On the tail end of our month in Europe we had an enchanting stop in Bruges, Belgium…easily one of the most charming European cities we’ve visited. Give me flower window boxes, narrow alleys and cobblestone streets any day over the austere views of Paris (the stop that followed this).

A favorite memory was on our first venture into the city. Our girls, having run ahead to get a view of the main square, returned and insisted I close my eyes. They led me into the square, spun me around and told me to open my eyes. I don’t tend to hide my enthusiasm and am certain I didn’t disappoint in my reaction. A few hours later that same square erupted in cheers as Belgium won a World Cup semi-final game.

The best part of travel for me (besides the food) is the “otherness” of new destinations. It causes me to feel wonderfully displaced and beautifully small in a world other than my own. That feeling of smallness has its work in my heart…my vision sharpened and my soul tuned to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes of a place with a visual/sensory language all it’s own.

Bruges was absolutely magical and captured my imagination. Here’s how my heart will remember it.