Many years ago, when I was living in London, Canada, I put together a booklet called “Spots” … maybe fifty locations in and around London that were lovely to behold.

They were places where tourists didn’t go.  Except for one spot: a gigantic Canadian flag blowing above the six lanes of Canada’s busiest highway – the 401.

On the train this morning from Gent to Bruges, I decided to write about a few spots I’d discover today in the medieval city …

Spot Number One

This is the Lovers’ Bridge in Minnewater Park.  It was built in 1739.  Folklore says that any couple crossing the bridge together will have eternal love.  So the two folks in red and purple are set for life!

The bridge wasn’t my spot.  The bench on which I sat was.  A bit secluded.  Looking up at the human beings.  Perfect.

Spot Number Two

The Sint-Elisabethkerk was built in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 15th after a fire.  It sits within the grounds of the Ten Wijngaerde Beguinage, where nuns still live and pray.

I got to sit in the quiet, and to reflect on the words “Laus Deo” (Praise God).

***

For awhile here in Bruges, the rain was on and off.  Now the rain is simply on.

In the spirit of optimism, here’s my next headline:

Spot Number Three

Undiscovered as of yet.  And perhaps it will remain so for the rest of the day.  Either the train home will beckon me soon or another wonder will reveal itself. 

…

Okay, it’s 17:10 (5:10 pm for the North Americans).  The Weather Network tells me to expect two millimetres of rain between 18:00 and 19:00.  I’m going home.

Sure, it’s possible that on the way to the train station, I may peek out from under my umbrella to find Wonder Number Three before my eyes … but I wouldn’t count on it.

Till tomorrow then!