A trip to Bruges, Belgium!

The elegant little city Bruges in Belgium left me in absolute awe of it during my recent trip to Europe. Very laid back and intimate city, perfectly sized and easy to explore, Bruges has it all. The best way to explore the city is by walking around exploring the canals, bridges, cobbled streets, shops and galleries. A classic fairy tale could be easily shot in the midst of carriage rides, historical mansions and holy churches in Bruges.

One day is adequate time to explore the city in and out. We started our day walking towards the Market Square which is the center of Bruges tourist attraction. Within a minute of walk from the Market square is the Belfry Tower which is known for its rich historical heritage. The canals and bridges with colorful old buildings on each side provided a very picturesque view. Lake of Love was another spot in Bruges which was very scenic and surreal. We also enjoyed the 30 minutes canal boat tour which took us through all the canals under the bridges and was a great introduction to the historic significance and rich architecture of the city.

The specialties of Belgium are the Belgian chocolates, fries, beer and waffles. I tried the chocolates and fries and just loved it. They are just more than delicious. I will recommend the Neuhaus chocolates which are just exquisite. I would definitely want to go back and enjoy the naturally small and beautiful city of Bruges if I ever get a chance again.

The Windy City ,Chicago!

The windy city Chicago is one of the finest metropolitan cities in the United States with a lovely architecture and design. Summer is definitely the best time to visit Chicago. I love Chicago and it has been my home away from home for the past few years. Here are the five most fun ways to discover the city in and out :

Take a Limo Ride around the city

The Limousine ride in the city takes you around the city and stops at four most prominent spots in the city. It stops by the Giant Bean in the Millennium Park, Buckingham fountain in the Grand Park, Museum campus by Lake Michigan and The Navy pier. Photograph the giant bean to capture yourself inside it. Stroll by the lively Navy Pier by the sailor boats and the cruises to get a perfect skyline view of the city.If you are lucky,you might get a sight of the summer fireworks showcased at the Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday.Watch the Buckingham fountain go high up in the sky and enjoy the lights and music that make the fountain even more spectacular.

Bike the trails by the Lake Michigan

Chicago city framework is pretty impressive in terms of biking trails. To explore the city even more closely, go biking by the Lake Michigan starting from the museum campus all the way to Navy pier and reach to the North Avenue Beach at the other end. Make stops in between to enjoy the view of the boats and ships by the harbor and the beaches on the way. Cheap rental Divvy bikes are available in all these spots which makes it very convenient.

View the city from the top

Chicago is just incomplete without its enormous Skyscraper which is a picturesque view especially at night. The Sears tower and the John Hancock tower are the two tall buildings which offer best views of the city from the top. The Signature Lounge at the 94^th floor in the John Hancock tower is one of the very romantic restaurants in the city.

Shop Shop Shop

Downtown Chicago offers both extravagant and economical shopping choices depending on which you like to go with. The Magnificent Mile in downtown is the shopping hub and more economical than the Michigan Avenue which has flashy showrooms and more extravagant choices. The water tower place is another location to shop and is very lively to walk by and watch the busy city.

 Stroll by the River Walk

The city of Chicago has canals and river running in the heart of the city. Stroll by the river walk and take architectural boat rides to indulge into the history of Chicago. Spring season welcomes the Saint Patrick’s Day when the water in the river walk turns green to signify Irish culture. In short the diverse city Chicago has anything and everything that a tourist wishes to explore.