On to Belgium

We left our lovely cat sit and headed to Birmingham to catch the train to Euston Station, London. We walked from there to St. Pancras Station and caught the Eurostar to Brussels.

Since we were travelling within Europe, there was no stopping at Immigration, though apparently this will be changing in November. I wonder why? Anyway, we grabbed a taxi to the Atlas Hotel, which was located very conveniently about a ten minute walk from the Grand-Place. It took a minute to reorient to a new language and cars driving on the right side of the road. After checking in we walked to the Grand-Place together then Bruce left to find beer bars. Beer is more than a beverage, it is to Belgium what wine is to France.

The Grand-Place is an amazing place. Wikipedia says that its construction was started in the 11th century and was largely completed by the 17th Century but it goes on to say that it was mostly destroyed in 1695 during the bombardment of Brussels by French troops. Happily, it was rebuilt over time in keeping with its gothic style and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also famous for its pickpockets.

Interesting play of sun & shadow:

There is so much intricate carving on the building, but in many places it sees to have fallen victim to weathering or pollution damage.

I found my way to the Galeries Royales St. Hubert. This is actually a complex of three shopping passages covered by glazing.

There are some lovely shops and galleries but most of the real estate is devoted to cafes and chocolate shops, chocolate being another thing for which Belgium is renowned. I was quite taken by the quirky little things in this gallery.

The shopping areas off the Grand-Place are a mix of cheap souvenir stores, chocolate shops, clothing stores - both high end and tat - chocolate shopss, strange little places like this:

American fast food, chocolate shops (you get the idea)

and restaurants with interesting names.

I met up with Bruce and we did the requisite visit to a cheap restaurant for mussels.