Brugge Belgium - Hobo’s On The Street


Hobo Travel Tips Newsletter: Brugge Belgium - Hobo’s On The Street
Tip: How to avoid getting bumped in the street
Issue: 44
Location Published From: Brugge, Belgium
Issue: 43 -- Ghent - Brugge Belgium - How To Protect Things You packed

Issue: 45 -- Switzerland - Language Cheat Sheet


Letters to Editor


Hobo TRAVEL TIPS - Brugge Belgium - Hobo’s On The Street
Leave for Luxembourg Friday, then to Lucerne Switzerland
Issue 44 - HoboTraveler.com - August 23, 2001
A hobo trip around the world. Year 4
Hobotraveler.com


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~ hoboguide.com GO THIS WAY
~ HOBO STEW (A Dish of Meat and Vegetables)
~ EXTREME hobo ADVENTURE
~ hobo WORLD CONTACTS, People around the world to help you.
~ TODAY’S TIP
~ TODAY’S TIP FROM THE - “Peanut Gallery”
~ HOBO QUESTIONS FOR READERS


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~ hoboguide.com GO THIS WAY !


HOBO DREAM OF BRUGGE BELGIUM
Sitting in a local park of Brugge, reading my book.
I stopped to rest my eyes. Learning forward and placing
my face in my hands I close my eyes. Suddenly the world
changed and I was transformed back in time. I heard the clip,
clap of horse drawn carriages, with the smells, and sounds of activity
in this
medieval city. Everywhere around me they was speaking a different
language. Dutch from Belgium, and the Netherlands. French
from the south of Belgium, and France. English from England,
and Spanish from Spain, and Argentina. A sprinkling of Italian
and Japanese. Bells started to ring from the local church towers.
What happened?

MEDIEVAL SOUNDS
The sounds of the medieval city still exist.
There are horse drawn carriages giving tours to visitors and cobblestone

streets, and a combination of languages from all over the world.
Every hour the bells of the city ring. It probably helped my imagination
that I had just visited the Smedenpoort Gate to the city,
and all came together when I closed my eyes.


MEDIEVAL HOBO TRAVELER
I go by Andreas, Me and my two sons Steven 16
and Gan 18 have worked our way up the Zywn river from
the North Sea into the now Flanders area and city Brugge port of trade.
Returning from Great Britain with a load of wool, with an idea
to trade for some fine Belgium Bobbin Lace, and other goods.

Our boats are small, and was difficult to navigate the river.
Often needing to pull the boat with long ropes from both sides.
It been a long trip we wish to complete the trip before the cold winter
winds closes the port. We stop in a clearing along the river bank to
discuss our plans.
Gan being older is Captain of the second boat, and very mature
for his age, Steven although is my second, he is a natural with the
languages, able to speak a little of Flemish, French, and German.
Which will help in the negotiations the next few days.

MAPS OF BRUGGE
I spread the map for all to see. Our small crew, and the boys
are excited, wishing to explore The city is small, but from experience
these ports are more dangerous than the inland cities.
Water is the dependable and easiest form of transportation, and so
many cultures collide in Brugge to trade, sell, or try to make their
fortunes.
Often losing all, and hanging around the docks. So I warn
my sons and crew to take care, and be ready for all they meet.

I point at map, that show that canals surround the city, Me and Steven
will
take the boat up the center of town, while Gan will park his
boat along the bank close to the wind mills to exchange his load for
grain.
Then walk to the center of the city.

We will enter a small center canals that leads to city center.
Then working our way to a dock prepared by the city for our boats.
Well protected, and overseen by the local customs officers.
Then using our dinghies to work our way to the market. They have closed
off the best route to the market, so now we well go to the left. Passing
various boats
that wish to sell a passage for other locations. I tell the boy
that just off the market, are lots of people or guides show us the way.
ANDREAS MAP
http://www.hoboguide.com/belgiumbruggeaug01/bruggemap/mapbrugge.jpg
OTHER MAPS
http://www.trabel.com/brugge-mapstr-center.htm
http://www.theblackadder.co.uk/Brugge.html


CANALS AND BRIDGES
The water routes is the easiest and safest. We pass houses that
line the banks. There are small bridges, and boats to help people
cross the river. I estimate by the time they are done. The
city will need over 50 bridges to help visitors to the city.
BRIDGES AND CANALS
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggecanalsbridges.shtml

KEEP AN EYE ON THE BELFRY
Separated from Gan I am a little worried.. He will have to work his
way to the market by foot. Crossing a few small canals. He has some
small
coins to pay the passage across the canal, whether by small
boat, or bridge. I tell him to always remember to keep an
eye open for the Belfry, and if he is off the path he can just
keep going towards the 108 Meter High Belfry.
BELFRY or BELL TOWER
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggebelfry.shtml

