I headed off to Barcelona just in time! It was February 2020 and there was talk of a virus. I wasn’t sure whether I should cancel but, in the end, I decided to go – and I was happy I did! I (we) didn’t know then, that travelling would be banned in the coming months!
I really want to do more exploring in Spain because the few places I have been, I have simply loved. And Barcelona was no exception.
Let’s take a walk around the city.
I stayed in the Hotel del Mar on Pla de Palau, 19, 08003, housed in this beautiful building with its colonnade of columns. It’s a great location too – near the port and the Gothic Quarter.
There are lots of fabulous buildings in Barcelona.
And street art too.
If you walk away from the centre, the streets are almost empty – a pleasant change from the busier areas.
You may see what looks like a familiar building too – this one looks like the Gherkin in London. There is also one in Bangkok.
Head along La Rambla..
..towards Plaça de Catalunya where people stop for a breather or to enjoy each other’s company.
Turn back along La Rambla and browse the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria or La Boqueria – sadly closed on the day I wandered past.
Or stop for a coffee at Cafe el Magnifico.
Turn off any of the streets from La Rambla and you’ll find lovely little plazas.
Head back onto La Rambla towards Port Vell.
Or, go to the beach for a sundowner cocktail or to feel the sand between your toes.
If you’re like me, you’ll research things you want to see, but you could simply go where your feet take you – it’s a beautiful city to explore.
And, if you have a sharp eye, you’ll see pretty birds in the trees around you!
I am somehow drawn to water, so if I visit somewhere with canals, you can be sure they will be on my list of things to see.
While in Bruges, I headed to the Spiegelrei Canal and wandered along its banks. There are some lovely colourful buildings in the traditional stepped-gable design.
Next, the Augustijnenrei Canal with water so still it creates beautiful reflections.
I skirted around the old-town and headed south to the Groenerei Canal. There is a viewpoint where you can sit and watch the boats go by or take a break from sightseeing in one of the cafe bars located along its banks.
Bruges is a beautiful place to explore. Walk around the city or take a trip on a canal boat to see a different view of the city.
On a trip to Belgium in 2020, just two days into the new year, I went to Bruges for the day. It was a lovely way to spend a few hours. I loved it so much, I’m going to retrace my steps and hope that you will join me for a little tour around the city.
Bruges is just under an hour and a half from Brussels. Leave the station and walk up Oostmeers towards the city centre. There will be plenty of people doing the same, so you won’t get lost.
The narrow street is lined with houses including the almshouse of Reylof de Blieck – used as a shelter for the poor in the past.
At the end of Oostmeers, take a right onto Goezeputstraat and second-left onto Kleine Heilige-Geestraat. You’ll see the tall tower of Saint Salvador Cathedral on Sint-Salvadorskerkhof.
Walk around and you’ll see the whole cathedral.
From Sint-Salvadorskerkhof, go right onto Steenstraat and you’ll find yourself in the shopping zone with typical Belgian buildings converted into cute boutiques.
Keep going and you’ll come across the Markt – Bruges’ market square with its impressive buildings including the Belfry – arguably the most impressive.
The Provincial Hall isn’t bad either.
The market square is bustling with people and and there are also colourful old guild houses which have been converted into restaurants, so it’s also a good place to sit and eat and watch the world go by.
Just off of the Markt, you’ll find Eiermarket with some nice cafes and restaurants – stop for a coffee in Het Hof Van Rembrandt,
Venture onward and pass by Dumon Chocolatier, housed in this cute little building.
Go along Kuipersstraat, turn right onto Jakob Van Ooststraat, left onto Vlamingstraat and, finally, right onto Academiestraat and you’ll see The Burghers’ Lodge (Poortersloge) – a place where important citizens of Bruges held their meetings.
Head towards Augustijnenrei Canal and located by the Ezelsbrug or Donkey Bridge is thebeautiful Restaurant De Bottelier. I didn’t eat here, but I thought it was worthy of a photo.
Go back the way you came along Sint-Jakobsplein and St James Church stands on the corner.
Double back on yourself through the Markt, walk along Breidelstraat and you’ll come across Burg Square. In the far corner, you’ll see Blinde-Ezelstraat or Blind Donkey Street – a narrow alleyway running between Burg Square and Vismarkt. Apparently, there was an old inn called The Blind Donkey in the late 15th century.
Back on Burg Square, you’ll find part of the Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges).
And the beautiful Gothic Stadhuis or town hall.
My walk took me further around the city centre but, for this tour, I wanted to show you some of the buildings in Bruges. I hope you enjoyed yourself. More of Bruges next time!
One thing you learn when you live in a city is how to get around it. I lived in Bangkok – one of the busiest and seemingly chaotic cities in the world and, when I first moved there, I thought it would be impossible to find my way around. But, with a little determination and persistence, I ended up knowing it like the back of my hand. Here are my tips for being able to navigate a city like a boss!
