The best thing about Belgium (and all of Europe, really) is the richness of its history. You can see it, smell it, hear it, and taste it – from old brick buildings to cobblestone streets to fairy-tale like cottages strewn along rolling green hills.

The pastries are still made from scratch, the cheese at little hole-in-the-wall delis still come from the local dairy farms, and the espresso is beyond anything you’ve had in the states. The pace of life is slow, appreciative, and quiet.

During a bike ride from Bruges to the adorable town of Damme, we came across an enormous abandoned church, which had probably been damaged during the world wars. It’s brick interior was gloomily hollow, framed by high arches and a tall, Rapunzel-like tower.

Another thing about Belgium (and, once again, most of Europe) is that it makes you feel so small. You feel like an ant wandering among twelfth-century bell towers and churches and gothic towers – and wonder how the hell they built these massive things so long ago.

Anyway, enough with my reminiscing – enjoy the photos!

Happy Travels,
Nikki