Blogs from Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium, Europe - page 61

Once again, we are on a train. We are currently on the train at the station back in Strasbourg, France, and we should depart any minute for Luxembourg via Metz. And no sooner did I finish that sentence than we pulled out of the station! When I last wrote a blog update, we were on a train from Paris, France to Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg is right on the border between France and Germany, in the Alsace region, which has been fought over in both World Wars and in various other skirmishes in the past. It is a very fertile and very beautiful part of the Rhine valley. Basically, on Friday (22 September) we got in the car, drove across town, crossed a bridge, and were in Germany. It was just that simple. It’s interesting because crossing ... read more

Brussels is a heady mix of full flavoured (and extra strength) beer, dark rich chocolate, magnificent buildings and horrible city planning. When I past through last time I was not excited about going back but after a short stay I was glad to go back. It's an interesting city, not exactly the cleanest or the nicest smelling, but definately pleasent enough. It's not a place that makes an effort to impress but will surprise an un-suspecting visitor who not expecting greatness. The main square is definately a highlight with its gothic architecture and excellent cafes. The other great highlight was the Atonium. A space aged piece of junk left over from the World Fair held in 1958, the Atonium is quite an impressive sight. Sticking over 100 metres in the air, it is a massive replica ... read more

Sept. 16 We took a night bus to come to Brussels, Belgium. It was loud and packed therefore we did not get any sleep and we were exhausted when we got here in the morning. We also got lost for almost 3 hours when we got into the city so we were q little tired and grouchy We did end up going to the market place. The buildings were spectacular. we seen the town hall (it was a huge tower) and many beautiful palace like buildings made in the 1600s. Sept: 17 Belgium's main food is chocolate and waffles so I definitely got my fill. The chocolate is so good here, the waffles are too, but very very sweat and filling. I am sure I have gained 20 pounds in the last 2 days. That is ... read more

Leaving Ljubljana this afternoon after a short meeting with a local Slovene friend who I met early in Ukraine. It was nice to see a familiar face. Then purchased the bus ticket heading to the airport way too early for the cheapest flight I ever bought in history for Brussels. The check-in was fine and I was given boarding pass right after without a seat assigned. This is one of the no frill low cost airlines that have emerged recently especially in Europe. The flight was fine and we landed in Brussels in the late evening and took the airport bus to the center Brussels. I did not have any euro cash with me to cover the fare and had to pay an extra euro to pay by the credit card. Arrived in the center Brussels ... read more

World Travels This is long over due. I have been back in the states for several months now. I've been able to tell some of you what it was like travelling the world for a year & a half. Of course, words, pictures & stories do not do justice. Some of you have no idea what I was doing overseas. Hopefully, this will give you a glimpse of the countries I saw, the people I met, the job I did, the memories I made, the experiences I encountered. I've briefly described each country I went to & have included pictures. The pictures don't line up with the countries, sorry, too many pictures. It's a bit long, so check it out when you have time! Off to Europe Map Right after I graduted from UT I ... read more