On our way to Brussels from Amsterdam we stopped for three hours in the city of Bruges. This city is mostly popular for being the oldest preserved medieval city in Europe, however it is also famous for its chocolate, of course. To get from where the bus parked to the main square we walked over an amazing little foot bridge. It crosses a little river full of swans and ducks and the bridge has long red pillars coming up from the sides in a shell or wave like motion. We stopped in a "tea room" for a sandwich and walked to the old church there. I know I have been inside so many churches on this trip and the most extravagant one of all the Vatican. However something about this church was really touching, maybe it was that it seemed for community friendly with a children's corner, or the beautiful carving by Michelangelo but as I walked through this church I got chills. There were scriptures and quotes carved into the walls, sculptures, and chairs. One of them in particular did something even more to me, it made me cry. I have no clue why it did, maybe the ambiance of the church alone who knows. But this little poem/saying was on a wall right above this little wooden bridge placed inside the church..
"Vacation... A bridge between 2 work years, between 2 school years, or just a bridge-for-a-day inbetween. A bridge for away or a bridge for nearby... Its not so important. Because from upon a bridge the view is always a little bit "other"...
Oh, we release that some problems never go on holiday, but nevertheless... Such a bridge maybe enables one: to see anew what one never saw, to hear anew what one never heard, to feel anew what one never felt, maybe to dream anew, and smile, and thank and just enjoy...
Dear visitor, enjoy the little bridge, that it may give new energy, and maybe a deep breath to go onwards.
And know that once in a while, you may put your worries into God's hands!"
Walking out of the church, every other shop was a chocolate shop, of course. it actually wasn't too expensive and I really truly wanted to buy a bunch to bring home and share with everyone but it has too many risk factors: 1) Our suitcases get stored under the bus during travel where it gets really warm and will melt the chocolate 2) If I carry it in my purse instead it WILL get eaten before it can make it home 3) I tried a piece before I bought an entire bag and honestly it wasn't any better, in my personal opinion, than any of the fancy chocolate shops in San Diego.
Sorry everyone no chocolate :( One more funny thing about Brugge, there are tons of horse carriages which the people use to see the town without having to walk but these carriages run through the streets, which mean they have to keep up with traffic! Its very funny to see a line of cars at a stop sign and in the line is a horse drawn carriage. And once traffic starts to move the horses have to trot to stay with the speed limit.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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