This being our fifth winter in Brugge, we find ourselves enjoying the city more each year. Returning to port is a kind of homecoming; old friends take our ropes and help us settle in. It takes a few weeks to catch up with everyone, complete our chores and nest in properly. It's great to share stories of our cruising months and inevitably the conversation then turns to planned winter activities, jobs on board, obtaining materials and offering each other practical help.

As usual we spent happy times with our families in England, especially to see those who can't travel to us. We also had a short break in Holland with Jen and Alan on their beautiful new ship. In Brugge we've had friends back for repeat visits including Jan and Ian (dear friends from the Woodbridge days), Grethe (our "family" from Norway), Sue and Ian, Andy and Caroline, Bev and Mike, all friends from Cookham.

Brugge has far too many bars and restaurants to choose from but we've found a couple of firm favourites nearby. There are numerous attractions including street music theatre with amazing light shows (all in midwinter weather), the annual Brugge Beer festival, museums, galleries and cinemas as well as dog walking in the woods or on the beautiful Belgian beaches. Much of our entertainment is homemade, shared hospitality at home. Some (non-barge, still working) folk ask us what we do with our time; we just know it flies by and our good social life balances with some of the tough maintenance tasks our old ship requires. It's not all about partying.......No need for details here but suffice to say interior painting, new radiators, galley worktop repairs, lighting revision, new skylight glass fitted, engine service and oil change all seem simple compared with the mammoth task (and loo dramas narrowly avoided) in the total replacement of all our sewage pipes. Never again.......Chris deserves a medal after that.


Local children await Sint Nikklaus

This winter we again had mild weather and there was talk of snow, just talk. After celebrating our birthdays we found that Christmas was nearly upon us. In early December the usual annual events take place. The Christmas Lights Ceremony marks the start of Christmas when the ships are decorated with lights, some creative and beautiful displays. Many local Belgians join us to make a big party with barbeque and mulled wine. The Brugge Christmas Market attracts thousands of British tourists including some of our friends. Regular visitors came including old friends Leigh and Ian; sadly Leigh died the following spring, her long brave battle with cancer over; she has left a big hole in many people's lives.

For us, Christmas is all about relaxation, no stress or pressure. On "the day" a group of us go out to a restaurant to dine in style. New Year's Eve celebrations this year again took the form of an excellent street party in the city. On New Year's Day the annual Paper Boat Race in the harbour attracts more attention each year and locals come to join in too. This year was special for us as Chris's boat actually won and he has a silver cup to prove it!


Sue and Ian regular - visitors now


More sightseeing for Grethe


View of Brugge from top of the belfry