Bruges

Bruges is in Belgium. It is a fine place for

bears to go on holiday, though it is very

hot in the summer and quite cold and

wet in the winter.

If you went at New Year, you might have been lucky enough to see the ice and snow sculpture exhibition. Sadly, this is no longer happening. We stayed at a comfortable hotel which looked out onto a canal where you could see swans swimming around and generally having a good time. All hotels in Bruges are very nice and not expensive out of season. Everyone, of course, speaks perfect English. At 4pm, everything stops for tea. There are lots of nice places for humans to eat. The bistros and restaurants on the main square are very expensive and are best avoided, but you don't have to go far to eat well. Look to see where the locals go. Avoid hot chocolate - too much cream is bad for you! Look for waffles and chips, but not together. There are plenty of chocolate shops, the usual such as Leonidas and the more obscure such as van Oost. There are three good bears shops at least - one specialises in designer bears, but all are worth a visit. Bruges is a city for bears. Many shops have bears in their windows. Bears are welcome everywhere, but watch out for the local dogs!