Brugge or Bruges: Beautiful by Either Name

Wet and Soggy! That was the weather we faced on arrival in the sixth largest city in Belgium and the capital of West Flanders province in the Flemish region.

An honest taxi driver delivered us to the beautiful IHG Crowne Plaza for €10. Yesterday was too wet for a photo so we snapped one Sunday morning.

Our IHG Platinum status snagged us a much appreciated upgrade to a large junior suite on the fifth floor, with views of the square out the windows.

We arrived in our room to discover the gift of a cute and practical little neck pillow in recognition of IHG’s European Customer Appreciation Week. We feel spoiled!

Despite the rain, it was a busy Saturday night, so we reserved a table at a nearby little Italian joint.

The food was very good but the service was spotty.

Brian especially enjoyed his veal pizzaiola, riddled with olives.

The big problem occurred at the end. We waited nearly 30 minutes to try to get the bill. In retrospect, we should have gotten up. Then the inexperienced young server couldn’t process our credit card, and didn’t want to give us the bill until we chose cash or credit card, even though the price was the same. We eventually paid in cash and departed in a somewhat grumpy mood. Pity, but tomorrow is another day.