Bruges without tourists

The real charm of Bruges lies in its medieval history as a center and hub of the wealthy cloth and tapestry making industry. Its ornate houses, charming and picturesque canals and medieval heroes are witnesses to this rich past. 
Bruges became the birthplace of what is now known as the Flemish Primitives, of which Jan van Eyck (c. 1395 – 1441) and Hans Memling ( c.1430 − 11 August 1494)  were key representatives. Their presence in Bruges encouraged the imigration of more artistic talent. Bruges produced new art, answer to the early Renaissance painting. 
The statue of Jan Breydel, a butcher, and Pieter de Coninck, a weaver, faces the Belfry. These Bruges heroes led a popular uprising seeking more rights and freedom for the city and its inhabitants from the ruling overlords in France which culminated in the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Breydel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Memling
http://www.hansmemling.org/
http://www.casa-in-italia.com/artpx/flem/Bruges.htm

Tourist activities in Bruges

Bruges is probably the most visited city in Belgium and some refer to it as Venice of the North. It is certain that this city, located not far from the Belgian coast,  has its share of tourist and here are a few examples of what they enjoy. The beer in the wooden contraption in the second picture is a Kwak.

Edith Cavell

I will close my chapter on the London Olympics excursion with pictures of the Edith Cavell memorial located next to Trafalgar square. 

Edith Cavell is a special name in my family, as not only do we live very close to the hospital in Brussels named after her but also my children were born there.
Edith Cavell was a British nurse who became a hero in Belgium and Britain during World War I for saving the lives of soldiers by helping them escape from occupied Belgium during World War I, heroism for which she paid with her own life. She was court-martialed, found guilty of treason and executed.
Edith Louisa Cavell (4 December 1865 – 12 October 1915) was a British nurse and patriot. She is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from all sides without distinction and in helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during World War I, for which she was arrested. She was subsequently court-martialled, found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. Despite international pressure for mercy, she was shot by a German firing squad. Her execution received worldwide condemnation and extensive press coverage. She is well known for her statement that "patriotism is not enough." Her strong Anglican beliefs propelled her to help all those who needed it, both German and Allied soldiers. She was quoted as saying, "I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved". 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Cavell

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Hirst, shawls and St Paul

While abroad, especially when on a mission like the Olympic one to London last weekend,  I am always excited when I spot "This is Belgium" material. But honestly, it's not always as easy or obvious as you might think. I did not see anything that could link the National Portrait Gallery to this blog (but I like the reflection photo through the glass ceiling of the cafeteria) nor could I link St Paul's cathedral to Belgium (but I like the 'Thank you for visiting..." sign).

I thoroughly enjoyed Damien Hirst's expo and did find these black yellow and red shawls ready for me to be snapped in Tate Modern's gift shop ;-)

http://www.npg.org.uk/
http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/damien-hirst

Thank you Emm in London and Thomas Cook

Today a special thank you post for Mandy and Thomas Cook in London! I just returning home from a fabulous Olympic weekend! Mandy, author of Emm in London,  organized last  May the Thomas Cook Olympic Games Break competition, 

see here http://www.emminlondon.com/2012/05/winner-announcement-thomas-cook-olympic.html, which I was lucky enough to win!

After a warm welcome at St Pancras Eurostar station, I saw the Ladies Volleyball preliminaries Serbia-USA on Friday night in Earls Court and spent the rest of the weekend looking at a very different London.

Library Nijinksi Ixelles (Brussels)

I just happened to take the first picture months ago because I thought that a photo of this fascinating building,  which  houses a cosy and interesting  second hand books library on its ground floor, would be perfect for This is Belgium. 
Shocking to see this place now heavily damaged by a fire.
Hopefully work is on the way so this beauty can be preserved.
The building is located very close to the fashionable Chatelain square with its popular Wednesday afternoon and evening market in Ixelles.
http://www.whatsupin.be/en/shopping/9917/nijinski

The ladies....

 .....also enjoy Belgian beer or so it looks like....