Begijnhof

Begijnhof complex was founded in the 13th century to accommodate single women, and most of them were lace makers. In 1928, this complex was abandoned, and in 1930, nuns settled in the Begijnhof and they still live there today. As we entered into the square, we saw quite a few of nuns walking in and out of the church. It’s a very peaceful and serene environment. We couldn’t stop noticing the bright yellow flowers in the square. Our tour guy explained to us that Spring is a very beautiful yet short season in Brugge. And we were lucky to see the blossom of the flowers.


I guess because of this wonderful season of colors, there’s a couple shooting for their wedding photos in the square. I quickly snapped my camera on this shy bride-to-be. Hmm, I wasn’t sure if she’s shy or she’s actually cold. It was about 33 degrees when we got there, and I had my heavy scarf, hat and gloves on. I guess we do everything for love and out of love even it’s freezing out there. Haha. I am so mean today, but I had to admit that her dress was very beautiful!

We saw this “nun” statue on one of the nearby restaurants’ roof. It just amused the both of us. This is the coolest nun I’ve ever seen. I think even the nuns at my high school will agree with me on this. Haha.

Brugge (Bruges), Belgium

Brugge is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Europe. It was established between the 7th and 9th century and it became an important world port in the 13th century. By the early 16th century, the canal couldn’t be navigated because it’s filled with mud, and the port had to be closed.

Brugge is famous for its gothic styled townhall. The lace work and Belgium chocolate and waffle are also well known in the world. I am not a lace person, as much as I appreciate its detailed work and design, I can’t say much about it.Paris is definitely a beautiful metropolitan city. However, I had to say that Brugge is the picture-perfect European city I could ever imagine; canoes on a narrow canal, the clicking sound from the horse shoes running on the cobbled stone streets, relaxing outdoor cafés, town squares where people stroll and gather, and of course the breath-taking (gothic) architectures.



I guess I am more into the country-style side of Europe. haha. I wish I could share more photos here. But I am sure you could taste how wonderful this small town is from these few photos.

Getting ready for Brugge, Belgium

Today we visited a city called Brugge in Belgium with a local bus tour. We didn’t know much about the city when we booked the tour, but according to the tour literature, Brugge is the most charming town in Belgium and known as “the Venice of the North.” So it should be beautiful and worth the trip.

The bus would leave its tour office for Brugge at 7:15am, which meant we had to leave our hotel around 6:15am to catch the Metro to make sure we didn’t miss the bus. It was quite early and Metro station was quiet and empty. Either the weight on Metro was light or I was excited to visit Belgium, I felt that the Metro ride this morning was faster and more pleasant than usual.

By the time we got to the tour office at 7am, there were plenty of people waiting for their buses to different destinations. Needing to use the restroom and inject some caffeine to wake us up, we went to the café across the street. These must be the most expensive coffee and tea I’ve ever had in my life. Each cup holds about 5oz of coffee and tea, and each cup costs $4.50 Euro. I had to sip it slowly instead drinking it like the way I usually do. Every single drop literally costs 50 cents.


So, when our bus came, we were like, “wow, it’s a double-decker bus. Cool!” We’d never rode one before, and this would be an exciting ride! Actually, Spencer was definitely more excited about the bus than me. Haha. The bus ride from Paris to Brugge was about 4 hours, including a 30-minute break in the middle of the journey. The bus was quite comfortable and the ride was easy and smooth.

For Princess Diana’s Lovers

So I came to see this golden flame which is an exact copy of the flame held by the Status of Liberty in New York. The flame was surprisingly big to me. The flame stands above the underpass where Princess Diana was killed in 1997 (I think the year was right), and it has become an unofficial monument to her memory.

Statue of Liberty

Spencer has been under the weather since Monday, and I've tried to stay away from his germs. With very limited living space we have here, I got up this morning with a sore throat. I would have stayed in the room, but Friday is the cleaning day for the hotel, and I had to leave for the cleaning crew to do their work.

I wasn’t in a mood to go to museums or do any major walk around town, so I decided to take a quick look at the Statue of Liberty in Paris.

It’s cold this morning. When I got up and checked the weather, it was about 36 degrees. Without thinking much, I headed to the river. And that wasn’t too smart of a move, because it’s even colder by the river. I think there’s a Chinese saying, something like, “The wind is so severe that it blows through your bones.” I felt that my head was about to freeze and my bones were about to break any time.

I’ve known by now that everything is petite in Paris, but I didn’t expect the Statue being so tiny here, especially compared to the one in New York. There’s no comparison in size, to be honest.

Question: why the hand on top of the tummy all the time?

What's up with that?

Take a guess:

A: He had an ulcer and it bothered him all the time

B: He thought he'd look taller

C: He had a rash

D: He had a neckless behind his shirt that was dear to him

E: He thought he looked more "imperial" and authoritative

Les Invalides, Post notes

Did I mention there’s a hospital when Louis XIV ordered to build Les Invalides? Yes, the hospital is still on site and in operation. There’s plenty of open space for nurses to wheelchair the patients around. As I was walking around in the yard, I saw many seniors on wheelchairs getting some sun. I believe they are war veterans... It touched me to see some of their old and deteriorating faces and movements, however, it is nice to see that they have a place for them to be well taken care of at the later stage of their lives.

Hotel National des Invalides (Les Invalides)

Was there a strike in Paris? Obviously yes, but I didn’t know until I saw the news at night. I guess lots of people supported the strike in downtown while I was paying my tribute to the military today.

