I Left My Heart In: Bruges

Have you ever formed an instant attachment to a place?  Personally, I have a handful of spots across Europe I've immediately fallen in love with - and Bruges is one of them!  I've blogged about Belgium's famous city a fair few times now, including spending my last birthday there, as well as a magical festive evening last Christmas.  But the love has grown even stronger since then, having spent a few days last month back in what now feels like my home away from my home.  Heavy downpours were quickly replaced by scorching sunshine, busy streets led onto quiet backroads, and moments were made into memories I know will only serve to intensify my love for the place...

If you're a longterm reader of A Glass Of Ice, you'll no doubt recognise a few of the locations featured in this post - y'girl has her favourites!  One of these regular haunts is Oyya, a waffle bar positioned on the corner of a street and one that stays open until late. Seriously, who could turn down the option of a warm waffle smothered in banana and drizzled with chocolate sauce?  Not me, that's for sure.  Twice.     

Oyya Waffle Bar
Noordzandstraat 1
8000 Brugge
Belgium

Hmm, shall we choose door no. 47 or 51?!

For those of you who appreciate sites injected with tons of history and culture, Bruges should definitely be heading in the direction of your travel wishlist.  Considering my love for castles, historic houses and ornamental gardens, it's no surprise really as to why I feel at home there!  There's a definite charm that seems to set the pace - and it's a slow one.  The kind of one that's stalled by chocolate, live music, museums and plenty of deserted back alleys to stroll through.

Similar to most cities, fashion varies incredibly.  Combine that observation with how the weather is just about as temperamental in Belgium as it is the UK, and you have yourself a pretty confusing wardrobe situation.  Thankfully, despite the spaghetti-strap dresses I'd brought along (big mistake), I'd also packed my favourite Donna Ida denim dungarees, along with a new shirt dress from Ralph Lauren.  Should you find yourself flying over to Bruges at some point, no matter what time of year, be sure to take a range of options to cover all eventualities!    

Many visitors on short stays tend not to make it quite as far as Minnewater Lake (Lake of Love), even though it's just a couple of minutes away from the busy streets lined with boutiques and chocolate shops.  In this area, you'll find romantic weeping willow, a park filled with flowers (found behind the building shown below) and white swans gliding across the water.  The Beguinage Convent can also be found here, complete with church, small museum and strict rule of silence within the grounds.  Truly, this particular area of Bruges is like something from a fairytale - but where's my prince?

The Beguinage Convent
Begijnhof 30
8000 Brugge
Belgium

Dress - Ralph Lauren Dori Shirt Dress (similar here!)

Evidently, I'm besotted with Bruges!  I can't imagine a time when I won't want to spend a few days here and there exploring the cobbled streets, and stopping regularly for milkshakes and apple cake along the way.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the city; have you visited before?  Has anything in particular caught your eye within this travel diary?!

With love,

Gabrielle x