After leaving Paris we travelled to Belgium
12k from the North Sea, Brugge
After leaving Paris we travelled to Belgium, Brussels and stayed at the historic town of Brugge I was very impressed with the gothic look and its canals being 12k from the North Sea, Brugge did a lot of trade surprising it was the world leader in textiles especially wool from England.
The Historic Centre of Brugge is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble, illustrating significant stages in the commercial and cultural fields in medieval Europe’s Brugge in medieval times was known as a commercial metropolis in the heart of Europe.
The city reflects a considerable exchange of influences on the development of art and architecture, particularly in brick Gothic, which is characteristic of northern Europe and the Baltic. This architecture strongly determines the character of the historic centre of the city.
December 22nd and we are now heading to Germany the town of Cologne where the Christmas markets are renowned as the best in the world I will let you know if they are. Well the markets where great all handcrafted gifts real good Xmas theme.
Its 8 am Wednesday 23rd on our way to Rothenburg the hegemony of the town’s upper classes was only interrupted for a short while by a rising among the artisan middle classes in the years 1451 to 1455. Thereafter, until the end of the “Old Empire” power lay in the hands of the aristocrats of the Town Council.
At the beginning of the Modern Era, several events occurred that decisively changed the public life and the legal, social and religious structure of the town in the subsequent period. The members of the town’s once thriving and influential Jewish community had all been driven out by 1521. Social unrest and entanglement in the Peasant’s Revolt weakened the town in 1525.
Off to Switzerland for three days for Christmas.
Click on link to view Itinerary of A WHITE CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE
http://insightvacations.uberflip.com/i/255433-xmas-in-europe-group-flyer-dec-19-au/0?