DOCKING AT THE WINDMILLS
The windmills are located on small knolls so better to catch the
prevailing
wind. They are able to turn on their axis and produce energy to mill
the corn, and other grains into flour. I look toward the Northeast
and thing this would be a fine location to build more windmills.
Being that the land is flat, and the winds are steady. I think they
probably will build some there someday, but what would we do with
all that extra energy? The Dutch to the north are constructing thousands
and use them to pump the ocean water back into the sea, and
irrigate the fields. This one is primarily for milling of grain. Belgium
being
a little higher than the low lands ( Neder Lands ) to the north.
WINDMILLS
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggewindmills.shtml

CITY GATES
After securing the boat, Gan walks over the Kruisepoort gates,
to show his papers, and to inform the gatekeeper his plans. There are
riders on horse, and oxen pulling carts laden with goods, and various
people that have came
from Amersterdam and Antwerp by road, or footpath. The gates are large,
it would be very
difficult to cross the canal with those crossbows pointed down
at oncomers.
KRUISPOORT CITY GATE
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggegatekruispoort.shtml
SMEDENPOORT CITY GATE
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggegatesmedenpoort.shtml

WALKING IN THE CITY
Gan and his mates walk toward the market, it takes no more than 40
minutes
to walk from one side of the city to the other. So we will be there
quick because
the market is in the middle. He should be there in no more than 20
minutes.
Streets are muddy, and rough as they weave their way though the city.
Buildings are constructed randomly upon the natural paths to the
market no wider than 1 carriage in some places,
and the shopping streets a little wider leaving space for street venders
to sell goods and for 2 horse drawn carts to pass when needed.
There are piles of coal in front of the house stored to heat the home,
and
small wisp of smoke from the chimney of every house.
Very few window on the street side because they tax according
to the number of windows, plus the smells. The back of the homes are
on the rivers. Modern and cosmopolitan for the it has a strong
architecture influences of France, and is a cultural center.
Some building are built at a the points in the path, and shape
similar to a triangle. Using all the land available.

ENTER THE LACE DISTRICT
Leaving the larger boat at the customs office,
me and Steven go by a small boat. We see the canals have become smaller,

and more the number of passerby's have increase on shore.
The belfry looming off to our left. We know the market
is just past the Belfry, and the visitors to the city are mingling
and talking exchanging ideas. The will guillotine a few today, and the
people have come from afar walk to watch. We dock the boats at street of
Breidelstraat.
There are 5-10 places to buy lace on this street. The Flanders have
become
quite famous for their laces, and is in high demand in the
noble society.
LACE
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggelace.shtml

TOURS
At the Belfry in the center, just off the market we locate Gan and his
mates.
The group of us decide to explore the city. In the market area it is
possible to arrange for both, and locals to guide us through the city,
Behind
the Belfry off the market can be arranged some boats for
hire on the canal.
TOURS
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggetoursboatbikewalk.shtml

THE ARTS
In the streets there are local artist and musicians painting
and playing. There is one chap I have observed
Jan van Eyck that seems to have talent. But what do I know,
me, Steven, and Gan just stop to look.
ART & MUSIC
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggeartmusic.shtml

300 BEERS
A few of us go for a pint of the local brew. There is
a lot of selection in Belgium and by the time they are done
the will probably be 300 types.
BEER
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggebeer.shtml

ARCHITECTURE
Nothing like have a brew with you mates, and comparing
stories. Asking the local lasses what their names, and
from where they come, and where they go. Hoping
to find my boys wife soon, for them long winters ahead.
So we talk, and ask questions of the locals, and other
travelers. We will catch up on world events with at
the local pubs, and hotels. We have a long discussion
on the new buildings, and the beautiful Gothic and
Renaissance’s Architecture. I was thinking that these
words were good words to call these new types of building,
but of course they are just buildings. Who knows, what they
will say in the future of this time in history.
ARCHITECTURE
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggearchitecture.shtml
STATUES
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggestatuesgargoles.shtml


HISTORY
After a few beers as normal talk turns to politics.
There is a long discussion on the problems money, and the lack
of common language and how all the local countries keep attacking and
fighting
over this small proud peoples land. Maybe one day they will
claim their independence. I personally do not think they will ever
solve this money problem. Those banks, and money changers
are making too big of percentage, and what will they call it?
The Franc. The Pound, The Gelder. And what hell
The Euro sounds a little silly me. But the world is getting
easier, and safer.
HISTORY
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggehistory.shtml
EXPLANATION OF MEDIEVAL TIMES
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggemedieval.shtml

CHOCOLATE
Upon leaving the pub to search for a room for the night
We look for a bite to eat. Every vacant area in the center
of the city is filled with people. Always trying to sell something.
There are 2 strange foods. Waffles and Chocolate. I love
them sweet waffles, and spread some Chocolate on top of mine.
I look forward to this treat, and think that soon on every corner you
will soon be able to buy this snack. In the future these Flanders
could be come world know for their chocolates and waffles.
CHOCOLATE & WAFFLES
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggechocowaffle.shtml

Time to find a room for the night.
I just want a bed for the night.
Something nice, and hospitable.
Maybe a hospitable type hotel.
I know I could call it a,
“Hostel”

They keep calling me a vagabond over here.
They need to learn the English word hobo.
There is a difference.

