The Brugge "Triple Treat"

LOCATION:

Brugge, Belgium

 

First things first, is it Brugge? Or Bruges? I have seen it both ways, but I learned the inside story while on my day trip. Belgium has a strong connection with France, and Bruges is the French spelling, while Brugge is Flemish and is pronounced like "bruh-ggah." Depending on where you come from, the city has a different name!

 

In addition to the triple treat (waffles, chocolate, and beer), the tour included some cool historical sites. First, the moated Tillegem Castle. Though the castle has a rich history including Flemish, French, and Spanish occupation, it has belonged to the province of West Flanders since 1980 and is essentially now a venue for rentals. There are a few offices in the top now, wouldn't I love to work in a castle! In the picture below, that red window was actually once used as the bathroom, and deliveries to the castle came to the little door below it - so suppliers made sure to look up for bums in the window before docking!

All houses should come with a moat.

 

After the castle, we went to the neo-gothic Chateau of Loppem. Jean van Caloen is the last living heir to the estate and is 91, not married and has no children. When he dies, the centuries old estate will unfortunately be given to the national trust. The chateau contains an impressive art gallery, but is otherwise empty today except for a groundskeeper that lives there part time. No pictures allowed inside the chateau, but I did get this one at the door.

 

I knocked, he wasn't home.

 

The tour also included some Flemish country side - windmills, the medieval harbor of Damme, and a stop inside a barn to see some Belgian Blue cattle. When looking at the churches in Flanders, most have flat tops instead of pointy spires. This is not because of damage, material or construction costs, but rather so that they could be used as lookout towers during battle - men would stand on top and alert the city to danger. Another interesting thing in Damme were the stones hanging on the city hall. Or guide gave us four guesses why they were there: 1) for weather - if they were wet, it was raining, 2) because of the architects accuracy - he quoted the number of stones required "plus two," 3) as punishment for women who gossiped, 4) as a flood line for the city - these were about 12 feet above ground level as a reference. I guessed incorrectly! As for the cattle, they are unique because of their heavily muscled build - some think it is because of hormone injections, but it is actually because of a genetic mutation that the cows have short legs and extra muscly appearances. A Belgian blue calf is so large that it has to be born by caesarean, meaning there are a lot of vets in Belgium!

 

This windmill is used for grain, but only works in the summer.

Damme church (say it fast and try not to giggle!)

The stones - hung around a woman's neck as a punishment for gossip!

Belgian blue cattle! Some of them were mad - I was happy to get out of there!

 

And now for the treats! First, waffles. Two fun facts about Belgian waffles - they aren't typically served with syrup because they are so sweet alone, and they aren't eaten for breakfast but are considered an afternoon snack. My opinion - very tasty! But to me they would still be best in the morning with a side of bacon!

 

My first authentic Belgian waffle.

 

Second, the chocolate. In Belgium, a praline is any chocolate that has a filling. Very different than a Texas praline - which is made of butter, sugar and pecans - but no chocolate. We went to a chocolate shop for a demonstration, and it was especially exciting and busy because of the Easter shopping rush.

The molds being filled with yummy milk chocolate.

Filling the pralines with lemon goo.

Do you think they would be mad if I stuck my face in there?

These bunnies are a bit scary, I think.

Beer? Or chocolate!?

 

The final treat, the beer! There is so much beer in Belgium that it deserves its own post. Stay tuned!!

A preview - Westmalle and tomato soup!

 

Posted with Blogsy