Windmills, Picasso and concerts

So much to see and do here but it is a place for ambling, people watching and chilling out.There is no pressure to see and do beyond what you want to do.
We opted for a walk along the canal first thing,well the outer canal which circles the old town and feeds into the smaller canals running through the town.The walk was lovely, a bonus was the four windmills along the canal.I climbed up to one as it had an open door but it was a museum on the history of the flour milling industry.I opted not to pay to go in as it was all in Flemish and it would mean nothing to me but a novel idea.
I rewarded myself with a traditional hot chocolate when we finished the walk several hours later.The best chocolate house was next door so why not?It is served in a large bowl of hot milk and the chocolate is dropped into the milk and stirred until melted.Delicious.
Later we attended a free harp concert in an historic old church which also had a collection of Picasso lithographs and drawings so I went to that as well.I bought an etching of his famous peace dove to take home.
The harpist was amazing as he had a variety of other traditional harp related instruments which he incorporated into the music.All the music he created was of his own composition.
We ate lunch again at the bakery and enjoyed the home made cold raspberry lemonade with a melon and jam on sandwich before heading back to the hotel for a break. Leg rest time I call it.
Our final night was spent at an organ recital at the Cathedral which was amazing.I did not appreciate until then how complex the instrument is and how dexterous you need to be not only with the hands but with the feet.
Later we ate at a locals restaurant down a side street and had a very nice meal finishing with waffles.We had been promising ourselves these since Amsterdam but never seemed to have enough space at the end of the meal for a dessert but tonight it was a priority and worth waiting for.
It was their specialty with icing sugar,ice cream and chocolate sauce.As you can guess this is not losing weight food but when in Rome....

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!