Brussels, Belgium

Bern and I have just returned from a week in Belgium. Having not known much about the country, it was definitely better than expected. Belgium is truly a beautiful country, and its charm was enhanced by lots and lots of good quality chocolates, waffles and heavy beers. Plus, the trip is only 2 hrs by Eurostar train from London. Our first stop was Brussels, and we stayed for one night before heading to Bruges. Most of the people spoke Dutch, French and German and this mixed culture is evident in the food.   

I thought I would start the blog of with pictures of yummy chocolates. In Brussels and also in Bruges, almost every second shop was a chocolatier. It is a good thing we don't own a weighing scale in London. All that pigging out would definitely do some damage to the waistline and not to mention the effects on my coronary arteries. Oh well, it was well worth it. Who could resist? :)

It did not take me long to dig into my first of many waffles... and all drizzled with good quality Belgian chocolate.  MMMMmmmm.... salivating while thinking about it.

I did not forget about the city itself. Above is the main square called the Grote Markt. We came on a good day as the city was having a Balloon Festival. The streets were littered with tourists and locals alike and it was amazing to see all these giant balloons of many caricatures parading down the streets of Brussels. I personally like the giant blue Smurf and Spongebox Squarepants. But there was also Betty Boop, Ninja turtles, characters from Dr Zeuss, to mention the least. These balloons were accompanied by marching bands that were very good.

Above is Manneken Pis (translated as little man urinating). It is a famous landmark in Brussels and it is a little bronze statue of a boy urinating. This fountain was built in 1618 and has many legends as to its beginnings.

However, I'm not going to dwell on that, Wikipedia it if you are curious. Also, his outfit changes several times a week, and all his outfits are kept in a museum.

More photos of the main square

Ahhh... Belgian beer. Definitely not for the faint hearted. They all pack a punch, many with 9-10% alcohol. Needless to say, Bern could not wait to have a couple.

There were a few streets in Brussels that reminds me of Lygon street in Melbourne. They all have people standing outside the restaurant trying to lure customers by offering first drinks on the house. The place we went to served fresh seafood, but was definitely overpriced. But we had our first taste of Moules and Frites (Mussels and Frites) plus a whole lot more. Strangely enough, every restaurant was also serving Paella, a Spanish seafood rice dish. I don't think Spain was ever part of Belgium culture or history.

Mussels cooked in white wine- very French influenced

Our seafood platter

Paella

I forgot to mention that we were travelling with some mates from Melbourne. After dinner, we decided to pig out on some lovely fondue at Hiagen Daz (another French company). Great way to start a trip and end a lovely day.