May 30, 2003

Beer, Beer and More Beer!
Brussels, Belgium

After 4 long months in Iraq, Clare is back in Europe and came to spend the 4 day Hemelvaart weekend with Mark and I. As it turned out, we already had plans to visit Mark's older brother Paul and his fiancée, Jackie, who are taking a week long holiday in Belgium. What a family reunion!!

We drove down to Brussels on Friday morning and checked into our hotel. Then it was time to meet up with Jackie and Paul and explore the city. Of course we got lost trying to find our way through town. The one way streets, crazy dead ends and streets that aren't on the map.... it is just like Paris! But, eventually we made it.

I have to admit, Brussels really surprised me. If you've never been here, I bet your stereotype is of a  fairly boring place. That's what I thought. But, home of the waffle... and the city that supposedly invented French Fries did not let me down!! Brussels has a beautiful center square with wonderful old buildings and winding lanes. It was very reminiscent of Brugge, which I guess is not surprising given that they are both in Belgium. Of course we had to see Mannekin Pis -- the famous fountain of a little boy peeing. :) The weather was fabulous and the tourists were out in full force. Summer has definitely arrived in Europe and along with it the crowds and hustle and bustle. It really us ready for full time travel...  

   
     
We didn't take in any of Brussels museums... instead, we decided to sit and chat in the pub... and sample the local craft -- beer!! Mark and Paul started at the top of the list and worked their way through a good number of Belgian beers. I sampled a few myself (and took sips here and there of the ones Mark ordered.) Pretty good stuff, actually. Never thought I'd like beer... but it's growing on me! (I think I even liked it better than the Belgian waffle!)

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This Page was last update: Thursday, May 27, 2004 at 1:43:46 AM
This page was originally posted: 2/24/2004; 3:39:02 PM.
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