Amy is terrified of ferries. No… not the wee winged, enchanted forest dwellers, but those large transportation devices used to SOMEtimes cross large bodies of water commonly utilized here to get over to “The Continent”.
Seeee… She hasn’t had much luck in crossings, as a matter of fact each of the times she’s attempted a ferry crossing she’s endured weather delays of up to ten hours. So in order to avoid her consecutive streak of ferry debacles this weekend’s visit to Brussels went via the Eurotunnel, where our coach was loaded into an enclosed rail car which then traveled through a tunnel that makes its way under the English Channel.
Did I mention she tends to get a tad claustrophobic?
Travel issues aside, we spent a rather frigid weekend in Brussels , the capital of Belgium , the seat of the European Union and home to NATO. None of this really mattered to us, because we were there to seek out Belgium’s three basic culinary groups. No… not sprouts, mussels and frites, but rather waffles, chocolate and beer.
Yessss... that's a beer (Leffe Brune if you must know) with my breakfast waffle. Not really breakfast, but more like brunch.
Some of you will be shocked to know that I did no planning or research whatsoever for this trip. That’s not to say we didn’t see the sights… it was just a rather loose itinerary based a lot on luck.
I found it quite fitting in a city of a country that boasts on brewing over 700 different types of beer that its “mascot” is a fountain of a small boy peeing. While Copenhagen has its “Little Mermaid”, Brussels has “Manneken-Pis”.
Organizations from around the globe send costumes to dress up the little guy, and it’s reported he has well over 600 outfits.
One of the biggest surprises of the trip was a visit to see the Atomium, a 103 metre (that’s 355 feet, in case you were wondering) tall remnant from the 1958 Brussels’ World Fair.
Honestly, until arriving in town I had no idea this replica of an iron molecule existed, and was rather disappointed that the restaurant at the top was completely booked.
Brussel's marquee attraction is the Grand Place , which is heralded as one of the most beautiful town squares in all of Europe, if not the world. Completely rebuilt in the 17th century, the centerpiece is the Town Hall, but my favourites were the surrounding guild houses constructed in both Gothic and Baroque styles.
What mesmerized me most was the intricate detailing of the buildings... something that gets lost in the panoramic photos.
As with all European capitol cities, there are several squares and monuments depicting historic moments and achievements.
Of course, there was time just for lion around...
The Christmas Markets and Winter Festival were in full swing which made for some really cool night time luminaries.
Included in the festive atmosphere was perhaps...
simply...
The creepiest carousel EVER!!
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