Europe Winter Trip (Part 2 - Brussels)

Day 4

So, early in the morning (the effects of the magic mushrooms had long faded) we took a metro to Amsterdam's Amstel station to board our Eurolines bus to Brussels. We were early so we left our luggage at the hostel ("Sleep Well") first then went out to walk around. We got a nice map (Brussels for young travellers) from the hostel. Lots of chocolate confectionery shops around. We first went to the main plaza, Grand' Place/Grote Markt.

The map and some chocolate bars me and Bernard bought. Bernard's was nicer (crispy gianduja).

Then we went doen to see one of the most famous sights in Brussels, the Manneken Pis, or the "peeing boy" statue that most people know. It was definitely much much smaller than I thought. It's always being dressed up depending on the season and when we went it was in Santa Claus garb.

Yes, it's soooo small.

Anyway after that we decided to have lunch. The counter lady at the hostel had suggested us 2 places for Mussels, but they weren't very cheap (plus we couldn't understand the menu). So instead we followed the advice of the map and went to Chez Leon at Beenhouwersstraat/Rue de Bouchers. They had a set meal with mussels, fries + beer for €14,50 (only). But I tried some pasta with mussels + beer instead. The mussels were nice and fresh. Didn't expect myself to like them as much as I did. So it was a satisfying meal =)


After checking in etc. we "rested" (i.e. slept). Then we went out (can't remember what we had for dinner). We went to see the this Tin Tin place (though I've never ever read the series). There was a street musician group playing some classics and they were so good that I was compelled to give them some money.


Day 5

The next morning we woke up early and took a metro down to the "Atomium". Didn't go up though, coz it wasn't opened yet and it's expensive.

My "High School Musical" jump. Totally unintentional. Was trying to jump something else.

We then took a long tram ride (on tram 81) around the outskirts of the city and ended up at this building where they said they started growing sprouts (Brussels sprout). Nothing much there though. We took the tram again to Confeitaria Garcia for some "Pastéis de Nata" (recommended by the map, which claims that many Portuguese think it tastes better there than in Portugal), not knowing what they were... they're actually Portuguese Egg Tarts lah! @.@ The lady couldn't speak English. Wasn't fantastic though.

Some fantastic wall art we passed by. There were many comic paintings on the walls in Brussels.

We then walked to Place Jourdan Plein. Bought some fries from Antoine (had to queue). Tried to order in French at first. Lol. And then she started asking me stuff in French... so she switched to English. Well then after that we went to the building that houses the Europäisches Parlament or European Parliament and so on written in 23 official languages. Wasn't open on Sunday so we then went to the Army Museum.

Frietkot they call it. I bought my fries with their special sauce (mayo and onion sauce).

It was great that it was free, but unfortunately everything was in French and Dutch. We then went back to Grand' Place/Grote Markt and there were some bands playing music. Unfortunately it wasn't good. We went back to the hostel.

Their own Arc de Triomphe - Triomfboog. Army Museum to the right. Auto World (antique cars) to the left.

At night we went out again. Bought souvenirs and stuff. There was some Native American music performances which I found rather cool, and it sounded rather Chinese (but the CD was €15 so I decided not to buy). We also managed (finally) to have some Belgian Waffles. It was sweet and tasty but the texture was kinda unexpected though.

Waffles!!

Back in the hostel we watched "The Heartbreak Kid" on Enrique's comp. Some confusion happened concerning our hostel bookings and stuff but it was settled soon.

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Other Points:

Almost all the signs are in dual-language, French and Dutch. But I mostly heard people speak French though.

People usually say there's nothing to Brussels but it's actually quite a nice pleasant city. Worth visiting I say.