Bruges

We were up at about 4am to drive the hour plus to Ashford. It all went smoothly but was stressful as there were road closures near the terminal so we weren't sure how that would go. As it happened it was OK. We returned the car and then checked in for our Eurostar trip to Brussells. The train was crowded (school holidays in the UK) but it was a good trip. We arrived in Brussells and then had to get all the luggage to the platform for Bruges. We did that and then at the last minute the platform was changed and we, and everyone else, had to rush to the new platform. Not so easy with Ma and all the luggage. We made it and a lovely young man helped us onto the train. We then caught a taxi into Bruges. Our hotel was really well placed close to all the sights. We were fairly tired but had a wander as it was a lovely afternoon and then had dinner and an early night. This is the view from our hotel.

On Thursday, 31st May, we headed to the Markt to get a map and check out the tourist information. We ended up doing a bus tour which was very good and informative. We found a shop called Hema, which was like a small Ikea, round the corner from our hotel. It had a great bistro which seemed to be used by the locals. It was cheap and the food was delicious. We went there often. Across the road from our rooms was a cathedral called Sint-Salvatoreskathedrale. We went in to have a look and a choir was rehearsing. They were from Gloucester Cathedral in the UK and there was a great concert on that afternoon. It was amazing. The accoustics were wonderful as was the organist.

In the afternoon we had a canal ride which was very good. Bruges is just beautiful.

 Bruges is known for beer and chocolates and there were many shops selling both. I did love the German Christmas shop as well!

Eastbourne, Beachy Head and Alfriston

On our last day in Sussex, Tuesday 29th May, we decided to go to the seaside. It was a dull, misty day but we did enjoy wandering along the pier at Eastbourne.

 There was a very glitzy tearoom on the pier so we enjoyed some tea and scones there.

We then drove to Beachy Head to see the 7 sisters and enjoyed lunch at Birling Gap. 

 We headed further along the coast and drove through Seaford and then to the lovely village of Alfriston. There we went into the clergy house, a National trust property (one of the first bought by the NT). It has been a home, first to a farmer, and then to the clergy for hundreds of years.

We then headed back to the cottage to pack up. We had to be up at about 4am to drive to Ashford and to catch the Eurostar to Brussells.

Lindfield and Standen House

On our cruise we met a lovely couple, Heather and John. It turned out they lived not far from where we were staying and they invited us to visit. We went on Monday, 28th May. It was a perfect summer day with the temperature getting up to 28 degrees. We enjoyed a delicious lunch of yummy cheese, bread and pate (John even made the most delicious haddock pate!). We also enjoyed wandering  around their lovely village. I loved the house too which is filled with wonderful collections!

They had also lived for a while in Pakistan and the women there make these wonderful embroidered bags as part of their dowries.

In the afternoon we visited a National trust house nearby called Standen House. It is an Arts and Crafts house built in 1894. There were some lovely examples of William Morris furnishings too.

We then headed home and across the road to the pub for dinner.