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Day 2 - Sat 21 March 09
Up for breakfast at 08:00, the usual continental affair - got my stuff together and headed off, got my second breakfast from the bakery across the road. Walked over Lille Bridge and the up outside the city walls to the Menin Gate. It's pretty chilly, and there was even a frost last night. Walk through town and onward to the railway station. To get to Brugge I have to change trains at Courtrai but the timetable at the station doesn't have that stop... Then I realise that I have the French version of the timetable. I should be looking for Kortrijk the Flemish version! So in the end I catch the 09:39 much earlier that I was planning.
When I arrive at Kortrijk I have about 40 minutes before my next train goes, so instead of sitting on a platform, I head out of the station and follow my nose. I get lucky and find myself in an open square, and a bit further on another square and a bell tower. Then I spot a cathedral. Very pretty I nip in and get a few photos. By this time it's time to head back to the station, and the train is waiting for me so I step aboard the double decker train and head upstairs.
By 11:27 I'm in Brugge. It's a bit too early to head to the hotel so I head into the centre, the outskirts are empty but as I hit the main square it's heaving with tourists most with maps and guide books. Being a bit of a snob I look down on them, you don't need a guide book for Brugge! Interestingly I've been to Brugge a few times, but there's not much that I recognise.
At about 12:30 I head for the hotel and the good news is that the room is ready and I can check in. Chill out for a bit and then out to see the city gates on the east side. Back via the centre and a supermarket to get some supplies for supper. Out once more in the evening to get some photos.
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