It's been a delightful week exploring Bruges. We walked along the canals on Monday to the outer walls of the medieval city. Unlike Amsterdam's heavily trafficked streets and hustle and bustle of people, Bruges is quiet and peaceful with minimal traffic and lots of pretty paths lined with massive trees along the canals. We saw beautiful old buildings and three windmills, two which are still in use to grind corn and wheat.

 Stopping at the Windmill Café for a drink and refreshment, we met Jake, a young man from Portland, Oregon, who was exploring Bruges on his own for a few days . We shared a drink and conversation and made plans to meet up again the next day. Continuing our walk, we passed some beautiful old Gothic churches, the Folk Museum and the Lace Museum, but all are closed on Mondays. So we now know where they are and we'll be back!

One of the highlights of our trip was the free (yes, FREE!) harp concert we attended at the Bruges Oud Sint-Jan. Luc Vanlaere is an amazing musician who creates the most beautiful music from his harps and other stringed instruments like the chromochord he built himself, the steel harps, singing bowls and even a Chinese brass gong. You MUST click this link and watch and listen to a bit of the concert we enjoyed. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vi17uNkEZI 
 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPhgoXwboi4