Had a great time touring around in Brugge today. From the coach, we walked into the Market Square and then broke off into our touring groups. After lunch, many of us decided to tackle the bell tower and conquered the 366 steps to the top in quick time. The stairs were spiral, some stone, some wood but ALL steep! What fascinated some were the dipped and worn treads where feet have landed over hundreds of years of use! Great view from the top of the square and the central Brugge area. We had some time then to wander. Almost ALL of us made it into a number of chocolate shops of which there are many! We bought quite a stash ... some of it may even make it home!!! We met together as a group at 5pm and then went on a boat tour along 3 of the 12 km of canals in the city, also known as the Venice of the north. After our canal cruising we went on a walk to a lovely restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious meal. We had a choice of soup or cheese croquets for entrée ; salmon, Flemish beef stew or Flemish chicken stew for main and Belgian ice-cream for dessert. All agreed that it was a fantastic meal whatever our selection! Back to The Poppies School Hotel now to pack up so we're ready to take off early in the morning for Versailles. Looking forward to seeing the palace and our picnic in the famous gardens. Love to all at home! Hope all of our friends are enjoying being back at school!!!!