Bruges - Canal

Bruges is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the North".

Bruges already had its city charter in 1128, and was a very important member of the Hanseatic League. It was the prospering center of the Flemish cloth industry. Most merchandise was punted on boats through the city. The large cog-ships were moored in the harbor.

Between 1200 and 1500 Bruges had a kind of "Golden Era". Bruges was a leading European business community, - a large group of innovative and daring entrepreneurs.

The canals are still filled with boats, but now the boats are filled with tourists. I was patient - and so could take a shot of the most photographed willow in Belgium with no boat in front of it.