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Published: November 1st 2010
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Well, I’m finally getting time to sit down and write. Brussels is not for the faint of heart or the really tired. We have been exhausted since our plane landed at 8:00 a.m. on Friday. We left our bags at the hotel and headed out to the Grand Place. The Grand Place is one of the most beautiful collections of architecture I have ever seen. Since the weather has been alternating between drizzly and bursts of golden sunshine we have been able to see these beautiful buildings with skies right out of renaissance paintings. We visited the Museum de la Ville de Bruxelles which has large scale models of Brussels town in the 1500’s and lots of history about the city. It also houses dozens of costumes for Manneken Pis, the cute little statue that for some reason draws hundreds of people to a tiny corner off the Grand Place to view this symbol of Brussels. Next was a visit to St. Michael’s Cathedral built in the 16th century. Naturally we had to have our first Belgian beer and then finally headed back to the hotel to check in and finally a blissful nap. That night we walked over to the
old Fish Market where the locals go for dinner and then back to the Grand Place to sit outside. The Place is always crowded except for early in the morning so this night was no different. Lots of young people sitting socializing on the steps of the Maison du Roi building kissing and holding hands of just looking up at the beautiful facades of the buildings. We finished off the evening at our hotel bar. The Hotel Metropole is beautiful with Art Nouveau frescoes on the ceilings and beautiful ironwork and plaster molding. Unfortunately they are renovating so there is scaffolding everywhere. The guests just ignore it and use the lounge anyway. Our room has flowered wallpaper satin upholstered chairs and a beautiful chandelier and actually looks rather French.
The next day we were surprised to find that we accidently slept until 1:00 pm. I was horrified to lose that much day of sightseeing. Also suddenly there were many more people out an about in the city. We were finally told that this weekend is a three day holiday since Monday is All Saints Day. The city was PACKED with people. We decided to try to see the Museum
de Beaux Arts, but it was a hive of people and very long lines so we have put that off until Thursday. We alternated for shopping which was great. Lots of chocolate shops that smell heavenly, and beautiful tapestry and lace shops all of which Belgium is known for. We even found a wonderful kitchen ware shop which I still must visit. Behind our hotel is the most wonderful mall area with well known shops full of the most beautiful clothes, boots and fashionable coats. That is one of the things I love about Europe. Everyone here dresses for winter in sleek looking boots and stylish coats. This year, leggings or tight straight jeans tucked in boots with long slim sweaters and form fitting wool coats seem to be the style of choice. Oh and a decorative scarf around the neck. We also spent time again that evening in the piano bar of our beautiful hotel listening to music before finally turning in. More pics later.
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Jenni
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:-D
Hi guys! Exhausted, yes I can definitely understand that, but what lovely photos! Like you, I love the architecture in places like Brussels. Hope the weather holds out for the rest of your trip! xoxo