Discovering Flanders

This weekend Brussels-based Global Navigators escaped to Flanders, the Flemish-speaking region of Belgium, to visit the city of Bruges, a medieval gem a mere 15 kilometers from the coast.

An important trading center as early as the 1200s, Bruges dominated the region as an economic and mercantile power until the river Zwin silted up, the students learned in their guided walking tour in the morning. While other port cities such as Antwerp modernized, Bruges remained the quaint collection of stone cottages, winding canals, and picturesque bridges that it was in the Middle Ages, which explains its enormous appeal to visitors today.

Following the walking tour, the group met with Meike, Bruges resident and bike tour guide, who led them out of the city on two wheels.

Once in the countryside, the students pedaled to the Hoeke windmill, built in 1840 to replace the wooden one that stood on the same spot starting in the 14th century.

Inside, the group was able to see up close how people have harnessed the power of the wind for centuries to grind grain into flour.

As the Flemish say, FANTASTISCH!