Crazy weather makes for crazy talk... In Bruges

Remember me telling you about my colleague Super? Well, his name is Andrew...

We got together for an incredibly strong beer during the snowy weekend. He said it was proper Belgian beer. I said it tasted like cherry cough medicine. He looked threatening. I said it was proper Belgian beer.

We got talking about Bruges. The film 'In Bruges' is supposed to be amazing - Colin Farrell, is in it, and directed by Martin McDonagh who normally writes plays (he's got four on at the moment in London - Four! If he was my mate I'd be calling him Billy. As in William. As In Shakespeare).

Anyway, talk of the movie, led to talk of Bruges (Super's favourite destination) and he has convinced me to go to Bruges. The way he started talking about it, I thought it was the beginning of a joke...

"... I love Bruges... the moment you step into the old city, the history, elegance and style really hits you. In fact i love it so much so that I bought a house there!

Cobbled streets, with something new and intriguing around every corner. Cute individual shops selling everything from designer clothes, hand made lace and the finest chocolates to some of the high end designer boutiques. Bruges has it all.

I love Bruges because it is a city that is easy on the eye, and if you get there, you'll know what I mean. Calming, relaxed and aesthetic. It is also a romantic city, attracting couples much the same way as Paris (but without the exorbitant costs).

Bruges is vibrant, alive and is sure to give you a real sense of vitality - it appeals to all ages, so I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and cost effective break away. Easy to get to, You can drive over, train it over or plane it over and then relax in one of the lovely character hotels within the city.

One of the best reasons to go to Bruges is the food! To keep things simple, what is really nice (particularly on a cold day / night) and whilst taking a leisurely stroll through the city is stopping off at the "Groot Markt" at one of the "Friteurs" and treating yourself to a bag of real Belgian Frites dowsed in mayo, Ketchup and mustard as most flems tend to do, then (and only if there is any room left) you can treat yourself to a large fresh waffle with creme and cherries. Of course the diet needs to be on hold for this experience, but they do often say that the simple things are often the best!


Then again, more embarrassing than my Frites and Waffles experiences... I was contracting there a couple of years ago and caught the train over from Brussels. On getting off the train I noticed that I had put two wrong shoes on (one brown, one black)........ so I had to rush myself over to a shoe store, my brief case was dangling by my feet so no one would notice as I quickly scurried myself to a shop and then spent a fortune on a new pair of brown shows to match my suit! The whole thing left me quite traumatised!

Finding a favorite hotel in a city like Bruges is like asking to choose your favorite chocolate from a box of creme centres! I love them all. Of course I would seeing as I contract them, though what is important when selecting a hotel in a city like Bruges is ensuring that the overall quality and service match the destination type. Generic hotels have no place in a city like Bruges and as most of the hotels are small and intimate it is even more vital that the service given is of an impeccable standard.

One hotel that does strike me as impressive is the Walburg.

The building resembles a classic romantic film set with glistening chandeliers, imposing marble pillars and crisp white decor.

The hotel Walburg was even the setting for a famous Flemish soap opera a couple of years ago because of the hotel's impressive features. The rooms are spacious and as one would imagine, designed in period style with a service provided by the owners that is always impeccably professional. I think price wise the hotel hits the spot just right - high end it may be but well worth the price, with a range of free night stays thrown in during the year to give it that extra edge. It is really a hotel that will ensure your Bruges experience is made all the more special."

So, I don't know whether it was the beer, the talk of Colin Farrell, or the amazing sounding Bruges and Hotel Walburg, but - I'm booked, staying in the Hotel Walburg, and I'll be surveying the cinematic sights. You know, some people have said that I look like Colin Farrell (thanks Mum).

Another city, another place to get swamped by onlookers...



Laters,

Secret Agent.