The Flemish dream

by Vishal Menon (India)

A leap into the unknown Belgium

For some inexplicable reason, a visit to Bruges has been a dream that my wife Jyothi and I had been nurturing for close to six months. For all the late-night planning and tantalising build-up, our arrival at the Bargeplein bus stop on May 16, 2019, was a rather low key affair. It was 8 in the morning, and barring a group of excitable school students, the place wore a deserted look. We dropped into a nearby cafe for breakfast that comprised toast, chocolate croissant and fruit juice. Somehow, it still didn't dawn upon us that we had finally landed in Bruges. We had barely walked a few paces when we realised that there were cycles for hire. It’s the best and cheapest mode of travel in and around Bruges, with a 6-hour ride costing only 15 euros. Clutching onto our phones, and with our bikes by our side, we trudged along to explore the destination of our dreams. We looked around, and after some anxious moments of indecision, we decided to hop onto our bikes and head where the morning wind takes us. As we rode along cobbled streets, we found ourselves getting sucked into this enchanting world. Because in the faraway distance, stood the Church of our Lady Cathedral. This 15th century structure with its imposing tower and Gothic style architecture took us by surprise. After our brief pit-stop, next-up was the horse-pulled carts that caught our attention. By 10 am, we had reached the city square — a place bustling with people and throbbing with vibrancy. With the majestic Belfry tower serving as the backdrop, the buildings had a distinct 16th century feel to it. It seemed as if time had come to a stop over here. The place was teaming with tourists, who were wandering around aimlessly, taking photographs, pouting for selfies and soaking in the sun. We parked our bikes and stopped by to have crepes. Belgian crepes have a distinct chocolatey flavour, and are slightly less buttery than the Parisian variety. We spend close to two hours at the city square, from where we cycled to another pretty part of the town --- one that was lined up with chocolate shops. Dropping in from one shop to the other and gorging on the varieties of chocolates on offer, it was a gluttonous feast. As you cycle past from this neck of the woods, it’s difficult to miss the tranquillity of the Minnewater. It has a bridge at the centre known as the Lovers Bridge, a soulful and blissful place to spend with your family and loved ones. A visit to this city is incomplete without the cruise along the canals. Costing just 10 euros per person, this ride comes with a certified tour guide, who takes you on a joy ride, snaking past beautiful swans, palatial 15th century buildings and charming gardens. These canals are the arteries of Bruges. After the cruise, we dropped by at the famous Beer Café. It has a chic set-up with an exquisite decor that offers more than 1,000 varieties of beers. If you’re a fan of German variety, then this place might not be up to your liking. If not, then try their forest produce beer. Its bitter, tangy aftertaste was an ideal antidote to wash down the sugary chocolates and crepes I had wolfed down. After the beer tasting session, a visit to the Tintin museum was another tick on our wish-list. We then headed to Rozenhoedkaai — overlooking the Minnewater — and easily one of the most photographed spots in Bruges. By evening, we had returned our bikes and quietly strolled towards Coelewey mill, known for windmills. The view of the windmills and the setting sun was a sight to behold. It was among the several high points of our visit. The trip ended on a sumptuous note --- with us having our fill of mussels, fries and beer. We boarded the bus to Brussels with a heavy heart and some pleasant, lingering memories. Utterly captivating and stunningly surreal, Bruges turned out to be exactly as we had expected. It’s been ten months since that trip. We’re still dreaming about Bruges. Don’t wake us up.