Belgium - not to be overlooked

 It's not that chocolate, waffles, beer and mussels should be overlooked, but its unfortunate that these things are what most if us know of Belgium. 

Lovely cobblestoned Bruge's winding streets meander  along  the îriver  to the main square's medieval guild buildings, cafes and horse drawn carriages.  A UNESCO Heritage site that earns its honors both historically and culturally. 

Ghent is slightly smaller and equally captivating. A medieval capital is at the town's center. A University town, it supports even more tea shops, bakeries and cafes. 

Further along the River Shelde, we stop at an Eco-park with paddle boats for Evie and zip-lines for Clara. The evening is spent at Tiurnai. 

This gem of a town boasts Belgium's oldest belfry, first rung in 1217, and a UNESCO Heritage Sight. The five towers that make up Notre Dame can be seen from nearly every venue. 

As we get closer to the French border, towns speak Flemish, Dutch or French - often one, but not all. The food, however, an amazing blending of all three. 

Tomorrow - France!