Poland and Czech Republic (Czechia) - Bruges

 It's good to be back on the road again.


A fairly easy (apart from the holdups caused by the M5/M6 junctions) but very boring drive down to Little Satmar Campsite close to Dover, where Wallace and I met up.

Early the next morning a short drive down to the docks, and the ferry to Dunkirk was easy with a smooth crossing. At the other end we simply drive off and away. No passport queues or customs checks, and all very easy.

It was about an hours drive to Bruges, but trying to get through the city was fraught due to massive roadworks going on. Camping Memling, on the other side of Bruges, is modern and pleasant. There was no need to check in as the number plates were recognised and the barrier lifted. We had already been given pitch numbers.

We had booked two nights, expecting to walk into Bruges the next morning, as we had got there early enough we walked in immediately. Bruges centres are not really made for walkers as much of the pavements had been given up to cycle lanes - but unlike UK, they are used by thousands of the things. After a few hours wandering around the impressive Market Square and surrounding building, we couldn't face the walk back to got a taxi.

The next morning (Thursday) we walked in again but by a much easier route through immaculately maintained suburbs. This time we explored the little side streets and even took a boat trip on the canals. The boat was electric (of course), the driver entertaining, the the old canal side buildings impressive. This time we caught a bus back - good value at €3

Today we are off towards Holland, with a vague idea where to stop. I'll let you know on the next blog.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I've gotta leave old Durham town, and that leaving's gonna get me down.

Image
   Roger Whittaker knew what he was talking about with those lyrics, for Durham is a very pleasant place and we shall be sorry to move on tomorrow.   Amazon had done everything they promised, and a new water pump was waiting for us on arrival at the Durham Amateur Rowing Club. Half an hour fiddling around and all was well with the world again. The site here is compact, but tidy. We are right on the river's edge, and have access to the club facilities - unfortunately not the bar as it is too long and narrow to allow for social distancing. The first night we took a stroll along the riverside path to the edge of the city centre and back, mainly just to gauge Ann's ability to do it. She managed but would not have been able to do any more, which meant we would need a taxi for our visit to the cathedral the next day. The taxi driver gave us a great overview of the town on the way in this morning, which made up for the fact that the main bridge into the centre was closed - it ha...
Read more

Ireland awaits - part 1

Image
The overnight ferry dropped us off in Belfast early on Friday morning, only a fifteen minute drive from our first destination - The Titanic exhibition. With time to spare until our timed entry, we just wondered around the docks area, but got no offers from any sailors. I visited the exhibition some six years ago and was impressed then, but they have actually improved it. The sense of actually being there as it was being built was strong, as was being transported through the finished liner. As we had a few hours to spare before we were allowed on the campsite, we drove to Carrickfergus and it's well preserved and looked after castle. And on the doorstep was, lo and behold, a Wetherspoons! This pleased Wallace mightily as he keeps track of all the ones he has been to. We met there a Scottish rugby on tour. The Forrester's have organised a tour to Carrickfergus since 1979. Great lads to talk to. The campsite was council run but automatic. There was no reception, just a keypad to e...
Read more

The desolation of Doo

Image
We had a longer journey than normal planned for Saturday, not just because we stayed an extra day in Achill Island, but also because we needed to refill our LPG cylinder and the nearest Autogas fuel station was in Castlebar. This meant an extra 40 miles. The garage had a small supermarket attached, but it was very modern, was excellently stocked and even had a large deli selling freshly cooked roast dinners. There are garages like this all over Ireland, and are replacing the traditional corner shop. Even small villages have one, and they play a great part in keeping communities together. It was then back down the N5 to Westport, and rejoin the Wild Atlantic Way which headed out along the south coast of Clew Bay. Along the way was the beginning of the walk up to the summit of Croagh Patrick - Ireland's answer to Mecca. On the last Sunday in July there is a mass pilgrimage to the top, the more devout climbing it barefoot. At Louisburgh the road turns south into some really deso...
Read more