Last Day in Bruges

Bonjour! We have arrived in Paris and are doing well...I apologize for not blogging more. We have been running like crazy and I have not had as much time as I would like to blog.

Our last day in Bruges (yesterday) was wonderful. The day got off to an exciting start as we all watched Jack and Nick compete in a riveting game of virtual handball in the hotel lobby!

The "handball court"

Jack and Nick exhibiting different (and entertaining) playing styles

After that, we toured a chocolate museum/factory and learned how chocolate is made. We all left with some Belgian deliciousness in our bags!

The Chocolate Museum in Bruges

Next we toured the Church of Our Lady where the highlight is Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture. This statue has become a very popular tourist attraction since the release of the film The Monuments Men. In case you are not familiar with the history, it was (along with thousands of other pieces of European art) stolen by the Nazis during WWII. Obviously, it was recovered and returned to Bruges. 

Michelangelo's "Madonna & Child"

We had a great deal of free time in Bruges, and many of the students went with Bill, Rob, and Ray to climb 366 steps to the top of the Belfry. I passed on that one, but for those who went, they said the view was amazing. 

There were plenty of other amazing views throughout Bruges...

Jan Van Eyck statue (Flemish Renaissance Painter)

James, Kelly & Alec (and I) explored a little and found this lovely area

Alec, James & Kelly "listen" to the city - by sitting/lying down on this specially created object, you can hear and feel the vibrations of the city. 

As the end of the day approached, I realized I had not yet had a Belgian waffle. All of the students had them and said they were to die for, so I had to try...

Belgian waffle with fresh whipped cream & chocolate syrup. 

For the record, I destroyed that sucker! And yes, it tasted as good as it looks!

I will update on Paris soon...it may not be until Monday, though because we go to Versailles all day tomorrow, then have the Seine River cruise at night. Until next time, au revoir!