The rain trapped us at Damme's Cafe de Katte for over 45 minutes screwing our plans to visit the museums and cathedrals in Bruges.
When the rain did subside a bit, we took a chance to head back and cycled along the canal. We would have cycled just a few hundred metres when there was a sudden an heavy downpour. We had to take refuge under a tree, which also started dripping in sometime drenching us to the bone! As they say in Hindi, सिर मुंडाते ही ओले पडे, that really happened with us...
We had no choice but to cycle back to Bruges in the rain and looked like zombies when we reached our hotel.
It took us a while to dry ourselves and change into warmer attire before we could head out again, losing precious time in the process. When we were done, it was quite late and drizzling a bit. Undaunted by the elements we decided to go for a bike ride around Bruges.
A candy store...
The cobbled streets...
At the Burg...
Right in the middle of the frame is the Stadhuis or the City Hall. Built in 1376, the Stadhuis is one of the oldest in the Low Countries. It is from here that the city has been governed for more than 600 years...
The Brugse Vrije or the Liberty of Bruges...
This mansion was constructed between 1722 and 1727, It was from here that Bruges’ rural surroundings were governed...
The building functioned as a court of justice between 1795 and 1984. Today the city archives are stored here...
An extension of the Brugse Vrije...
As this display says, Bruges is indeed this is a place beyond belief...
The illuminated display was the brainchild of Scottish artist Nathan Coley and seeks to convey the wealth of heritage that Bruges has...
The first in the series of these displays was installed in New York in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 attacks, conveying that the spirit of the city was alive and thriving...
The small building with the small gilded statues towards the centre-right of the frame is the Heilig-Bloedbasiliek or the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This church, built between 1134 and 1157, is believed to house a venerated relic of the Holy Blood allegedly brought here by the Count of Flanders, during the Crusades...
After crossing the Burg, we came across a small quayside on the canal from where canal tours are conducted. On the spur of the moment we decided to go for it. We parked our bikes at a secure location, bought the tickets and boarded the boat...
The starting point for the tour boat...
The boat operator turned out to be a Bollywood enthusiast. He looked at us intently and then asked if we were from India. We nodded in the affirmative mentioning we were from Mumbai. "Ah, Bollywood. Indian music very good. Nice dances too!"
Of all places, Bollywood has made a mark in Bruges as well. The Bollywood hit, PK was shot here and that is probably why locals seemed to be aware of Bollywood. But this is more than just awareness, it is enthusiasm and probably much more. And that again brings me to my favourite topic of how India can literally "capture" the world through the brahmastras of soft-power - Bollywood, yoga and Indian cuisine...
Imagine the history of the place, it seems each building has a story to tell...
Waiting for the boat to start...
The drizzle is back...
The canal has been an integral part of life in Bruges...
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk or the Church of Our Lady, built in the 13th century, with its 122 metre tall brick tower makes it an unmissable feature in the skyline of Bruges. The church houses the world famous marble sculpture by Michelangelo, the Madonna of Bruges. The rain played spoilsport and we could not visit this place...
Passing under the bridge...
There is something magical about Bruges...
Passing by the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk...
All geared up...
Little ducky...
And the swan...
And our camera gets wet...
Everyone on the boat was feeling very cold as continue on the boat ride...
