If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn’t, so it doesn’t.

Colin Farrell’s character in In Bruges does not provide the most glowing review of the City and I initially dismissed it as a handy stopping point in between Brussels and Amsterdam when backpacking across Europe. Though I didn’t have high expectations, it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip for me.

The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy actually started playing from somewhere unbeknown as we made our way along the cobblestone streets from the train station to our hostel. 🙂 There was no doubt from the very beginning that the City was calming, charming, and beautiful in character.

I have strong memories from my short stay in the City: canals; the view from the top of the Belfy; a strapping American tour guide; medieval architecture; cobblestone streets; eating Belgian fries and stopping to admire the view from a bridge only to be joined by a random man who needed €2 in order to catch a bus and win back the love of his life, Mary offered him some fries; waffles; colourful buildings; a lazy dog who rests at the window looking over one of the canals and has become a local celebrity after his appearance in In Bruges.

Strong memories but no photos for this post! I borrowed my Mum’s camera for the trip and never got round to uploading the many photos that I took, despite the years that have passed. I will make it my mission to find the camera and (hopefully!) uncover the photos this weekend. They contain so many good memories and I hope they’re not lost.