Bruges and surrounds were delightful without question. We were privileged to be able to stay there for so long and to walk and explore at all times of day and night, feeling quite like locals in that truly beautiful place.

However I've decided to include a rather less lovely excursion we made one grey and dreary day to Ostend (Oostende) by train. Just a short journey and once again we were spellbound by the views from the train. However, on arrival we saw a bleak, grey, windswept town; the usual cranes and building works in hand, miles of uninviting shops, blocks of apartments and a vast concrete promenade facing an endless bleak windswept beach. A few people bravely played on the beach where we were amused to see "No Swimming" signs. A large sculpture installation seemed like giant pieces of orange litter, but on reflecting later, it may be quite innovative! People posed for photos around these strange pieces.

Granted this was an awful day and we forgave the place, laughing to ourselves and trying to imagine it on a fine sunny summer's day.

A large tent/marquee housed a beer hall and entertainment which , when we looked in, was an ageing crooner singing loved numbers from the 1940's, 50's and 60's. The crowd of drinkers were really enjoying it all. Far better than braving the wickedly cold wind outside!

One admission - the seafood snacks were tempting and were selling to enthusiastic crowds. We tried some and they were delicious! Perhaps that is one of the main attractions of Oostend.

Ostend, we need to see you again on a better day and will reserve our judgement until then. Perhaps, as Australians, and spoiled for beautiful beaches, we were more likely to be unimpressed!