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Bruges and Ghent
Went on a bus tour to Bruges and Ghent. Ghent was first and not much available to see. Very quaint old town of now about 250,000 people. The big industry had been linen until England made it cheaper. Of course, Belgium is known for its lace which is beautiful. When we went past one of the churches we noticed that all the statues of the saints had masks over their noses. We wondered if it was a quiet protest to air pollution.
Bruges was a delight. So much medieval architecture. St. John's Hospital has been around since the 1200s. I didn't know that hospitals existed then. There was a lovely convent that in its heyday had nuns that could leave if they wanted or get married. Now it's an order of the Benedictine nuns. We went to the market square and had time to sit and watch the people. Everyone travels by bike so the square was packed with them. You see women in 3 inch heels riding a bike. The women dress quite chic here (and London as well). I was in slacks and a sweater set and felt sloppy. Oh well, The prices in the stores that I see as a tourist are outrageous. The clothes and shoes are stunning.
This didn't post yesterday so will add Antwerp. Yes, we got to see lots of diamonds. Went to Diamondland and got a tour showing how diamonds were polished and about the 4 Cs - carat, color, clarity and cut. Then we went to their showroom so we could buy some. I came out empty handed. 70% of the trade in diamonds takes place in Antwerp. Also went to another cathedral. This one had 4 paintings by Ruben that were nice to see. The maket square was nice and I enjoyed watching all the people. No organ grinder but a man playing a clarinet and tamborene. He was quite good.
Some interesting facts: Antwerp has a nuclear plant that supplies 60% of energy for the city; About 1000 companies are linked to the diamond trade; The new justice center has these "sails" on the buiding that are really large vents. In the summer they can be opened and less airconditioning used.
Not sure what we'll be doing tomorrow. Will write when I can
Bruges was a delight. So much medieval architecture. St. John's Hospital has been around since the 1200s. I didn't know that hospitals existed then. There was a lovely convent that in its heyday had nuns that could leave if they wanted or get married. Now it's an order of the Benedictine nuns. We went to the market square and had time to sit and watch the people. Everyone travels by bike so the square was packed with them. You see women in 3 inch heels riding a bike. The women dress quite chic here (and London as well). I was in slacks and a sweater set and felt sloppy. Oh well, The prices in the stores that I see as a tourist are outrageous. The clothes and shoes are stunning.
This didn't post yesterday so will add Antwerp. Yes, we got to see lots of diamonds. Went to Diamondland and got a tour showing how diamonds were polished and about the 4 Cs - carat, color, clarity and cut. Then we went to their showroom so we could buy some. I came out empty handed. 70% of the trade in diamonds takes place in Antwerp. Also went to another cathedral. This one had 4 paintings by Ruben that were nice to see. The maket square was nice and I enjoyed watching all the people. No organ grinder but a man playing a clarinet and tamborene. He was quite good.
Some interesting facts: Antwerp has a nuclear plant that supplies 60% of energy for the city; About 1000 companies are linked to the diamond trade; The new justice center has these "sails" on the buiding that are really large vents. In the summer they can be opened and less airconditioning used.
Not sure what we'll be doing tomorrow. Will write when I can
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