left town.I wanted to buy Justine tulips from the market but not to be.
We did get to visit the Bequines(not sure of the spelling but they are an order of women who do not take vows but dedicate their lives to god and live as a community).
There are still members living there despite Catholics being banished front the city in earlier times.
It's a quiet place,no talking or photos allowed but beautifully preserved buildings and gardens make finding this space worthwhile.
A similar place we came across in Bruge but it did not mind photos.
The train left Amsterdam at 10.00am so it was an early start to the station and the usual poor sleep as you worry about catching the right train etc but we made it.
We had a change at Brussels for Bruge so about four hours travelling until arriving at Bruges on a lovely afternoon.Not too hot but sunny and very pleasant.
We found the Notre Dame Hotel without too much difficulty and unpacked before heading out for a look around the town.
It is a beautiful place.The Markt Square took my breath away with the Renaissance facades and lofty spires.
We found a delightful cafe with an outdoor courtyard to sit outside for our lunch.It is much more expensive here so we shopped around a bit to find good cafes.I had an avocado toasted sandwich equivalent with pickled vegetables which was delicious and Brad got a bowl for her coffee so she was happy.
Later we found our way around the town and attended an outdoor concert in the Markt Square at night after dinner.
It was the Belgium National Holiday so great festivities and many people celebrating a day off.A nice atmosphere to come upon.
The crowd were singing along with songsheets in English and Flemish just like at the wedding.Old and young were having a lovely evening,some were dancing but no signs of the drunk and disorderly.I am not sure what they do with them!!!Perhaps they have a holiday somewhere else!