Belgian chocolate, waffles , hot chocolate…I just loved Bruges!

As you all know this weekend I was lucky enough to board the QM2 for our annual Christmas conference, and what an amazing weekend we have all had! The best Christmas conference I have ever been on without a doubt. Not only did we have 3 amazing nights on board, but on Sunday we docked in Zeebrugge and took a coach to Bruges, about 20 minutes away.

My first time in Bruges so I was really looking forward to exploring and of course sampling the delicious Belgian chocolate and not to forget the Belgian waffles.  The streets were packed with chocolate shops, not just one or 2 but almost every shop we saw. A chocoholics idea of heaven. I had my orders from home for lots of chocolate presents so this was our first stop. Bags full of chocolates we went in search of the Xmas Markets and the ice rink.

Bruges is a really pretty place with its cobbled streets, beautiful buildings, the churches, the canals running through the city, packed full of history. On a mini cruise, Zeebrugge is a popular port so Bruges attracts lots of cruise passengers. There were 3 ships in port on Sunday so the streets were packed, there was a real hustle and bustle around and this just added to the atmosphere.

A really Christmassy feel in the air, the markets were very busy. People enjoying the mulled wine, the waffles, the delicious Belgian hot chocolate. The markets were smaller than I had imagined, but such a fantastic atmosphere and great to be able to visit them. The ice rink again was really busy, I was happy to watch from the side, I’ve only ever been ice skating once and it ended with a trip to the hospital so I wasn’t going to risk it!

The town is small enough to walk around which is what we did . Lots of people take a boat trip, a great way to see the best of the city from the water. The buildings as you can see from my photos are really beautiful and what better way to see the best of the city. Another way to see the town is from the comfort of the horse and carriage, so many of these in the streets you had to be careful not to get in the way. Or if you are feeling active you can hire a bike and off you go to explore.

After walking for what did feel like a very long way, we stopped for a hot chocolate and and waffles in a tea room. Lots of these to choose from in the city and all very busy. A cup of warm milk, a block of chocolate on a stick and then let it melt into your milk…the most delicious hot chocolate I have ever tasted. And if you don’t fancy the hot chocolate then you can always sample one of the many Belgian beers on offer.

I’m sure you can see from my photos that Bruges is very pretty, very picturesque and although we didn’t have long there we had enough time to enjoy some of the highlights Bruges has to offer.

Next week I will treat you to some of my favourite photos from the Queen Mary 2 and tell you all about my thoughts on the ship.

Until next time, Abbi x