Waffles and windmills.

Windmills have been a part of the Bruges landscape

since the construction of the outer city walls in the late 13^th century.

The mills or molen would stand on the city ramparts.

What remains of the Bruges windmills can be seen along 
a stretch of Kruisvest Street where the last surviving 
four windmills are to be found.

John’s House or Sint Janshuis mill (1770) and the adjacent 
windmill Koelewei Mill are still used to grind grain.

Janshuis Mill stands in its original position.

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We walked alongside the canal from there to the Gentport.

The Gate of Ghent is one of four Bruges medieval city gates

which have survived from an original seven gates.

They were constructed sometime around 1400.

The route through this gate leads to the city of Ghent, hence the name.

Foreigners, travellers and tradesmen would enter through this portal.

The gate formed an opening in the defensive city walls.

As you approach the gatehouse you notice

a statue of Saint Adrian above the roadway.

The saint was said to protect Bruges from the plague.

At the city gates taxes were collected on goods

entering and exiting the city.

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Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges)

From this mansion, erected between 1722 and 1727,

Bruges’ rural surroundings were governed.

The building functioned as a court of justice between 1795 and 1984.

Today the city archives are stored here.

They safeguard Bruges’ written memory.

The premises also boast an old assize court

and a renaissance hall with a monumental

16th-century timber, marble and alabaster mantelpiece.

The incredible carving is a family tree and shows how the hometown Duke, on the far left, is related to Charles V., the most powerful man in Northern Europe. 
By making this connection clear, it helped the nobility substantiate their power. We couldn't help but notice the well-guarded family jewels 
(Charles' bulging codpiece) and check out he expressive little cherubs 
denoting the virtues of patience, prudence, justice and strength.

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One of the sights which makes Bruges so picturesque

are the canals and no trip here is complete

without some boat excursion.

There are five landing stages from where you can take

a half hour ride through the canals of Bruges.

The canals circle the city roughly following

the historic fortifications of Bruges.

Once the canals played a vital role in the transportation of goods,

today only tourist boats can be seen on the water.

From the water you get up close to a number of sites

which are often overlooked on foot and you can see

the city from a new angle.

We met a lovely English couple while were waiting to board

they were great fun and by the time we said goodbye,

we all shook hands and gave each other a kiss

on the cheek...it was really lovely to meet them.

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On our guided walk yesterday Frank (the guide)

explained many aspects of Flemish history, architecture and culture,

he also taught us about many things to look out for while we

wander around. In Brugge there are many shops selling lace,

Belgian waffles and chocolate...

and he taught us how to select the best ones.

When it comes to the chocolate shops you look for this sign

at the front of the shop.

It means the chocolates in the shop

are made by a particular artisan chocolatier

and only high quality ingredients are used.

There is one exception to this...Dominique Persoone,

Frank suggested that we buy 5 of his chocolates instead of a dozen from any other shop, they are very expensive but worth it.

He has his own cocoa plantation in Mexico and so has control

over EVERY aspect of the process.

He is one of just a few chocolatiers to feature in The Michelin Guide.

Today we ventured in & bought 8 chocolates!

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According to Frank you must only eat Belgian waffles

from a Tea Room...this morning I had one for breakfast.

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We've grown accustomed to sharing a baguette for lunch (most days)

filled with ham or chicken and salad,

then we don't feel guilty about having an ice cream!

We love the ice creams from this shop,

the waffle cones and the ice cream are divine.

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Today we walked 12.2 k's