Bruges in Two Seasons

One of the things I love about living abroad is that you can visit places in multiple seasons and get to know them in a way that is not possible on a one-shot vacation. I have so enjoyed seeing the church behind our apartment in different seasons and weather, as well as the city of Cologne itself. J and I have also visited a few other places multiple times this year. In particular, our two visits to Bruges, Belgium, have been strikingly different.

February 19-20, 2013

Weather: snowy and cold with a low of -5°C/23°F
Meals: hot chocolate, waffles, lasagna, and of course beer

July 21-22, 2013

Weather: clear skies and hot, max of 29°C/85°F
Meals: cool salads, cold beer, ice cream (and, fine, waffles and hot chocolate for breakfast because you just can't go to Belgium and not get waffles!)

We have enjoyed Bruges very much both times we visited. The flowers and ducklings in summer are lovely, but cuddling up with a huge mug of perfect hot chocolate in winter was pretty heavenly, too!