Feeling reminiscent.

[philm00x]

I woke up this morning and made myself a cup of coffee, with a feeling I couldn't shake as I sat on the sofa watching soccer. This past spring, my wife and I had the great fortune of travelling to Europe, and one place kept a piece of both our hearts- Bruges (or Brugge, in Dutch), Belgium. It's a wonderful, not-too-big-but-not-too-small city filled with culture, friendly people, and spectacular sights no matter which street you walk down. The local brewery, De Halve Maan, makes fantastic strong ales, and there are cafes along cobblestone streets that just exude the European way of life. The air is crisp and clean, and the weather actually changes accordingly with the seasons. Time slows down and nobody feels like they're rushing life along. God, I miss that.

[Inkleg]

That road, my bike and a nice beer afterwards. Oh yeah, I'm feeling it too.

[FedoraDave]

What a lovely memory for you.

[Beer-lord]

Only been to Europe once. A tour thru Italy and loved it. There's a certain feeling you get in the very old towns of its history that makes you want to slow down and enjoy life a bit more.
It all goes to fast. Money goes the fastest.
Every see the movie, In Bruges? Not a fast paced film but great acting and scenery.

[philm00x]

I have yet to watch that movie but it's on my Netflix queue. And yes, money does go the fastest anywhere in Europe! But it's so worth it.

[mtsoxfan]

That is a beautiful sight. I'd love to bike it as well, just not the cobblestones. Must be really nice around Christmas...

[FrozenInTime]

You should see those places during winter! Little stands everywhere selling a hot, spiced wine and bakery products. All those fancy looking houses and shops decked out with winter lighting. Kids all dressed up in regional attire as well as the parents, everyone smiling, happy, singing, etc. Thanks for the trip back to an awesome time!

[philm00x]

I'd love to visit in the winter. I've seen pics of Bruges in Christmas, and they turn their central square into an ice skating rink. The canals occasionally have ice on them. Leafless trees covered in snow... just beautiful.

[FrozenInTime]

Nice!!! I do miss that! When we arrived Germany (1st week of Jan.) it rained, then froze. Once I figured out how to drive in that stuff (had just spent 12 yrs in the desert) I went down town. Everything was lit up like that, ice hanging from everything, was awesome! They could not have planned a more picturesque setting to celebrate my arrival at Bitburg AB. You do have to appreciate the way Europeans celebrate the seasons and their strong beliefs in traditions. Americans just don't have a clue, atleast we didn't until we lived it.

[Brewbirds]

WOW those are beautiful pics. I can see why the memories of that trip stay with you.

[philm00x]

Granted, those pics are not MY pics, but just ones I've come across online. My wife has pics from our trip on her camera, and on her facebook such as these...

[Brewbirds]

Hers are just as good. Oh and it looks like you two happy as a beer drinker who wakes up in Belgium.