The boys and I visited the Market Square today with the intent summiting the Bell Tower. It's a 13th century tower that still keeps time (although I'm not sure whether anyone's wound it all the way back up because it rings at 10 till the hour and 22 after the hour).
We were in the tower when the mechanism ticked it's way to ring time.
We were in the tower when the mechanism ticked it's way to ring time.It was a good climb to the top. Not as many stairs as the Eiffel Tower, but way more twisty (it was one big spiral).
And, only one set to get up and down so there were some tense moments when we almost lost Nathan in the feet of a very overweight, decending visitor. The top provided a very nice view of the city, and we found that you could still smell the waffles 338 steps below.
And, only one set to get up and down so there were some tense moments when we almost lost Nathan in the feet of a very overweight, decending visitor. The top provided a very nice view of the city, and we found that you could still smell the waffles 338 steps below.
Later that evening, Margaret and Nathan decided to go home for dinner while Tyler, Isaac, and I stayed downtown. We had a great time sitting outside, watching the horse drawn carriages pass us by, eating great food, and laughing together. After dinner we got a waffle for desert (you can never have too many waffles in one day according to Tyler) and walked the narrow streets home.
By the end, we understood what it means to "wend" your way home. For me this was one of the best experiences I've had, and the what I had envisioned as a peak experience during the trip.
3 May 2009Yesterday we went to climb the tower. Inside we saw all of the clockworks. It was really fun. There were 338 steps. In the evening Dad, Isaac and I went and had a good meal. I had the turkey filet. Then we had another Belgian waffle.
-Tyler
The tower had less steps than the Eiffel Tower. It had 338 steps. It had two bells. The one at the top was pretty loud.
-Nathan
What an experience your family is having! We are so glad we get to follow along and read about your adventures. It's even better than Jack and Annie! How much longer do you have?
ReplyDeleteOK, so I'm jealous again. I've always heard how old and lovely Bruges is...and then I recently saw a movie filmed entirely there (coincidentally titled "In Bruges") and although it's a dark comedy/crime thriller (definitely for adults only), the town was a delightfully contrasting backdrop for it (which was on purpose, and very effective). A lot happens in the square and clock tower, so it was especially fun to see your photos of those (did you see any dead bodies in the tower? :-) Thanks for the reports from Bruges...convinces me even more that it's somewhere I want to visit.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, we are on the tail end of our trip, less than two weeks left.
ReplyDeleteDasha, if you must know, Brugge is so charming that it's easy step over the dead bodies without taking much notice of them.