Sleepy in Brugge

I had hoped to spend part of today at the Call Shop, which has Internet access with USB ports (unlike the web access at the Bauhaus hostel bar) but they're closed on Sunday, as is everyone else in Brugge. At least the pubs and the hostel bar are open, so I won't starve.


The sun never really came up today, it was overcast and foggy for much of the day, so I took the opportunity to take a nap this afternoon and research some of the things I took pictures of on my walk to the central square in Brugge yesterday. The architecture in this town is amazing -- medieval and intact. Apparently the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which was built in the 12th century, has an ornate vial holding what the Basilica's name claims -- although the website I'm referencing concedes that the Bible never mentions any of Christ's blood being preserved. Wikipedia doesn't have an entry on it, unfortunately.

And there's this amazing 13th century bell tower called, oddly enough, the Belfry tower (Belfort). I have a picture of the view of it from my dorm room in the hostel, and took more when I went to it yesterday. Will post them here as soon as I find a Web connection with a USB port.

An update on Citronnade: Got a response from a very friendly and helpful fella named Erwin at a Honda shop in Belsele last night, who said he ships bikes from the U.S. all the time and could get me a quote and help me ship it to Canada. He confirmed today that he can't fix a Honda CBF600, though, because he works only on Goldwings. But he's going to try to get in touch with someone he knows near Brugge to find out if he can fix her, which is very kind of him.

If that doesn't work out, perhaps I'll hear back from the place I emailed in Brussels. It's farther than Belsele, though, and they probably won't even read my message until Monday morning. Time is ticking.

Everyone I've met in Belgium has been really nice, but people like Mara (the Ottawa native who's been helping me from Amsterdam) Erwin and Wim and Bernadette (my guardian angels from Saturday night) are extra special -- and would be special anywhere. If I were in charge of the karma dole, I'd make sure they get lots and lots of good luck. As it is, if they ever get to Toronto, dinner is on me. And I'll show 'em the CN tower. And the Hockey Hall of Fame. And anything else their hearts desire. I am *SO* in their debt. Dank uwel!