2016 Bruges * Frozen in Time * September 4

Every now and then,
when the world sits just right,
a gentle breath of heaven
fills my soul with delight...

~Hazelmarie "Mattie" Elliott, A Breath of Heaven

Cruise morning. Early rising (5 am) seeing the lights on shore on what I thought was the seaside of the ship. I’m the only one around for a while after a stormy, rocking night. I grab coffee and a snack then quickly to the gym for some yoga.  

 I watch the entry to the harbor that is busy with lights as we pass between the two guardian beacons. I continue exploring the ship, nibbling at the buffet, chatting with the chefs and wait staff.  I search for my new friends but find none. Back in the suite I find my roommate awake late and off to tea as I rinse socks and hang them on the windy balcony to dry.  

Before my tour in Bruges, I rest on the pool deck, watching the shifting colors on the water, the racing clouds that have run from midnight blue to blustery copper and promising white, and the seagulls below, soaring, circling, landing on the current of the sideways bow thrusters and simply floating backward. Are they fishing?  I see none eating. Then what is it about the activity that keeps them busy?  The longer I watch, the more I come to believe they are doing it all simply for the pure joy.  Gliding, floating, taking wing. Again and again and again. Non ceasing. Rapture of wind and tide. 

 

Bruges

Our tour group meets in the bus and couples pass by and sit together.  The space beside me empty.  I’m expecting more.  Last person on becomes my new friend Denise.  Bubbly, blond, easy-laughing, fun.   

 

Bruges

Bruges is a town frozen in time.  Beautiful medieval, with rivers and stone bridges.   

Bruges

Bruges

The Love Bridge

One is over The Love Lake from which Victor Hugo gleaned inspiration for his story.    

Dark Local Beer

Finally to the beer “tour” – actually it’s the “Beer Museum”- actually it’s just a great brewpub.  We try five brews.  The group becomes friendlier as the afternoon goes on and our “guide” Tom educates us and encourages the fun.   

The final beer is a recipe from pre-1300s.  Gruut beer.  Brewed before they used hops (which started in the 1400s).  Dried flowers, plants and other herbs and spices are used to this day.   

Gruut.  Great beer.

Me,  with my Gruut, and Denise

More photos on Facebook:   
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10157377537840104.1073741941.804650103&type=1&l=2b1a804d5e

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