Bruges, Belgium

The train  (THALYS) from Paris to Bruges, was definitely an experience. Seats were luxurious with meals served, similar to those on the plane, although with actual cutlery! Complimentary Wi-Fi and plenty of wine!

Bruges was full of surprises, a definite must-see. If you’re travelling in Europe, don’t hesitate to add this gorgeous village to your itinerary. I had planned to stay for two days and ended up staying for five. I could go back and spend a month. It’s cobblestoned streets, lined by the most life altering chocolate shops can only be best described as a little part of Utopia! As well as the finest sweet shops, there are several extraordinary delicatessens selling cheese from the Gods. I think, without a doubt, Bruges was the most decadent place I’ve visited.

For those of you who are beer drinkers – they have over 1200 types of beers available to suit all palates. I spent an adventurous afternoon on a stool in 2be Beer Wall attempting to try as many beers as possible although I fear all I took away from this escapade was an extremely bad case of beer gut!

Whilst meandering through this fairy-tale medieval town, I happen upon a traditional folk dancing evening, held once per month in the local square (food market by day), it’s an opportunity for locals to gather, celebrate and learn dances from bygone eras.

From Bruges, I also spent the day visiting WWI sites which incorporated Flanders Fields, the In Flanders Field Museum, German bunkers along with several memorial sites and graveyards for various Nations who were involved in the war. It was a solemn day and to actually see trenches and dugouts gives you a bit more of an understanding of the hardships our soldiers went through during these battles. I was astounded to learn, that every week, the Belgium Army travels through the fields, collecting the live ammunition the farmers have uncovered during the week’s work. The day of our visit, we happened across several pieces of live ammo awaiting collection.

Prior to the war, the population of the region was in excess of 26,000, here we are 100 years on, and only slightly more than half, have returned to the area. Due to the excessive amount of lead based ammunition that was dumped on these fields, the land remains poisoned and the many farmers that fled during the war, had nothing to return to.

I’m sorry to leave Bruges, it’s truly a remarkable city and one that I look forward to returning to. Although excitement is in the air, I’ve decided to take the train through to Copenhagen – how you ask? Read on….

Copenhagen, Denmark 

I had heard, prior to my journey, about the train that goes on a ferry boat from Germany across to Denmark. I couldn’t get my head around this and put it on my “To Do” list. At last I was heading off on this latest adventure. Boarding the train in Bruges with a 13-hour train ride ahead, I settled back to enjoy the scenery. The train loads onto the ferry like a motor vehicle, if you’re not looking for it, you may well miss it. Once aboard, you must disembark the train and head to the upper levels of the boat. With duty free shopping available, it’s quite easy to lose track of time and before long you find yourself, re-boarding the train. The whole experience being quite surreal.

On my final change of train in Hamburg, I found myself in a closed cabin with a Danish family – Nicole, Claus and Nicholas. I was fortunate to spend approx. 5 hours with the most delightful young family who subsequently invited me to dinner. Nicholas was a young lad that was fascinated with my travels and I now have a greater understanding of both Dr. Who and Harry Potter! I was thrilled to accept their very kind dinner invitation and looked forward to seeing them again.

Upon arrival into Copenhagen, I first noticed that I had booked accommodation on the ‘wrong’ side of the railway line. Copenhagen is expensive, ranking the third most expensive city in Europe and didn’t I know it! Whilst the hotel was well located for visiting the city, the hookers and drug rehab place across the road was, at times, a little daunting! Saying that however, I never had any problems. I was merely two blocks from Tivoli Gardens and within walking distance to the many wonderful sights of the City.

Tivoli Gardens was an absolute highlight, a theme park dating back to 1843 which has retained its 19^th century charm. I was somewhat hesitant at first, thinking it was merely a theme park. Tivoli Gardens is so much more than a theme park. I was captivated with a performance of a Cinderella Ballet Pantomime. I had never seen this type of performance before and it was incredible! I will actively seek to find more of these type of shows. It was this modern, rock, entertaining, theatrical performance that left the audience cheering and begging for more!

A snippet of Cinderella!

Copenhagen is also a city of architecture, being host to one of Europe’s most well respected architectural colleges, it’s easy to see why the structural artists flock here to study. Unfortunately, I did not happen across our Princess Mary although I fear she wasn’t hanging out in the same suburbs as I may have been! Very much a thriving city although I felt it was quite disjointed, there were certain pockets of beauty but overall failed to impress.

I was anxious to leave as I was heading for a catch up with friends, I had not seen for many years! Next, Ireland, Scotland and England – Lasting friendships!

I did however manage to find myself on a flight from Denmark to Belgium with five young men full of handsomeness, on their way to a music festival in Brussels. As I took my seat on the plane, I was placed in a row by myself, directly in front of these lads, with no other passengers in sight. They had been drinking, I had been drinking and as they say – the rest is history!

Their mothers would be proud, they shared their drinks, laughs and even an invite to a Music Festival. “What bands are playing?” enquires the 52yo female. “Bands? No bands, just DJ’s.”  replies the handsome young lads. Alas I’m knocked back into the generational gap!

Ireland is calling …