Belgium : Brussels, the Home of Manneken Pis, April - May 2010

Continuing from my last post on Brugge, I will now write about Brussels.
I bet the first thing that came to your mind about Brussels is the little peeing boy (apart from chocolates, of course) - Manneken Pis.
While it is the landmark of the city, there are many other things to offer.

Beautiful city view, good food and great beers. Now, that is something I couldn't ask for more!

We arrived at the most remarkable landmark of Brussels - The Grand Palace or Grote Markt. It was surrounded by guildhalls, The Town Hall and the Breadhouse (Broodhuis). This square is always packed with tourists and a great place for photography lovers to flaunt their skills on panoramic shots. Nearing Christmas, the place would be lit up beautifully and you will find many stalls selling Christmas decorations and Christmas trees.

Right in front of you is the Guildhalls. On the right, is the Breadhouse.

The city's Town hall.

A close look on the architecture of the Breadhouse. Impressive.

The statue at the top of the small fountain reminded me of the 3 musketeers! Hehe.

Saint Katherines Cathedral

Cathédrale Saint-Michel or Sint-Michiels Kathedraal

Interior view of Cathédrale Saint-Michel

 Mont des Arts

  The park surronding Mont des Arts

Now, here is the main attraction. 
I was actually searching high and low for him. When I finally found him, I swallowed hard while staring at the innocent little thing - there you are!!
Yeah, the little peeing boy is tiny. If you don't look for him with a map or looking at the directional guides, you could easily pass him by....

and still looking for him!

All right, now the little boy looks like a bigger boy :p

Look how famous he is. Even the chocolate factories made him in different colours.

It had been a long day with hours of walking. We rewarded ourselves with Belgian's specialty - mussels in wine (or beer, if you please), in a local cafe-pub. There was live music accompanying the delicious dinner. Perfect.

Most places will serve with a plate of hand-made fries with some dips (tartar sauce or mayonnaise or any home-made sauce). One of my favourite western dishes!

On our final night, we indulge ourselves in a seafood feast at La Vielle Ville (located at Petite rue des Bouchers 6-8, 1000 Brussels). I couldn't remember if it was run by a Spanish or an Italian. Anyway, the staffs were very friendly and offered each a glass of wine, on the house.

 Yeah, more mussels. It came with the seafood package. I wouldn't mind having it in every meal. In fact, I am already missing it.

All in all, I enjoyed my trip to Belgium very much despite it was rainy occasionally. If you love beers, you must try its local produce. And they go perfectly well with hand-made fries ;) Needless to stress again, pamper yourself with truffles and chocolates (I would just go for the truffles!). Never mind about the calories for the moment. There are some shops that offer discounts too, from time to time. So, you can also bring some back as souvenirs. 

I assure you, the truffles will melt hearts as they do in your mouth!

Belgium : Brugge, city of chocolates, April 2010

It was right after Easter and hurray, yet another holiday! :)

Spring is indeed a good time to travel as it is already getting warmer and flowers are blooming and it is pleasant to be greeted with beds of colourful perky flowers.(Of course, minus the annoyingly random rain shower every now and then)

And....

Not to forget Belgian beers and Belgian chocolates are awaiting for spring party!

We arrived at Brugge from Brussels via intercity train.

I immediately fell in love with the city. Words couldn't quite express it. Experience it yourself :p

The self-guided city tour then began...

 

I absolutely love the landscape and the scenery. The reflection of the spring hues in the waters was a simple beauty.

We weren't in a mood for canal tour. Instead, we walked along the canal, which was equally satisfying. If you do not mind the queue and the wait, do take the canal tour.

Enough of canals. Moving to the city view.

 Brugge city hall.

Irresistibly cute soft toy bears :p

 Look, there is a bird in the cage. No. Not a live one, though.

Next, something interesting. Something beautiful. Something exceptionally quaint....and something edible!

Arggh...too many temptations. Too many choices!

No, these are not edible. These are for fun! Would love to bring them home :)

Whoa! There is also Little Mermaid here in Brugge!

It became rainy towards lunch. In fact, it was pouring. We found shelter in a cowboy-themed cafe. The soup was the star. It warmed us up from the dampness that soaked through our clothes.

After the rain had stopped, we continued exploring the city.

Then, we stumbled upon the finest Belgian chocolate. The world stood still for a split second. Who will resist Belgian chocolates? What's more, the finest Belgian chocolate. Yes, I had to repeat it twice. For the dramatic effect :p