YEAR of ADVENTURE: To Bruges We Go!

Alright, so last weekend my Art class, which isn't really an art class more of art history/ European studies class went on a day trip to a medieval town in Belgium known as Bruges.

The day started off with the class meeting up at the train station to realize that half the class was either:
a) simply not showing up
b) hungover or
c) in the hospital

Just from the train station, I knew we were off to a great start!

Anywho, so we took the train and got to Bruges where we saw the Poertoren, ye olde ammunition tower), the boulevard that replaced the 1297 last wall of town, and Minnewater (Lake of Love). By the way, every time we passed by/ talked about Minnewater all I could think of was Minnesota (Land that I Love!).

Look at what a fairy tale type place Bruges is with its swans and such!

Replace water with soda, and you've got where I'm from!

From there, we went to Our Lady's Church, then to St. Jan's Hospital which is now a museum.

Inside of Our Lady's Church

St. Jan's Hosptial

Next, we ventured forth to what was supposed to be the Onze Lieve Vrouw, but instead was lunch! NOM NOM NOM. Don't worry, we went back to the Onze Lieve Vrouw later in the day. After lunch though, we went to the Grote Markt and then braved the arduous task of climbing the 365 steps up to the top of the Belfry Tower.

Before the climb!

At the TOP!

That is the Belfry Tower we climbed!

After fulfilling a new life dream, to climb the Belfry Tower, we went to the historic part of town. From there we went the Bruges Vrij (the old government's countryside), the City Hall, St. Basil, and the Holy Blood Chapel. At the Holy Blood Chapel, I got to touch the blood of Jesus. Pretty cool if you ask me!