Bruges Monday 09 May 2011

I am off to Bruges for 4 days with a private group - the Phoenix Stitchers.
I am in the yard early to set myself up, have a coffee and quick read of the paper.
I am due at the first pick up at 06:15 for a 06:30 departure so leisurely leave the yard at 06:00 for the short journey to the Festival Hall car park.
Five minutes down the road and I have forgotten my phone, it is still in my car. Bum!
By the time I have turned around and retrieved it I just make the pick up at 06:30. I think I am showing my age as I keep forgetting things (lap top Austria!).
Never mind we soon have our compliment of 23 passengers and are on our way to Dover for the 10:25 ferry.
It is fortunate that we depart this early as we lose 45 minutes between the roadworks at Hindhead and then the traffic at Guildford.
We comfortably catch our intended ferry, the Pride of Kent, and it sails on time.
I am a little bit hungry by now and enjoy a fat boys breakfast! It has got to be done when on the boat!
The crossing time should take 90 minutes but we are docking in Calais after only 75. I suppose this early arrival has nothing to do with the ship being quiet (apart from the school groups) and the fact that there is not much money being spent!
How come when they are busy and running late they can never make up any time and often take longer than 90 minutes?!
I have an easy day today as I drive them into Calais where they all spend a nice couple of hours for lunch before rejoioning the coach for the journey to Bruges.
We arrive at our hotel, Martin's, at 16:40 and very soon after the cases have been taken and the folk have gone to their rooms.
Our hotel is in an ideal position by the Belfry Tower and main Market Square.
I am soon parked up and after cleaning the windscreen am walking the twenty minutes back to the hotel. That is me done until after lunch on Wednesday!
My room is nice and overlooks the main road, the very noisy main road I might add! No problem as the air con in the room is great and keeps me cool when the window is shut.
We are staying on a bed and breakfast basis so the evenings are free to eat where you like, one of the pleasures of staying in Bruges.
I choose a busy restaurant just off the main square that has over 400 different types of beer! The menu is amazing!
I try a couple with my dinner which are lovely but very strong, both being about 8%!
I sleep well tonight!