Maybe it will help you to...
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a hobo, and leave your mark.
X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!

Life is good.
The HoboTraveler.com


Article written by Andy the HoboTraveler.com
On year 4 of hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
Hobotraveler.com
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.


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~ HOBO STEW (A Dish of Meat and Vegetables)

Brugge, Belgium Europe
12 Eggs: 1.26 USA or 58 Belgium Francs - Sold in Box of 10 or 6
Bread: 1 dollar USA for loaf of whole wheat or 47 Belgium Francs
Hostel: 8.26 dollars USA or 380 Belgium Francs
Exchange Rate: 1 US dollar equals 46 Belgium Franks

JUST A LOT OF STEW

Just spent 7 days living free in Brugge. Made a little internet
advertisement
in exchange for a free room. Even got to sleep in a room, and not
the dorm. Great place.

Brugge is wonderful and terrible. It is a mystical medieval city
but totally filled with tourist, with cameras, food in their mouths,
walking, talking, and spending lots of money. Not really a hobo
place or budget travel location. But definitely a place to visit for 1
or
2 day. I always recommend 2 days in any location, unless you just like
to drive yourself crazy.

The speed is 3 time faster here than South America. I am trying to
maintain my slow pace, but when everyone around you is a little crazy
it is hard to be tranquil.

I now have lived in my first hostel, or hotel in Europe. Nice to meet a
few
people, and exchange ideas. They are clean and comfortable, but more
of a tourist place, and not on the hobo places to live. I hope to find a
few
of them places where the travelers go for a day, and stay a week. Lots
more fun, and sociable. I am sure there are some real party hostels in
Europe. I like the middle range type. Somewhere between boring, and
a complete party zoo. I get the feeling that Amsterdam is full of the
Party
zoos. I can always tell what my future hostels will be like when I ask?

How are the hostels in Amsterdam?
Oh great.... We visited lots of Coffee Shops.
The instantly forgot I asked about hostels, and started to talk about
the Coffee Shops. I do not know the Amsterdam Lingo yet, but I think
they call them “Coffee Shops” A place where you can smoke pot or
marijuana legal.
I am sure you can smoke pot legal, I am not sure what else.
Very funny to read in my guidebook.
“Located right in the middle of the red light district”
In South America the guidebook would warn you how to avoid it, and
here they are advertising how to find it. Go figure.

The information on European history is Folkloric.
This means there are lots of people telling lots of stories,
and I do not think anyone tells the correct story. The stories
about history seem to evolve to whatever is needed to sell more
tours, or rooms. So finding the truth about a city is a lot of
work. I read a few guidebooks in Brugge trying to find out the
the scoop. They all said,
“The best preserved medieval city in Europe”
I think they all copied each other. This is a problem and is
even a problem for me. I try to not have my whole imagination, and
view of a country formed by the guidebook. This is a good reason
to not read all the stuff, and first go look at it, and then go home and
do some research. I do this a lot.

I will enter a city, walk everywhere. Look at everything. After
a couple of day. I start to understand the city, and then I begin to
read. I often find that the most interesting thing in city to me
is not in the guidebooks. This happened in Brugge.

I was walking, and encountered a gate to the city.
The ones like the movies. Except no wood gate to raise anymore.
I have written a fairy tale explanation of Brugge so
you will see the pictures later.

MORE STEW
There are lots of places that advertise 300 Belgium Biers

Europeans seem to be proud to tell you they are atheist.

2 of the 3 major hostels got robbed the other day. Very organized.
The went in the back, and opened the bags and took lots.
August 16 or 15 one in evening and next day.
Do NOT get a false sense of security. These robbers sound more
organized here.

I use a free service Topica.com that sends my newsletter.
The price they charge is that they put an advertisement at
the top of my newsletter. I do not have anything to do with this
advertisement, or any associations, but the first thing you
read is that advertisement. There services is excellent.
and I really appreciate the free Topica.com and recommend
them highly.
http://www.topica.com/


But the funny part.
I got a reply
“TUPPERWARE”

That was it, no explanation, or anything.
I thought to myself. This person is recommending after reading
my last newsletter on how to pack to use TUPPERWARE.
That is a good idea, but they pop open, unless you tape
them shut. I then go look at my newsletter I received
and see a TUPPERWARE advertisement at the top.
The reader was new, and did not understand the format.
Thinking that I had an advertiser from Tupperware. I got
to admit. It was very compatible with last weeks hint.

