Damme
The village of Damme is five km from Bruge and well worth the short drive or bike ride along tree-lined canals. I particularly liked the whimsical signs that adorned the buildings.
la parapluie
First purchase for our new home! We passed by a flea market and this pitcher-turned-umbrella holder caught Angelo’s eye. Opting to sightsee rather than lug it around, we decided to take our chances. Hours later, upon return, I waited on a stone wall with our parcels (hard to negotiate prices when one has obviously been…
In Brugge, Part 3
Places of interest: Stadhuis (City Hall): Gothic facade depicts biblical and sovereign figures (the original statues were removed during the French Revolution, then destroyed in 1792. The current ones are from the 1970’s). The real prize is the second-floor Gotische Zaal with its stunning murals and friezes. Well worth a look. Groeninge Museum: I’m not a…
In Brugge, Part 2
Where we ate, drank and stayed: ‘T Bagientje: avoid the touristy cafes and sit on the porch to enjoy a Brujse Zot dubbel beer. Chocolat oe Praline: every chocolate shop claims it is the best. I didn’t try them all, but I can assure you Chocolat oe Praline was a standout. De Postilijon: lunch here…
In Brugge
I had my doubts about how The Venice of the North would compare. I’ve been to other places called the So-and-So of Such-and-Such, and guess what? Generally, it’s better for cities to claim their own identities because otherwise visitors get all excited and are, of course, subsequently let down. However, although Brugge is teeny-tiny, it…
A Second Thing to Love About Europe
Bicycles are a main mode of transportation.
One Thing to Love About Europe
Old next to new
certificate de résidence, or, how to waste tons of paper
The first order of business today was visiting the Luxembourg City office to declare our arrival and obtain our certificate de résidence. Anyone intending to reside in Luxembourg for an extended period of time must declare within three days of arrival. I expected it to be akin to going to the DMV, but was pleasantly surprised…
Le Printemps
Springtime in Luxembourg! It was great to board the plane in cold, grey, rainy New York City and deplane in warm, green, sort-of-sunny Luxembourg.