Brugges

Sunday started off nice and early (and abruptly) to a fire alarm at 6am - some idiot decided it was a great idea to smoke in the hallway under a smoke detector. Once we calmed down from a most nerve wracking wake-up, the day was spent heading up to Montmartre. We repented our sins during mass at Sacre Coeur - it was actually kind of weird, because a full mass service was going on yet tourists were herded around the outer isles. We did actually sit down for a bit to listen to the singing and french sermons. The church is an 18th century masterpiece, a major landmark for the skyline of Paris. On to something completely different, we wandered over to the Moulin Rouge. For at least $150CAD each, we decided not to see a show (see photos in previous post).

Our next hostel is much improved over Young and Happy. We arrived after only getting on one wrong train (thanks to the bad advice from a rather unhelpful information desk attendant). At least we have the Eurail Passes, so we can get on as many wrong trains as we want as long as they're all within 24 hours! Our hostel is called Lybeer's Traveller's Hotel, and is on a quaint backstreet very close to the bussling mainstreet. OK, who are we kidding, everything is close to everything else in Brugge - it is a rather refreshing change after the Paris metro.

Once settled into our private room with ensuite 3-piece, we went to the Choco-Show, a chocolate museum full of the history of the cocao bean and manufacturing of chocolate... including Belgian chocolate samples (and statues that would rival those in the Louvre)!
Dinner at a great little restaurant hidden away off the main drag "De Hobbit" where Erich had all you can eat ribs (sorry Pa, but you're pork ribs can't compare...you have 5 weeks to learn to make bbq pork ribs with a special steak spice that makes them absolutely delicous..Im talking 36 bones left on my plate without an ounce of meat - delicious!!!) look at that boneyard! Emma had tiger shrimp and salad, both of which were soaking in 1.5inches deep of melted garlic butter. We accompanied our splurging feasts with a ridiculously oversized pint of Hoegaarden. Fully refuelled, we're back at the hostel to update you on our day!