Cars traffic is very safe here. They will stop if you put
your foot into the street. The bikes and motorcycles
will run you down. Stay off their paths !

It is normal to see people on bikes in all the world.
It is normal to see people on bikes, smoking a cigarette here.

Be careful on money exchange. The ones in Brugge offered
me 33 when the normal is 43.
Go to the Banks, but better yet use your ATM or Automatic
Bank Card.

They use the term
“Shopping Street” This means the main street.

Air conditioning is almost non existent.

FOR MY MOTHER
The have an Aldis Grocery store here.
It is the only place to buy stuff cheap.

I think overall it would be best to go to Brugge
between September 10 and October 10. The trees
would be changing color maybe, and it would be
after season, and hopefully a little slower.

Funny thing about tourist places they always have people.

See my opinion of the most important location in Brugge.
Plus some other strange photos.
http://www.hoboguide.com/bruggefun.shtml

Maybe it will help you to...
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a hobo, and leave your mark.
X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!


Life is good.
The HoboTraveler.com


Article written by Andy the HoboTraveler.com
On year 4 of hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
Hobotraveler.com
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.

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~ EXTREME hobo ADVENTURE
I helped David Clark with the ropes going through the Panama Canal
He is TRYING to set a world record, by being the oldest person to sail
around the world solo. I will give updates until he arrives.
His boat SANK,
The story continues....
77 years old, he found a new one. YEA !

If you would like to see his return from his
around the world sail, or attend the party.
David B. Clark, Captain of Yacht Mickey.

David's internet WebPages is:
http://www.dclark.com/
http://www.captainclark.com/ (David's son)
My story on him: A man
http://www.geocities.com/captainclark_2000

NOTE: David’s adventure will soon be completed.
If you know of another extreme hobo adventurer.
Please reply to this message, and send details.

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~ TODAY’S TRAVEL TIPS

HOBO IN THE STREET

I personally think that manners are the only thing that
separates us from animals.

Walking down a street I think,

“A couple million years of evolution and we have
not gotten any further than this !”

“Quick”,
“Get out of the GENE pool”

For those of you...
Who do not think bumping, pushing each other is good manners.
Who know that when a person touches you, it could be a dangerous.


NOTE:
The first 2 things I learn to say in another language:

Excuse me
Where is the bathroom?


OK enough of the funnies.
Small people, older people, or just a backpacker overload
with everything they own in the world.
Getting bumped and pushed is a problem.


MY HOBO SOLUTION

If a person is coming toward you from your left side.
If it appears that they have no intention of sharing
the sidewalk, or road.

Raise you hand closest to them to your head.
Point your elbow right at their shoulder or face.

They will make room for you !

I do this 4 times a day.
I only actually put my elbow into one person.

PEOPLE AVOID ELBOWS
This will keep people from bumping you.
They will not think you mean, in fact they
will not even notice you did it. They will just move
around and walk around any dangerous obstacle.
Bow Wow !


ANOTHER TIP FOR WALKING WITH YOUR BACKPACK
If you are getting off a train, bus, etc.
And suddenly you are surrounded by people trying to sell you
something or grab you.

Start spinning around on your feet, swinging your backpack
around as you go.

You will suddenly have about 2 feet of space all around you.

These 2 tips sound a little harsh.
But I am giving tips to protect you.
I have never hurt anyone yet in 3 1/2 years.
But I have been knocked down, pushed, rammed into,
before I started this technique.
If possible never let a person touch you.
It is dangerous.

Do not be an animal !
Please say
“Excuse me,”
“Please,”
Thank you”
Have some manners.
Be a Gentle Man or Gentle Woman

Thank You !


Hobotraveler.com was here. X

Hobo’s mark your locations so we remember.
Have fun! Life is Good!

As always, these are suggestions. Please realize I am
giving guidance, and there are always other opinions.
“One mans paradise, is another mans hell”
This way we do not all go to the same place.


Article written by Andy the HoboTraveler.com
On year 4 of hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
Hobotraveler.com
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.


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TODAY’S TIP FROM THE “Peanut Gallery” Fun tips
Here's a little tip from me, to you, as an experienced traveler

After a lifetime of travel he settled here on the
Costa del Sol and told us there were five rules for
successful travel.
1. Never eat in an restaurant called Mom's.
2. Never play poker with anyone called Doc.
3. Get your laundry done at every opportunity.
4. Never refuse sex.
5. And order any dish containing wild rice.

From the Book: The Drifters by James A. Michener

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Issue: 43 -- Ghent - Brugge Belgium - How To Protect Things You packed

Issue: 45 -- Switzerland - Language Cheat Sheet