Also known as "Venice of the North", Brugge is surrounded by canals. In 1488 the people of Bruges had executed one of the town administrators, called 'Pieter Lanchals', a name which means ' long neck'.
The Lanchals family coat of arms featured a white swan. Legend has it that Maximilian punished Bruges by obliging the population to keep swans on their lakes and canals till eternity.
One of our favourite parts was Minnewater, also known as the "Lake of Love".
A kind lady shared some bread with me to feed the ducks with. I ran away when they became too friendly.
By Minnewaters. I want to fly, just like one of the seagulls.
In the Beguine's House, lived the Begijns who were religious women, similar to nuns. They accepted vows of chastity and obedience but earned a living by looking after the sick and making lace.
The beautiful and tranquil little cluster of 17th-century whitewashed houses surrounded by a lawn with poplar trees and flowers.
It was then occupied by the Benedictine nuns of the Monasterium De Wijngaard, who try to keep the begijns' traditions alive.
The almhouses, "godshuizen" (or houses of god) were built by the rich in Bruges from the 13th century onward as refuges for widows and the poor.
There are 4 old windmills which are no longer in use. Only one of these mills, St Janshuis' windmill, which dates from 1770 survives in its original position. The modern whizzy ones have replaced them.
Just being cheeky.
The last of the golden leaves before winter arrives.
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