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Published: December 13th 2008
That's what it's all about...
Gimme chocolate, gimme cream, bananas, berries, honey... any which way. Waffles are GOOD.We had been warned about Brussels. We were told it was ‘dull’ so we set our expectations for our city break quite low.
In future, this is going to be my travel policy, as occasionally ‘fantastic’ places fail to deliver and our city break to Brussels turned out much better than we imagined!
One thing we have learnt since living in the United Kingdom, is that Europeans really ‘do’ Christmas in a big way. Our reasons for visiting Brussels on a cold weekend in the middle of winter were:
1. Christmas Markets
2. Waffles
Pretty sad really, but the convenience of the EuroStar makes these silly whims come true without much fuss.
When we arrived, the Christmas markets were in full swing and we set to work hunting down the elusive waffle. It didn’t take us long to find them. The smell reached us first. There they were. Covered in cream, chocolate sauce, bananas, strawberries and enough calories to make Jenny Craig cry. We were in and damn they were good!
We also got hold of another Belgium favourite ‘frites and mayo’ and Chris sampled the famous Belgium sausage in a bun. This was followed
by more ‘frites and mayo’, some potato and bacon dish in white sauce, mulled wine, hot chocolate and of course, Belgium beer.
In between eating, we got on our walking shoes and explored the city. The Christmas lights were shining, the beautiful Grand Market was decked out with a towering Christmas tree and nativity scene and the chocolate shops were frantic. The little alleyways around the Market Place were absolutely heaving and everyone seemed in a festive mood. Even little Manneken Pis was dressed up in his St Nick outfit!
In the evening we explored more Christmas markets down by the cathedral and came face to face with the ‘Ice Monster’ and two of the craziest carousels we had ever seen. They looked like they had been made with recycled parts but were absolutely stunning to look at. Instead of horses, the little kids rode on stag beetles, puffer fish and tree lizards. We even saw one little boy stuffed into a rocket. He looked just like Augustus Gloop stuck up the chocolate pipe in the film! When the carousel started, the adults shouted in excitement while a few of the toddlers burst into tears. It was absolutely
hilarious. I’m sure ‘Occupational, Health and Safety’ in New Zealand would have a few things to say about it!
Our hotel was another highlight. I don’t usually comment on hotels but
The Dominican in Brussels was fantastic. Quite possibly, the best bed I have ever slept in. No wonder when you consider that even the sheets are for sale. Along with the coffee machine, bath robes and orchards! We usually stay ‘cheap-ish’ during our travels but this weekend turned out to be a great little treat to warm up our chilly December.
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Tashx2
Tash Watts & Tash Anderson
Yum!
I think we will make a trip to Brussells just for the waffles! They look SO GOOD!! Tash.