Bruges' Windmills

The drive back to Bruges from Flanders Fields didn't take too long. We dropped some of the group at the De Halve Mann Brewery but since Sam and I had taken this tour in 2002, we stayed on the bus and returned to the hotel. Although it had been a long day, we decided to take a walk before dinner and packing.

 

About 15 minutes from the hotel stand four windmills along a pleasant grassy canal-side park; this canal circles the old town. Originally, there were 25 windmills in Bruges. And when entering the city two days ago, Sam and I remembered these from our 2002 trip. 

It was a Sunday and we navigated through a little neighborhood street fair on our way. Since the sun was darting in and out of the clouds, many people were out and about--playing on the grass near the windmills, having picnics, riding their fiets (bikes), walking their dogs.

One of the four windmills, Sint-Janshuysmolen (or St. Janshuys, the stilt windmill), was built by a group of bakers in 1770 and supposedly is still grinding grain. In summer, you can watch the vanes turn at full speed if the wind is blowing. This is the only one still in its original position; the other three windmills were moved to this site along the canal.

Surrounded by a chain-link fence which appears to be a lace design, St. Janshuys includes a small museum. But none of the windmills were open this late afternoon. And the one called De Nieuwe Pappegai was surrounded by a construction fence; we didn't walk to the fourth one.

I carefully climbed up the steep and narrow steps of the Bonne Chiere. Worried about falling and tying not to place my hands in pigeon poop, I neglected to count the number of steps (so unlike me)! This mill was built in 1888 in Olsene and moved here in 1911.

Before heading home, we walked to and through one of the old city gates, I presume. I mean, what else could it be? It's not Disneyland, after all!  (The photo below was taken on our way out of Bruges the next day.)

After lots of good exercise, we were ready for another meal and headed for the hotel. We decided to try the small café across the street and canal; Sam had an omelet and I had a yummy caprese salad (tomato and mozzarella slices).

Now it was time to pack because we were leaving for Delft tomorrow (Monday) morning.

Nice zoom on Sam's camera; she took this from the bottom of all those steps!