Brussels: 7th to 11th

As we arrived into Brussels all we knew about the city is that it was good for chocolate, Beer and waffles. Joel and Luke raved about the place as they had previously had a stop over there and thoroughly enjoyed the pubs and selection of Belgium beers! We found our hostel with ease and sure enough we were off to a good start as it was located 20m from the Godiva chocolate factory. Because it was Sunday most things were closed, but we went for a walk to a massive cathedral that really was the ugliest thing I’d ever seen, inside and out. It was finished construction in the 1960s and looked more like a recreation centre with a few stained glass windows.

We then found a kebab shop that was metres from our hostel, and it seriously made the most amazing ‘durum’ for only €3.50. This was to be our main source of food over the next few days! After our feast we caught the train and tram to Brussels centre square where Joel had previously had his life changing experience. Well it was simply amazing. There were the most unbelievable buildings, with the most intricate designs. It was obvious why this was such a major tourist attraction.

We then went to see the famous ‘Manikin Piss’…well he was a lot smaller than expected, possibly one of the smallest statues I’ve ever seen. Apparently he frequently dresses up and has over 2000 costumes, something to entertain the local Brussels’ crowds I guess.

After this it was definitely Beer O’clock, so we found ourselves heading towards the nearest pub which happened to be Irish, and the waitress Australian. Just can’t escape the Aussies. So we pretty much parked there for the night, enjoying good alcohol, service and soccer on the plasma TV.

The following day we followed our tourist guide book and went on a multicultural walk around Africa town, (little bit odd seeing as there were mostly white people on the streets), nevertheless we found a couple of cool shops that stocked clothes mostly suited to the Bennett dress up box. If only we had a spare suitcase we could have added to the collection. After exploring this area of town we were not impressed by its ugliness and decided a late lunch in Central Square may be a good option. Due to the fact we were in Belgium we had to try the local specialty of…..(Sausage with mash combined with puree vegetables), yummy!! We then went to an array of chocolate shops to find that you can pay up to €50 for only 500g of chocolate; we opted for the cheaper variety and were not disappointed.

The third day in Brussels we followed our tourist guide suggestion and ventured to the flea market. Well it was more a conglomeration of junk. If you knew what you were looking for I’m sure you could have snagged a rare antique/painting OR if you were a budget minded individual you could purchase a random mix of cutlery and crockery. We found a few pieces of jewelry that were very unique, but over priced (probably because they knew we were tourists). It was definitely an experience and followed the old saying ‘one persons junk is another person’s treasure’.

In the afternoon we went to the Ark de’ Triumph, another major monument that was joined onto the automobile, war and aviation museums. We essentially took a journey back into the past, learning more about history and discovering how far technology has come.

We then went to see Brussels most famous monument the atomium, see the pic below, apparently its an iron molecule that is magnified 1.5billion times.

Our last day in Brussels was dedicated to Beer. We started the morning off with a tour around the Gueuze Museum. This museum is situated in the sill operational Cantillon brewery and is famous for its authentic Lambic beers. Locals suggest that before entering this brewery and museum, you must forget all you know about the taste of beer, and then try a Cantillon Gueuze or Kriek (cherry beer). You're in for a surprise !! It really was very interesting and when sampling the beer you can see how unique and delicious it was (if only they had an outlet in Australia). To learn more about the unique brewery visit the Cantillon Website http://www.cantillon.be/

After that we caught the tram back into town and went to a famous bar called ‘Delerium Cafe' that stocked over 2000 different types of Beer, with 22 different Beers on tap. Inside the pub it was really cozy with a great atmosphere as the youth flocked in to see what this place was all about. The roof and walls were lined with different Beer labels, whilst wine barrels were the predominant tables; it really was a place where you could settle in for the evening.

Overall Brussels was a weird and wonderful city. The architecture ranged from beautiful and historic to contemporary and hideous. The local Brussels people say ‘it’s ugly and we love it’ and you can see why as somehow it all works. Joel found the beer was up to a high standard and I (who was not an avid beer drinker previously) found myself really enjoying some different flavors. Sarah struggled to drink any form of beer, but we forced her saying it will develop her pallet for the future, instead she discovered the difference between square waffles and round ones. Round waffles are sugar infused and therefore totally disgusting (like eating fairy floss), square waffles are made with the original Belgium recipe and should only be eaten with a small dusting of icing sugar (delicious!). Local Brussel citizens get annoyed when tourists top their waffles with fruit, cream and chocolate…and for good reason as it ruins the simplicity and tastiness of the waffle. Guess you just have to try it and see for yourself!

(Palace)

(random dog statue)

(sarah trying to follow a map...blind leading the blind!!)

(our new car...just need the keys)

(we were wondering why so many tourists were running their hands over the lady, we found out later she gives you luck. As you can see she is golden unlike the surrounding areas due to been touched so often)