Back in Bruges.

I've completely fallen for this city, and it didn't take me long to return.

Bruges Christmas Market is renowned, and as an early christmas treat for my parents, I decided to take them for a weekend. 

The city had changed in the month I was away. The greens had turned to warm oranges, burnt siennas, sparkling golds. The shop windows were lined with twinkling lights and wooden toys. The central square was filled with stalls, with an ice rink in the centre. 

We arrived at lunchtime on the Friday, and eventually, through the narrow streets we found out hotel, the beautiful Hotel Boterhuis. Just a short walk from the main square, Hotel Boterhuis is a gorgeous boutique hotel, spread over a series of historic buildings. With rooms tucked away round every corner, the little maze has surprises everywhere. I had the only single room in the hotel, which was tucked away to one edge, overlooking the old cinema opposite. The room itself was warm, comfortable, and had an ensuite wet room. Upstairs, my parents had a room in the eves. With a small balcony overlooking the courtyard and rooftops, and with a bathroom bigger than my university flat, it was just the luxury I wanted to treat them to. 

As soon as we had put our bags away, we threw on warm coats and headed down towards the main square for lunch. Lining the edge, the restaurants all had glowing open fires, inviting people in from the cold. We sat down at a small restaurant at the edge, and had the most beautiful carbonnade, simply served with a small portion of frittas and fresh bread, with a chilled Leffe Blonde. 

It was all feeling a little surreal, that at 5am we had left a cold, wet Dorset, and by lunch here we were, sat down in the most beautiful city.