Natasha from the delightful blog Beautifully Suddenly returned from a European holiday with her husband not long before I met her at my Sydney workshop in December. I asked Natasha if she were to be a guest blogger what springs to mind as a stand out on her travels, without hesitaion she said Brugge…. so here are Natasha’s suggestions for the lovely Belgium city..Thank-you Natasha x
Visiting Brugge, Belgium is like stepping into a fairytale – a charming, chocolate-laden fairytale full of cobblestone streets, impossibly pretty canals with semi-friendly swans, medieval buildings and so much beauty that I spent the majority of my visit regularly proclaiming “it’s just so beautiful!“ followed by an exaggerated jaw drop, and my husband would invariably respond with “I know!” So it probably goes without saying that I loved the place. The city is fairly compact and therefore extremely walkable (although I would recommend flats on account of the cobblestones!), and a wonderful place to simply wander and, of course, take copious amounts of photographs.
If you ever find yourself in Brugge, you could:
visit Markt and climb the belfry (366 stairs) for a wonderful view over the square …
have a coffee at one of the many cafes …
wander along the beautiful canals …
visit the peaceful Begijnhof which, in 1937, became a nunnery for the Benedictine sisters, who still live there today (in Spring, the garden is covered in daffodils) …
indulge in some Belgian chocolate from a chocolaterie …
hire bicycles and ride to the small town of Damme, which is approximately six kilometers west of Brugge. Take the path along one side of the canal on the way there, explore the town, and then cycle back through the tunnel of trees on the other side at sunset …
All Images Copyright Natasha Calhoun
Carla, thank you so much for inviting me to guest post on your blog – I just about fell over with excitement! You have been a complete inspiration to me ever since I picked up Italian Joy at Berkelouw in Leichhardt one evening many moons ago (is it strange that I remember that?), and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet you in person at your Get Published workshop – you are lovely!
Hope you all enjoyed the post!
Natasha
Beautiful Natasha and Carla – so well deserved here. F xx
Yes Francesca Natasha’s images are beautiful and so is her blog! xx
I am with Francesca…just loving this series Carla.
Natasha..you have tempted and inspired me. Thank you!
Wonderful photography!
Jeanne xx
Thanks Jeanne it has been fun thanks to all my fantastically talented and well traveled blog buddies x
Thank you ladies, eclectic B&B’s, peach beer, mussels, gorgeous lacework and everything you said in your blog. I loved the quaintness but also the oldness of this town. I found it fascinating that when sitting having hot chocolate in one of the little cafe areas that the coming together of nationalities from all over Europe had me enchanted. Will stay in my heart forever, loved Brugge and 4 days was definitely not enough!!!
You may need to return Moira sounds like you had an interesting 4 days xCarla
Will be in Bruges in May. These photos have excited me even more. Can’t wait to do the bike ride to Damme and eat lots of yummy belgian chocolate. Life is good!
Life is good Julie and so happy to add to your excitement x Carla safe travels
Exquisite photos, Natasha, that exude peace, calm and harmony. You make me want to go, especially to ride through that tunnel of trees. Thanks Carla!!
I am with you Jann i would adore riding along that beautiful path x Carla
Hi Natasha (and carla)! Love this post, the photos show it off so beautifully I love the recommendation for the cycle trip and am going to jot that one down. I have been but only once and would go back in a heart beat.
Love all the photos but that last image is exquisite. Thanks to both of you for the post . Millie xx
Thanks Millie but it is all the gorgeous Natasha’s work xxCarla
I loved Natasha’s post and photos. Brugge looks delightful.
Yes it does Karene I have never been so it is a lovely introduction x
YOu sound delightful too NATASHA!I will step into your Blog world.I too have been lucky enough to have seen Brugge……….it is a complete jewel just like Madame Carla!You must get her other two books!They are a feast for the eye as well………….as ITALIAN JOY!
You will adore Natasha’s blog Contessa x
Such quiet beautiful photographs. I love Bruges, and the fantastic film ‘In Bruges’ too! Very relaxing and inspring post afte a hard day’s work. Thanks xcat
So happy you found it relaxing Cat x
Love the misty serenity of the shots. The antithesis of London.
Natasha’s photos are beautiful hope you get to see her blog for more of her magical pics! Carla x
Gorgeous photos of Brugge! Makes me want to visit.
Me too Andrea xx Carla
Carla it was great meeting you at your seminar, when you were here in Sydney. Natasha was very excited to meet you and even more excited to be featured on your blog. Brugge is one of our favorite places in Europe. We loved exploring without the masses in the off season. Take care. Derek
It was wonderful to meet you also Derek it was so nice to meet 2 people so in love and how lucky you are to have Natasha capture your trip with her beautiful images! Carla x
Okay, Carla, Bruges it is!
give me a day
you would love our little “Venise of the North”
what a lovely post !
I have made some pub for your posting on the TiB facebook page!
I wonder of course whether you and author Natasha would agree for me to repost this on the TiB blog ? I totally understand if you prefer not to !
I will drop her a line and ask her too !
these are so beautiful – I love Natasha’s photography & this makes me really want to visit Brugge
Natasha’s photography is beautiful Vickie she is extremely talented and a gorgeous girl as well! Thanks for visiting xx Carla
Dear Carla
thank you so much for allowing the re-posting!!
grateful!!
anni
Thankyou so much for the insight into Brugge Natasha. It’s been on my travel list for quite some time. Beautiful photos too.
Beautiful photography, Natasha. I visited Bruges years ago on a couple of occasions and your beautiful images bring it all back to me. Bravo.
Lucky you to have taken one of Carla’s workshops.
Jilly x