Research things to do
If you plan to get to know a city, the first thing you may want to do is to find out what there is to see and do there. For me, I have a nice collection of “Rough Guides” and I will add to this if I know I am going to a particular destination. There are plenty of resources online too – you can buy a tourist map or look at things to do. You might also find newsagents or souvenir shops that sell maps once you have arrived. Once you know what you want to see and do, you can then plan your day (s).
Most cities are huge and it would be impossible to see everything in one day, so don’t even try! Bangkok has over 50 districts, London has 32 boroughs, New York has 62 counties – you get my point! Choose one area depending on time allowing, what you want to do, and how you will get there and back. Then, really get to know that area before moving on to the next one.
Central London
Use public transport
It might be easier to take a taxi, I did this myself before I moved to Bangkok, but it’s not the best way to navigate a city. The best way to ‘get your bearings’ is to make use of other modes of transport – I’m talking buses or metros or subways! I was introduced to Bangkok’s BTS (Skytrain) – the city’s elevated train system – and the MRT – Bangkok’s underground trains. Both perfect and easy ways to traverse the city. If you’ve done your research and know where things are, trains have maps in the carriages, so all you have to do is get off at the correct station.
Bangkok BTS – Ratchathewi
Walk
The alternative to public transport is to take to your own feet and walk. For me, this has to be the ultimate way to navigate a city. Over the years, I walked all over Bangkok and that’s why I got to know where everything was, knew exactly how to get there, and what there was to do once I got there. I make a point of walking wherever I go, it’s a great way to find your bearings. Plus, if you have no sense of direction, walking will definitely change that.
Walking
Get lost on purpose
If you are not restricted to time, another good way to navigate a city is to get lost – on purpose! Take a taxi and get dropped off anywhere and then make your way back. Hop on the bus, metro or subway and get off at a random station. Walk (without following a map) taking random left or right turns and see where you end up!
Get lost – on purpose
Use Google maps
As one who prefers paper maps, for a long time I refused to use Google maps when I was out and about. But, even I have to admit, it’s a handy resource to use when you are navigating your way around. Most attractions are listed as well as bars and restaurants (for that all important break from navigating) and you will know how long it takes to get to your destination. I defy you to try and beat Google’s time! Me and Chris can do it 2 minutes quicker! (just for fun!)
Finding your way with Google
Know the basic language
If you think you know where you are going or not, it’s always useful to know a little of the language. You never know when you might need the help of a local resident. Many times in the past, I have had to ask someone the way and it’s so much easier if you can do this in a language they understand. I say understand, my Thai was never that good, but I always got my question answered – amid lots of laughs and banter! If nothing else, you’ll have a smile on your face as you carry on!
At the end of 2019, I took a trip to celebrate the new year in the lovely city of Brussels.
On New Year’s Eve, I took the Eurostar and arrived at Brussels Gare-du-Midi station mid-afternoon. I caught the metro to Madou and walked the short distance to my hotel on Rue du Nord.
My first glimpse of Brussels
Hotel Sabina wasn’t the most attractive place I have ever stayed, but the owners were friendly, my attic-room was comfortable and there was a free breakfast every day. In any case, I wasn’t there to stay in my room the whole time.
Hotel Sabina
I checked in, dumped my bags and went off to explore the city.
The city centre is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and there is lots to see on the way. As this was December, there were lots of Christmas trees to see – although artificial, I thought this one looked pretty in the tree-lined square..
Christmas in Brussels
Walking along Rue du Congres, you will see the Congress Column..
Rue du Congres
..with its statue of Belgium’s first monarch, King Leopold I at the top..
Congress Column
Next, a quick hoof around St Michael & St Gudula Cathedral..
I love the traditional Belgian buildings..
Traditional buildings
There are so many pretty little squares in Brussels – like Agoraplein..
The streets are busy which makes for a lively atmosphere..
Rue de la Montagne
Finally, at one of Brussels top sights – the Grand Place with its spectacular buildings..
The courtyard of the Gothic town hall is also beautiful..
There is a lot of street art in the city like this staircase on Rue de I’Etuve..
Street art
One of Brussels top attractions is the Mannekin Pis – a 17th century bronze statue of a little boy peeing!
Mannekin Pis
Onwards through the streets getting busier by the minute – don’t forget it’s New Year’s Eve..
Lovely buildings around every corner..
I came across this long line of people eager to try some delicious, traditional Belgian fries at Fritland..
Queuing for traditional Belgian fries!
In December, Brussels hosts its very own Christmas market with stalls full of traditional food and drinks, crafts and souvenirs..
The Bourse – the Brussels Stock Exchange – housed in this grand building located in the second-most important square after the Grand Place..