There’s this huge building with a fancy golden dome on top. I am sure you are tired of looking at it from some of the photos I posted. Either the building was so huge that it’s unavoidable to be seen, or the building was simply following me everywhere I’ve been going. Honestly speaking, I’ve seen it everyday since I arrived in Paris, and I guess today’s the day to chase it and find out more about it. (the photo was taken from the top of Eiffel Tower the first day in Paris, and it was overcast.)


The place is called Les Invalides which was ordered and built during Louis XIV reign. Old, wounded or retired soldiers were left to beg for living after wars of the 17th century, therefore, Louis XIV built a hospital and housing facility for retired soldiers. Now, many of the most important French ministries are located here, including Ministry of Defence. I, beforehand, didn’t know much about the place other than Napoleon’s tomb’s resting here, but this is an amazing place and I wish I had had more time for it.

1. General views of Les Invalides
On both sides of the entrance are Mars and Athena who were considered as the god and goddess of war guarding the building. The courtyard is lined with cannons, the oldest dating back to the 13th century.

2. L’Eglise des Soldats
The minister of war wanted to build a church in which king and his soldiers could hear the mass at the same time, but enter through separate entrances. In 1679, this military church was finished in a harmonious manner. Another side of the glass panel is King's side of church. It’s brilliant!

3. L’Eglise du Dome
The Dome was built as the Royal Chapel in the 17th century. The interior decoration extols the glory of Louis XIV and his monarchy.

Today, it houses some kings and generals tombs, including Napoleon’s.


4. World Wars Department (1st and 2nd World Wars)
This painting caught my eyes when I walked into World War I section. I didn’t know why, but as soon as I saw this painting, I felt those young boys were so brave fighting for their country and that saddened me.


We’ve heard so much negativity lately about the economy crises and stock market melt down. But really, when you get a chance to revisit the World War documentary like what I saw here today, it really gives us a different perspective in life and realize how fortunate we are. Sure, life gets a bit tougher and money is a bit tighter, but at least we are safe and sound. And I thank the troops out there fighting for our safety. May peace be with them and their family.

5. The Antique Department
This department showcases all the armor and arms. I was able to take a shot of Louis XIV’s armor before I was asked to leave. Why? They were closing for the day….

Romantic Island

There are 2 islands in Paris; one is Ile de la Cite where Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and Conceirgerie are located, and another island is called Ile St-Louis where I decided to visit today. Both islands were ordered by Henry IV to be joined together in the early 17th century.

1. St Louis church
The pierced spire is so eye catching and it’s contrast well with the blue sky we had today. I snapped so many shots of it from different angles. There were so many people outside the church. My first impression was “wow, it’s such a popular church. So many people were waiting to get in even on Wed.” Then I realized a few seconds later that there must be a memorial service or something similar to that nature, because everyone wore black and they all looked sad. I was so glad having that realization earlier than later. :-) To respect the family, I didn’t sneak in the church.


2. Fish drainpipes
I heard in the 17th century, the wealthy owner of this house paid for elaborate decoration. You could definitely tell from the fish drainpipes they have installed back then.


3. Berthillon
From one of the books I got, it says the ice creams here have become an institution in Paris. Gonna give it a try and give my honest opinion. Hmm, my coffee ice cream was so rich and yummy. The décor is very sweet and welcoming too.

4. Hotel Chenizot
I stopped by this hotel because of its fine door handles in the shape of horses. The hotel was built in the 17th century. It was once a very fine mansion, the home of a number of wealthy noble families. Hundreds of years later, the building was much disfigured and I was sad to see that.




5. Boutiques
There is variety of small boutiques. I took a few photos of them to remember this great afternoon in this romantic Island.



6. A few more photos of the day

Past weekend catch up: Versailles and Fontainebleau

Chateau de Versailles
It used to be just a hunting getaway for Louis XIV. Later on some other king (I think he was the grand grand son of Louis XIV) blew it up and made it into a palace, where he and many other kings lived as their primary residence and center of the French government. Why did this king decide to move the government out of Paris to Versailles (a small town 20 miles outside of Paris)? Because when he was growing up in Paris, his mom and the priminister ran the country and his life. He didn't have any fond memory of this childhood, let alone Paris, so he decided to start fresh by relocating to Versailles.

Faye avoided writing anything about this day because... there's just TOO MUCH to see, and she doesn't know where to even begin. The stories are so rich with different characters and the history background is intriguing and get complicated.

We went on a day-tour and had a good Emglish-speaking tour guide with us. Her name was Veronica and she was quite good at story telling. I have to say, having someone next to you giving the history context sure helps to draw us right in. I really appreciated that.

We did not see the king's throne anywhere in the Palace. Later on we were told that the French government was so broke right before the resolution, the King asked his government officials to MELT down his throne (because it was made with 100% silver... a lot of money) to pay for expenses to fight the revolutionaries.

Conclusing: after vising Chateau de Versailles and seeing how extravagant the lifestyle was like for the royals and the nobilties at that time... no wonder why they had a revolution. The king purposely designed and built out this palace to wine and dine all the nobilities full time, 24/7 so they woulnd't have any time to plan to overthrow the king. In a way, it was an honor for the nobilites to be invited to these endless parties. They obviosuly enjoyed it very much and liked to be in the "exclusive" crowd, but in the same time, they were also controled and watched by the king.

Chateau de Fontainebleau
Man, this is another place that just blows your mind... I will leave this one to Faye to write. But for now, here are some pictures.