Helloooooo from Belgium! We are currently en route to Berlin, Germany via train stops in Brussels and Cologne.

Bruges is a beautiful city, medieval, yet strangely, current. This city has a retired Benguine, which is a 12th century commune for unmarried women, complete with a moat. This is in sharp contrast to the spanking new Tesla taxi that picked us up from the train station. The Tesla featured doors that went up like wings, and a very proud owner.

We stayed in a charming Airbnb, which was run as a traditional B & B. This meant each morning started with, not only coffee and croissants, but also conversation with spirited fellow travelers.

Sadly, we did not have as much time as we would have liked in this town that features, among other treasures, a Michangelo. It was gifted to Bruges in 1514, while the artist was still alive. (The Nazis did make off with it, but it has been returned)

However, we did have time for a lively discussion with our breakfast companions about politics and the movie "In Bruges", which was filmed in Bruges a couple of years back. The movie, like the city has many layers worthy of exploration.

Our take: See the movie and plan a visit to this rare gem of a city.