Brussels Stock Exchange
Exploring some more, I found Halles Saint-Gery a cute building which used to be the old market hall, but now used as a bar/restaurant and events venue..
Halles Saint-Gery
There is an animal counterpart of the Mannekin Pis – the Het Zinneke or The Mutt..
There is also a female version – Jeanneke Pis..
Jeanneke Pis
I decide to walk away from the city centre to see the only canal that runs through Brussels – the Brussels Canal which separates the city from the district of Molenbeek. The streets grew relatively quieter the further I walked..
Brussels Canal
Back in the city, I head to Place Saint-Catherine which was buzzing with people enjoying the market stalls and getting ready for the evening’s celebrations..
After exploring for a few hours, I went in search of food before settling in a bar with a bottle of red..
New Year Eve drinks
I was more than happy sitting outside on the street people watching, but it was bloody freezing. I went inside to warm up and got chatting to the owner. After a while, everyone had left and I was the only customer. The guy had already told me that it wasn’t that safe at night and that I had to be careful on the way back! That was just before he pulled the shutters down and I was alone with this guy and his brother. I started to feel really uncomfortable. He then started ranting about politics – that’s all you need on New Year’s Eve – so I made my excuses and walked quickly back to my hotel.
I don’t think I stayed up to see the New Year in, but I was happy that I was safe and warm again!
That little incident didn’t mar my trip to Brussels, it really is a lovely city and the best thing about it, I was spending the next day with my friend Chris!
Soi Nana was one of my favourite places to go when I lived in Bangkok.
It’s a small street lined with old shophouses, some of which have been converted into funky little bars, restaurants and even art galleries.
There are lots of little alleyways behind the main street to explore and Soi Nana is also host to its very own Chinatown Fair – music blaring and lots of people make for a lively atmosphere.
Being a trendy kind of area, there is always some form of art to see, so once we had finished setting up, we went in search of it.
Fabulous old shophouses Fabulous old shophouses Fabulous old shophouses David’s artDavid’s art
Who’s that?
We had to look twice!
Advertising in the toilet!
Cool little alleyways
Who’s that on the wall?
Fun images
Escaping!
Colourful mural
Art – everywhere!
Art really does look after your mental health. It’s relaxing if you create something yourself or if you go in search of it like we did, it’s fun and gets you out of the house for a bit!
One of the last things Chris and I did before I left Bangkok was to take a boat along the Saen Saeb canal.
This particular stretch runs from Bangkapi to Pathumwan, a considerable distance which took about an hour or so. If you look at a map of Bangkok, you’ll see lots of waterways. This is how people travelled around the city many moons ago. Not all of them are used nowadays, but I think it’s wonderful that people can still traverse the city in this way.
If you get the chance, take a boat along one of the canals, it’s such a pleasureable way to travel away from the chaotic traffic on the roads
I hope you enjoy the ride!
We had to take a taxi to reach Banglamphu as the boat only went so far, but we had a fabulous day out. We walked for miles, ate, drank and were very merry by the end of the evening! We had such good times in that city and I still can’t believe I left over 2 years ago! I really miss Bangkok and can’t wait to go again soon.
Following on from last week’s post when I went searching for street art as part of the Pipit Banglamphu Street Art Festival, I took many photos of other things to see in this lovely, peaceful part of the city. Join me again as I retrace my steps through the many hidden alleys of Bangkok, you never know what you might find!
There are a few communities who live in this area and this in the entrance to Wat Sangwet Witsayaram Community.
The artists who exhibited their work for the street art festival displayed their work in the most unusual places.
There are many different ways to get around Bangkok and by boat is the most exciting.
More street art at every turn.
Rama VIII Bridge which connects Bangkok to Thonburi.
A splash of colour.
Peaceful alleys and all just a stone’s throw from the busy Khao San Road!
There are so many Buddhist temples in Bangkok, there will never be enough time to see them all. This one is Wat Mai Armataros.
It’s not just the people who like hanging out, having a chat.
Tuk-tuks are a crazy way to get around the city. As long as you hold on tight!
Golden spires of a small temple with lovely blue skies.
Bangkok’s electricity and telephone cable system. I wouldn’t want to be the guy who has to fathom out whose is whose! The birds seem to like them though.
A glimpse of the ‘old’ Bangkok.
Art doesn’t have to be part of a street art festival, it’s everywhere in Bangkok.
And, so are pretty flowers.
There are hidden alleys which are fun to explore.
You can also see remnants of Bangkok’s past. Phra Sumen Fort is one of fourteen forts built to protect the city from invaders in the eighteen century.
There are plenty of leafy avenues, like this one on Phra Athit Road.
I never stopped exploring Bangkok when I lived there. I loved walking around seeing what I could find. I hope you enjoyed the tour around Banglamphu!
