Don't bother about being modern

With renewed energy, we continued our stroll until we reached Market Square, where church bells rang out.

Later, after settling at our hotel, we proceeded to a bar street to quench our thirst. Bruges is principally known for two things - delectable dishes and beer.

I opted for a bitter-sweet Trappist beer with 10 percent alcohol content. It was the beginning of a love affair and a three-day beer tasting vacation.

After a few more drinks we opted for an open-air dinner around Burg Square. It took us nearly 30 minutes to find the perfect place. After studying the menus and the facades of half a dozen restaurants, we chose rustic candlelit white tables with single stemmed flowers - just right for a balmy summer evening.

Eager to taste the best of Bruges, I ordered a casserole of fresh mussels cooked in herbs, with boiled potatoes and salad as side dishes. My friend ordered rabbit meat cooked in pepper sauce with mashed potatoes.

My dish was so delicious that no single mussel was left unturned. Unfortunately, the restaurant's name slipped my mind but not the memory of that gastronomic experience.

Day two in Bruges started with an English-style buffet breakfast at Cafe Rose Red. After the invigorating caffeine kick, we headed to Market Square.

Besides appreciating the neo-Gothic buildings around the center, one can try taking the 366 steps going up the 13th century Belfort to get a panoramic view of the city.