Categories: uncategorized
Date: 28 October 2004 19:16:41
Thank you to those who offered advice for what to see and do in Brussels. We have returned from our trip and really enjoyed it. The weather was basically really, really good - hardly any rain, lots of sunshine and reasonably warm, especially the first couple of days.
Things I want to pass on about Brussels
1. Grand Place - amazing buildings and full of character, the only drawback being us annoying tourist types getting everywhere
2. The cartoons painted on buildings around the city - we didn't see all of them as they are very scattered but the ones we did see were great.
3. Beer - there is lots of it and so can provide lots of entertainment, my caution is that I ended up drinking a beer that was 11% strength because I didn't realise you could get them so strong! Oh and you might end up looking a bit stupid if you order kwak.
4. Atomium - the 9 silver balls thing that Brussels built as an identifying symbol in 1958 - it is currently closed as they are working on it - it won't reopen until January 2006 but you can still go and look at it and wander round the er... industrial park!
5. Food - if you like a hassle free eating experience, or choosing of restaurant avoid the streets around Galeries St Hubert - if you do choose to eat there be determind, don't allow the forceful people outside hassle you.
6. Taverne du Passage - don't go there, not a nice way to be treated on my birthday thank you very much.
7. Shopping - chocolate obviously - lots of it, at various prices, a great little book/gift shop along the Galeries Saint-Hubert. Comic related shops, if that is your sort of thing. Beer again - everywhere.
8. Comic Strip Museum - good, though I did find it frustrating because I am so poor at French.
9. View over the city from the Palais du Justice (not a stunning view like from the Sacre Coeur in Paris but good to see)
10. Mannequin Pis - not a very impressive little boy weeing - I had been warned but what amazed me was the amount of people who seemed to love it so much. Oh and if you want a corkscrew...