In 2008 a film was released named in Bruges with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleason. A dark comedy/drama, which has Bruges as a back drop. I’ve been before but was very happy to visit again.
Four of us met at St Pancras International on Sunday to travel to Bruges on Eurostar. After a good journey, a smooth change at Brussels and a walk we arrived at B’guest Sleep and Retreat.
Kevin and I stayed here in 2022 and I remembered the warm welcome, the breakfast and the feeling of peace so close to the bustle of the city.
After a refresh and a reconnoitre of the map we strolled to our restaurant, Zwart Huis. There was live music and the World Cup final, and we enjoyed some Belgian dishes.
Monday began with a leisurely breakfast and a day to explore the city before our Wellness session in the evening. we took a boat trip to give us a flavour, passing the distinctive buildings and hearing about some history. Alan was our ‘captain’ and his humorous stories were enjoyed by those on board.
After the trip we sauntered to find a drink before lunch, and we found Lio’s which gave us a canal view whereby Alan passed by on more than one occasion, waving as we called out Alan, Alan.
A late lunch, followed by a drink stop to share a waffle, before some retail therapy, then the walk back for the wellness session.
The wellness retreat was added since my previous visit, and there’s a heated pool, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, loungers, chairs and a fire pit. We had tapas provided and it was a blissful three hours. Although the over zealousness of my peppermint crystal placement did cause a bit of a stir. There was also the 10 second photo shoot whereby more laughter ensued.
We took advantage of our balcony with a little drink and some of the leftover tapas to chat and enjoy the peace.
Last morning before home and we enjoyed breakfast: fruit, yogurt, eggs, pancakes and a selection of cheese and meats.
We packed and as it was Belgium’s national day the B&B was closed to new guests so we could leave our cases in our rooms. We walked to one of the windmills that are on the outside perimeter of the City, we visited some shops and stopped for a drink canal side where once again we saw Alan.
We strided out to return to the guest house, picked up our case and walked to the station.
Our train to Brussels was on time, and we arrived with plenty of time to get through check in, security and border crossing.
We had all opted for Eurostar plus on the return leg, so we had a light late lunch, with drinks to pass the time. We were delayed slightly but not much.
We had time to reflect on the 48 hours away, where we talked about all sorts of things, to share experiences, to laugh, to be honest and to be grateful for all we have, not things, not monetary, but precious memories.
I can’t recommend Caroline and Gert at B’guest Bruges enough. Gentle, helpful with superb facilities to really make you feel chilled.
In the film in Bruges, Ken is meant to kill Ray, and luckily for us we all survived unscathed!
My little life 