Bruges day 2

 Today has been a relatively quiet day of walking and taking in the sights. We had a tour which filled us in on some of the history of Bruges which was very interesting. So many of the buildings are from the Middle Ages, setting it apart from a lot of other European cities. It was spared destruction during the two World Wars.  After fighting in so many wars and defending itself, it didn't have the funds to replace existing buildings. The city has always been very religious and our guide explained that the Madonna statues built into the sides of homes had two purposes. First, they were thought to protect from evil and help ensure the spiritual well-being of the homeowners. The second reason was since toilets were not a thing at this time, people went to the bathroom in the streets. They would not go to the bathroom in front of a home that had a religious statue on it. Obviously, only the wealthy had the statues, and they put them to good use. 

We had a very decadent lunch of waffles and ice cream for Jack, and I had a waffle and custard. They were delicious. We found our waffle place while looking at the bell tower listening to a carillon concert, (bells). I don't think you get more Belgium than that. 

We briefly went into a small chapel that dates back to the 1100's. It is amazing to see the history of this small town.



                                        Cat enjoying the sun in a tore window.
       Priests enjoying a beer after Mass with parishioners, at these that's what it looked like. It was 10:30.


                                                                Street market


                                                Madonna statue to protect from evil and people using the street as a toilet.


                                                    interesting railing
                                            making my own hot chocolate with a block of chocolate and hot milk



                                            Hotel from the movie In Bruges












                                                    Ancient chapel

                                                                Madonna and Child from 1330


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