This link has been bookmarked by 5 people . It was first bookmarked on 03 Feb 2008, by Lubos Pochman.
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16 Feb 12
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Bruges — with Renoir canals, fanciful gilded architecture, vivid time-tunnel art and stay-awhile cafés. Where else can you bike along a canal, savor heavenly chocolate and see a Michelangelo, all within earshot of a bell tower with a hyper-active carillon?
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The people of Brugges are connoisseurs of fine chocolate. You'll be tempted by chocolate-filled display windows all over town. Locals buy their chocolates fresh daily — like other people buy pastries.
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venerable family-run places like Dumon
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The bell tower has stood over Market Square since 1300. Climb the 366 steps for a grand view.
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Aime Lombaert, who's rung these bells since 1984, arranges his own music and enjoys sharing his art. Grab a bench in the courtyard to enjoy one of the regular and free carillon concerts.
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Of the town's 28 windmills...
... four survive today. The mills made paper, ground grain and functioned as the motor of the Middle Ages.
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My favorite way to explore Bruges is on two wheels. Anywhere in Europe where the biking's good, you'll find handy and inexpensive rentals. Get lost on the back streets, away from the shopping and tour groups.
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A delicate Madonna and Child is said to be the only Michelangelo statue to leave Italy in his lifetime. It marks the tomb of the wealthy Bruges businessman who bought the statue in Tuscany.
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We're catching one of the frequent trains that zip from Brugges to Brussels in about an hour.
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Le Grand Place – Europe's grandest square – is just a short walk from the train station.
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Leonidas — this is where locals get more chocolate for less money...not the greatest...but still delicious.
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For some reason, every visitor has the Manneken-Pis on his list. Even with low expectations, this bronze statue is smaller than you'd think. Still, this little squirt is a fun, light-hearted symbol of Brussels.
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Many tourists consider the local waffles a cultural highlight worth savoring.
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25 Apr 11
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27 Jun 08
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03 Feb 08
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Belgium: Bruges and Brussels
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