Brugge (Bruges)

Willy Baugniet first assisted me with translating genealogy information over the Internet in 1999. He began his career with the Belgium Army in 1967 and joined the police force in January 1972. Since 2001, he works for Brussels NSPV (Nationaal Syndicaat van Politie en Veiligheidsdiensten) and travels "throughout Europe to discuss violence against police, terrorism & hooliganism." In Lisbon, Portugal he explained to Parliament the difference between the Army's procedure of training to kill and police training meant to protect against killing.

On the Wednesday we were in Belgium, Willy and his wife Jacqueline took us on an excursion to West Flanders where we walked the cobblestoned streets of Brugge and witnessed the authentic ancient craft of Belgian lace making. We stopped at a small outdoor cafe to enjoy a local favorite, een kop van koffie met melk en suiker (a cup of coffee with milk and sugar.)

The Markt, a marketplace since the year 958 is still one of the liveliest placed in Brugge. Though some of the Gothic structures have been reconstructed, the medieval Belfort (belfry) is genuine. The tower dates to the 13th century. At the top is a 47-bell carillon. The panoramic view from the clock mechanism can be reached by climbing 366 winding steps. We were not tempted to make the trip!