To celebrate the big 4-0(s), Chris and Trish have landed in Europe. Belgium and Amsterdam are the destinations of choice. The mindset being who could be anxious about getting older when on such a grand adventure!
The flight was relatively uneventful. Forgot what a great pour of wine they give you on an international flight. Thought it would help us sleep, but three movies later and a few dozes we are in Brussels.
Already impressed with the convenience of travel, downstairs from customs, and 12 Euro and we are bound for the city. Off the train looking for the hotel... 50 meters left, 50 meters back right, looking for a landmark or sense of direction, that is part of the fun, figuring it out. Make a guess and what a find our hotel. And only a couple of blocks from the trainstaion and very quaint. Plus the lobby has a self serve bar with a bottle of Jamisons. Who would have guessed. We were able to check in early and freshen up. Rally up, we must hit the town before we crash. We have been awake for 20 hours.
We grabbed the map and went off wandering. Really, it is quite a nice city to walk around.We stop by at the bakery for some pastry and coffee. The streets are tight but also endless cafe and bars in each street.
We wander around the Grand Palace. Great people watching. Who doesn't love a city square that sells flowers in February. Nice little hisory of the city museum, but we are fading fast. Engine must have fuel. Off to the "Bier Circus", for some Belgium strong, Belgium sours and frites. Got a little bump, wander back to the hotel, and dare I say the no no of napping on day one?
Few hours later, refreshed and ready to explore some more.
There is no shortage of cafes and bars as every street we stumble across them. All looking very inviting. We walk the city, unable to choose a stopping place. Maybe it is the haze of jet leg or maybe we are still full of the beer and frites. Brussels has a buzz about it and it was great to just get lost in the streets. Couple of hours later, we find a winner. Le Roy d' Espagne, an old Bakery Guild house turned restaurant. It was built in the 1500's and renovted in the 1905. Dark wood and low ceilings, with little window seats/tables that over look the square. It's quite and amazing place. Although oddly enough, very modern bathrooms, that will cost you .35 Euro.
Off to Bar Delerium. What a treat, all draught beer come from beer faucets dropping from the ceiling. Great selections which comulates in the two liter boot glass beer. A little crazy.
We wander back to the hotel. After returning from a big day out in Brussels we were more then impressed with the city. We felt safe walking though the streets. It's easy to navigate around with the map and there are plenty signs to get to your destination. Looking forward to a fun packed Saturday, starting with a flea market in the morning. Good Night.
