Hello. My name is Natalie.
I invite you on a trip through an unlocked history to hear facts and legends, understand culture and tradition and taste some of Europe's best influences.
Despite this region's past of assault, theft, and religious influence (most, I can tell you is true), its legends prevail so strongly that it is not hard to step back into time.
I'm English. I once fell in love with a Flemish man, and still agree with my decision. They say "marry a Flemish man, fall in love with the place he was born in". Well there is much truth in this, and quite honestly, the Flemish don't often part from their home villages anyway, fiercely loyal to their birthplace.
Bruges is The Fairy Tale City.
While Bruges became the centre of my life since 7 years ago, my home town is middle-England, Nottinghamshire, (another beautiful place where time forgot), and traditions still exist. You can ask me about my May Queen accolade if you want. My past career in the UK of Purchasing Manager at head office is long-forgotten since this love affair began, and I am not looking back at all.
Bruges could seem like some unrealistic Disney excerpt.
One may be forgiven for asking 'What time do the gates close and we all have to leave?'. I could honestly answer to you 18:30 - but that doesn't apply to the main city gates (anymore). The truth behind this poor, lost, mysterious city intrigued me, and several years after my arrival, many history books and city walks later, I am fully equipped with local knowledge and have been sharing my knowledge for the last 3 years, accompanying the Bruges' visitors and sharing stories.
I appreciate any opportunity to share it with THE most perfect person in the world - the relaxed holidaymaker, in an abundant frame of mind, ready for the occasional dive into the unknown while accepting sinful pleasures are not so harmful after all. In fact the Flemish are some of the healthiest people I've met.
Out of hours, I am a mother of two small things, male and female, and quite a happy jogger around the area. I often get myself into corners I've never been before by running into the distance, and wonder what stories belong to what I see.
Now 'History' or 'His Story' aside, being a true immigrant to a historically proud nation I have glimpsed into a culture that I have not seen before. So I can also tell you 'My Story' - what I have noticed here that makes Bruges so unique, how successfully the Flemish economy thrives, how much a local likes to throw parties, at all expenses, with friends from back to primary school days. I might even give you my preference for Three or One Star Michelin dining. Yes, there is so much to a walking talking tour than history.
I am a safe driver, with a luxury car with AirCon, BMW X5 (see photo), for collections. Hotels, ports, train station etc. I can fit in 3 passengers.
Below I have listed my tour options. See the table for my daily availability for the coming months. Please contact me with any further questions.
Every tour will take into consideration your expectations and preferences, so feel free to pick and choose elements from different tours, and if we can, we build them in to the time we share together.
With thanks,
Natalie
- I am a licensed guide for City of Bruges
- Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Design, Media & Management (Birmingham, UK)
- Driving license (clean)
Wheelchairs and buggies pose no problem, with the exception of one or two steps. Flat footwear is best advised.
Entry to city museums is not included in my standard tours.
Wrap up warm in Winter, (minus -3 degrees max). Summer max 34 degrees.
