The first two weeks

The sun was out with the promise of another warm summer, but after 6 months there was boat work to address

With the aid of the Kacher it took me a day to banish the green mould that covered the boat. The most challenging job was to clean the wheelhouse roof. To fall from there would certainly end our summer holiday. Erring on the side of safety I do this job on my hands and knees with a cloth and a bucket of water. At last Joie de Vivre is sparkling again and ready for our summer adventure.

Our departure from Brugge has been delayed due to bridge closures. Plannned ETD is now Tuesday 16th

Triennial Brugge, Spaces of Possibilities

Every 3 years the UNESCO world heritage city of Brugge hosts a Triennial that show cases contemporary art and architecture in this historic site. This year from the 13th April to 1st September “Spaces of Possibility” explores the latent potential of the city. With preservation central to Brugge how does the city deal with change and sustainability?

Situated away from the city centre the installations have been placed in locations that are currently underused or rarely noticed. For Julie and me it was an invitation to visit districts previously unexplored.

First stop was the MInnewater or Lover’s Lake. In medieval times this was the port of Brugge, where ships arrived laden with spices, wine, wool and silk and left with a cargo of Flemish cloth. “Grains of Paradise” remembers this rich commercial past with a series of boats laden with fresh plants and herbs.

“Under the Carpet’ invited us to walk along a disused road link, following the steps of the past from St John’s Hospital and the Minnewater Clinic.

In a beautiful park adjacent to the medieval hospital this rather uninspiring geometric brick installation is meant to reflect the density of Brugge’s street plan…..mmmm

This square has been redeveloped as a new community garden. Using recycled materials to create seating (even a boats fender!)this area has been transformed into a new exciting meeting place.

This was our favourite! Titled “The Tower of Balance” this 18 metre high pine structure is aligned with Brugge’s 3 iconic medieval towers. At the centre of the work the bronze bell, which can be rung, captures the sounds of Brugge.

From the tower we could step through a historic garden gate that leads to St. Godelieve’s Abbey. Home to Benedictine nuns from 1623 until 2013 this space is open but is currently being refurbished and repurposed. Could be worth a visit on another date.

“Common Thread” created in an enclosed garden setting gives a nod to Brugge’s past as a lace making centre. Made from recycled PET bottles this meandering structure was a fun ending to our cultural stroll through western Brugge.

As I complete my first blog of the season the weather has changed, cold, rain and thunder. Time to snuggled up inside!