Just wanted to let you know that at exactly 20/02 2002 20:02 (GMT+1), my wonderful Belgian hometown Brugge – or Bruges, as Americans like to call it – becomes the cultural capital of Europe for the next year. The timing to officially open the festivities was chosen exactly for the reason you mentioned today. Brugge was in medieval times the economic center of all trades and considered the capital of the world (until sanding became such a problem that the town was disconnected from the North sea and could no longer be a port). ThatÂ’s why the historic center between the city walls is such a gem: belfry, old cathedrals, museums, guild houses all in perfect condition, canals throughout, theatres, cobble stone streets, parks, gates, etc. The nice thing is that everything is in walking distance! Unlike Brussels and the other big towns with historical buildings scattered throughout, you donÂ’t need transportation here. In fact the street system is no longer car friendly as the city takes every possible measure to make it pedestrian & bike as well as tourist friendly. Busses every 5 minutes take you from the railway station into town. Oh, thereÂ’s so much to say. Have a look and discover Brugge.