Page 13 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - February '22

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 13

Bruges The Bridge from page 12 gothic City Hall, dating from 1376, can be seen and appreciated. buildings that surround the city, but will also pass beneath the
In the corner of the square is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, seventh century Roman bridge that gave Brugge its name.
The lace work that is produced in the city is truly amazing. built in the Roman style and dating from 1139, with the upper For the more active, there are guided bike tours of the city
I developed an appreciation for this skill several years ago floors converted to gothic style in the 15th century. One thing during the day and evening. And for those who don’t like to
while watching an elderly woman tying lace with more than 50 worth noting about Burg Square is that it’s the start and end point rifle through a guide book and look like a lost American, you
individual wooden spools of thread being incorporated in the for the horse-drawn carriage rides, which can save your feet as can rent a Walkman with informational tapes on Brugge.
pattern. About two years later I again visited the shop to inquire you tour the city and experience the architecture in a mode of One can only go so far in describing the spirit of this
about the artisan that I had previously seen tying the pattern. travel similar to what you’d find in Brugge’s heyday. medieval city of the past. Brugge’s architectural heritage,
The shop owner advised that, at 103, the master lace maker was Most of the city’s important buildings are pointed out during beauty, charm, artistry, Belgian chocolate, and most
starting to slow up, only visiting the shop periodically. Hopefully this carriage ride. Typically, the carriage ride takes about an hour, importantly, its friendly people are more than enough reason
her artistry will not be lost. after which you may want to tuck down Blinde Ezelatraat, an to visit Brugge, again and again.
Brugge is not one of those places you can truly appreciate in alley located in the opposite corner of the square. You’ll find a Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
a two-hour shore excursion. However, if given the opportunity, covered archway between the City Hall and the old Recorders’ having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans, seas
any time spent in the city is well spent. If traveling on your House; this passageway takes you into the heart of Old Brugge. and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel Leaders,
own, I suggest starting on the perimeter of the canal that The street opens up to a small square with numerous outdoor his family owned and operated agency, is located at Mirasol
surrounds the city and walking through history to Halles cafés that specialize in local cuisine. This is also where one Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road, Building A, Suite 102-6,
market plaza. The canal that surrounds Brugge is oval-shaped, boards the boats for cruises of the city’s canals. Palm Beach Gardens. The agency has been serving the travel
only .54 miles from east to west and .82 miles from north to The narrated canal cruise presents a leisurely perspective needs of the South Florida area for over a quarter of a century.
south. Whatever direction you take will present the feeling of of those intriguing spots that you missed during the carriage Contact him at (561) 694-9696 or Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
walking back in time. ride. The vista from which the cruise departs is perhaps one
The market square is easily recognizable because of the of the most photographed spots in all of Europe. During the
belfry on the east side. Measuring 272 feet high, it towers above cruise you’ll not only get an opportunity to see the landmark
the city and contains 47 bells weighing 27 tons. It is acclaimed
to be one of the finest belfries in the world and concerts are held
here three times a week.
Brugge is best experienced on foot. Organized walking tours
start from the market or Burg Square, however a less structured
approach, and easier on the feet, is to walk from the market
square, one block to Burg Square. It is here that the beautiful

The Minnewater, also known as the “Lake of Love” A typical city street The Church of Our Lady
Photo by Don Kiselewski Photo by Don Kiselewski Photo by Wolfgang Staudt

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