I just can't get enough canal/bicycle photos!
Today we said a sad ado to about half of our group who departed for home. The rest of us boarded the bus for a full day transfer to our Bruges post-trip.
This wasn't your ordinary bus transfer with boring stops at road-side rest areas, but one that took us through two fascinating a places, which deserve to be destinations on their own.
Delft, the Netherlands - Delft is mainly known for its city center and canals, and for
the famous painter, Vermeer. After a brief walking tour in the rain, we visited a porcelain factory, which has been in the same family for 4 generations. We learned about the distinctive blue Delftware pottery and how to recognize the authentic article v. the Chinese knockoffs that are so readily available.
This wasn't your ordinary bus transfer with boring stops at road-side rest areas, but one that took us through two fascinating a places, which deserve to be destinations on their own.
Delft, the Netherlands - Delft is mainly known for its city center and canals, and for
the famous painter, Vermeer. After a brief walking tour in the rain, we visited a porcelain factory, which has been in the same family for 4 generations. We learned about the distinctive blue Delftware pottery and how to recognize the authentic article v. the Chinese knockoffs that are so readily available.
 Fourth generation Delft potter |  A skilled artisan makes jewelry she's designed |
 Traditional Delft pieces |  This plate shows the artisan's skill |
 A Vermeer vignette allows me to pose as a milkmaid |
 Another picturesque canal and bicycle |  Our first real encounter with rain on this trip |
Ghent, Belgium - Our second stop was Ghent, which was originally a settlement set at the confluence of the Scheldt and Lys rivers. During the Middle Ages, it became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in northern Europe. We enjoyed a walking tour of this charming city and wondered why it's not a touristic hotspot.
your hotel, and enjoy dinner on your own.
your hotel, and enjoy dinner on your own.
 Our city guide Wim tells about Ghent |  The beautiful buildings illustrate the historic wealth |
 Ghent is known for it's waffles |  The buildings along the canal were guild houses |
We arrived about 5 pm in Burges, originally a ninth-century fortress built to protect the Flemish coast from marauding Vikings. Today Bruges retains its reputation as one of Europe’s best-preserved Old-World cities. The city’s centuries-old canal system, which was essential to its once thriving textile industry, beckens tourists to meander its narrow, winding streets in search of art, history, and fine chocolates. Randall and I visited here several years ago. It's one of our favorite European towns and home to our favorite beer in the world! We look forward to exploring it's nooks and crannies again.
