A Weekend Across the Pond
It has been almost two years since I last posted on this website, so now is as good a time as any for a small update. Many of you know that I set off this past summer to start a photography project called Wander Faces. It was by far one of the best experiences of my life and took me to twenty new countries around the world. If you didn't manage to see it, be sure to take a look here.
Since then, I've moved to Seattle to start my first real job. Although I'm loving living in a new city, I have yet to shake my constant itch for travel. So, just over a week ago, I headed off on a small jaunt to Europe.
An easy destination to fly into, Amsterdam seemed like a logical first stop. After landing at Schiphol Airport at 5.30am, I took a quick train to the city center. Even though it was in the early hours of the morning, I was surprised to find the city completely dead. Tales of the infamous nightlife had me expecting quite the opposite. Perhaps all of the action was still happening, but only behind closed doors.
The sun began to rise as I meandered through the endless canals and side-streets, bringing much needed light for the camera slung over my shoulder. People passed by calmly on their bicycles while the flocks of birds made their similar commute, leaving me mostly alone to explore the history and architecture of the city. As you can see from the above photograph, both are beautifully intertwined. A city known for it's wild side, Amsterdam has much more to offer.
Amsterdam was only a short stop, so later that morning I continued by train to the enchanting city of Bruges, Belgium. Situated just southeast of the Belgian coastline, the medieval city has long been an important icon to European history and trade. My first encounter with the city, however, came from the dark comedy In Bruges, starring the well-known Irish actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Although it provided a rather humorous storyline, the film guided me through the sites, history, and easygoing atmosphere of the Belgian city. It was on my list to visit ever since.
I'm glad I made the journey to check it off the list. Cobblestone streets, winding canals, and ancient bridges were just a few of the features that took me back in time. I walked around for hours until late evening, and then proceeded to sample world-famous beer the many pubs and restaurants had to offer. If you ever make it here, be sure to check out my two favorite spots: Le Trappiste and De Garre. You will not be disappointed.
The following day I continued to explore the city on foot, and by boat. For a small eight euro fee, you can get a thirty-minute boat tour around the canals. A local will provide you with all of the necessary history and fun facts of the historic city, and a careful reminder to watch your head as you pass under the stone bridges dotted around Bruges.
Even with the larger than normal crowds for Valentine's weekend, my experience in this city was perhaps one of the most relaxing times I have ever had in Europe. It was tranquil, a spot seemingly out of touch with the rest of the fast-paced western world. I awoke at 7am on my final morning and took another long walk around the city. The cold morning seemed to have kept everyone else indoors, giving me another chance to admire the city of Bruges. All of those canals and bridges and cobblestone streets and churches and that. It's like a fookin' fairytale or something.