Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Very Vintage Things

A year ago I traveled for the first time to Europe. My hubby was going to Belgium on a business trip and he wanted me to go with him. I was a little hesitant, as I've never traveled internationally, but the trip was wonderful.

The sights in Brussels were so amazing. I've heard of all the old architecture, but seeing it was truly an incredible experience. We are such a young country, and even seeing some of the pilgrim areas of the US do not compare.

This was the parking lot at the train station.

In the town of Bruges, the streets were lined with these buildings.

It is a canal based city which had significant economic importance. At one time, it was the "chief commercial city" of the world.

The city was chartered in July 1128.

Starting around 1500, the Zwin channel, which had given the city its economic dominance, started silting. The cities prosperity soon fell behind Antwerp. During the 17th century, the lace industry took off, and various efforts to bring back the glorious past were made.

The young woman who was demonstrating hand made lace told us it takes 8 years of schooling to make Belgium lace.


I was really fascinated with the beautiful churches and cathedrals.

Especially when you realize they were built in the 12th Century.

The center of town is the Market.


And of course there is a Royal residence.

We all commented that the little window at the top of this building was for a damsel in distress.


A very quaint restaurant by the canal.

Thanks so much for coming along on my Vintage adventure.

Please visit Coloradolady's Vintage Thingie Thursday blog

and Time Travel Thursday.

9 comments:

Julia said...

The handmade laces are fascinating to me!!! I would love to learn how it's done!

Coloradolady said...

What beautiful, Lovely laces, Oh, how this is something I'd love to know how to do. What great pictures this week! Loved traveling with you. Happy VTT!

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

That lace is so pretty, and so is the old city...I so enjoyed touring it with you here I'd love to visit there...you are so lucky to have been able to visit there with your hubby :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

Maureen said...

Thanks for the trip! 8 years to learn how to make the lace? Wow!

viridian said...

I had such a lovely visit to Bruges many years ago. Thank you for bringing those memories back - I loved this city so much - we stayed an extra day.

Allie said...

Eight years to make lace! Wow. Looks like you found Rapunzel's tower, too - that must have been a fascinating trip!

Blue Ridge Altered Art said...

Wow what a wonderful trip. Looks like a beautiful place. The lace is amazing. ~~Sherry~~

SewCalGal said...

What a fun trip. That lace is spectacular. Thanks for sharing. Your photos may be the closest I ever get..but fun to dream of such a wonderful trip. Glad you were able to go.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

You captured Belgium beautifully Jocelyn. We so enjoyed the architecture also when we were there. The Belgian laces are over the moon awesome.

Have a beautiful day ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon