In Bruges - really.

In Europe, I think single women are assumed to be strong, wiry, and in constant search of exercise. Why else do I look back on a decade's worth of rooms at the very top of small hotels? Almost invariably, no matter where or how I reserve, I am shown to a room at the top of the staircase. (All that stair climbing does balance out a certain number of treats, of course.)

After years of flying to Amsterdam with NWA, I've got a new favorite way to go - Seattle to Paris, on Air France. Although the seat-back TV will still end up in your face when the person in front of you pushes all the way back, the general level of service and food is more polished and friendly than on NW. (But I can become a fan of any airline that offers real champagne as an aperitif in coach class!)

Bruges is lovely and historic, as advertised, and probably not quite so full of tourists as it will be in a few months. Everywhere there are signs of economic distress - too many empty storefronts, closed restaurants and "going out of business" signs. In spite of this, crowds still troop through the narrow streets and the Market Square, and the canal boats are full. Spring is in full bloom here. From my 4th floor window, I can see trees in full leaf, and huge lilac bushes blooming in nearby back gardens.