Brussels and Brew

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Brussels was really the only city on my voyage for which I hadn't known what to expect. Im glad I had no expectations; it blew me away.

I have never seen a people that take so much pride in two things: beer & chocolate. The Belgians do a few things really well, but they do them really, really, well. I bit into some of the best chocolates and waffles ive ever tasted and more ceremoniously, enjoyed the best beers ive ever had - quite literally. I was lucky enough to sample the official international #1 beer in the world, Karmeliet Triple. a beer brewed with tradition since the 1600s. The beer culture in Belgium is particularly unique. Each beer must be served, in accordance with unofficial law, in a goblet-like glass specifically made to open up its flavor and leave room for the proper head of foam. A science indeed.

I found myself enamored with the EU Parliament as well. An amazing building, but an even greater symbolism for the the world's greatest Union and treatise.

I was very impressed with Belgium.

Calendar of events

Saturday Jan 3rd:
- afternoon arrival
- Palestinian protest at La Bourse
- Hostel check-in
- Visit La Grand Place
- Beer at a brasserie
- Beers at Cafe Delirium where I met an interesting French man

Sunday 4th:
- Daytime visit to the Winter Festival
- chess games at the chess cafe
- Palestinian riot at La Bourse
- Nighttime Ice skating at the Winter Festival
- out for hot chocolate

Monday 5th:
- Belgian Waffle
- Palais du Justice
- Royal Palais
- EU Parliament
- dinner out a rue Bouchers
- Met interesting African woman in internet cafe and we go out for drinks all night

Tuesday 6th:
- 8am train to Paris

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Photos

La Bourse
the Stock market

Manneken Pis
The most important monument in Brussels

Delirium Cafe
this cafe had 2,400 beers available - 200 on tap.

Chess cafe
I got whooped by an old man a few times