Belgium - Brussels and Brugge
I am supposed to be studying for my exams which begin next Friday but I am restless and there is nothing else for me to do online so here begins a post on one of my favorite places visited so far. BELGIUM!
FOOD
If you don't already know, I will pick sweet over savoury anytime, so a country famed for waffles and CHOCOLATE is definitely going to rank high up on my list of favourite places. Now dont even get my started on the mussels, i will never forget the scent of the briny steam that assaulted my nostrils when the waiter removed the cover from my pot of wine infused mussels.
Waffles were ubiquitous, at every corner turned, there would be a waffles stand and the smell of freshly baked waffles, very tempting indeed. This little baby here cost 5 euros. Sweet strawberries doused in creamy white chocolate (not drizzled, DOUSED) probably a gazillion calories but so worth it.
the ubiquitous waffle stands.
Belgium's the birthplace of Pralines (invented by Jean Neuhaus in 1912) and there were so many chocolatiers peddling handmade artisan praline. So many shapes sizes flavors and prices, we eventually settled for 2 shops. One in Brussels which I dont have the name of but it is right by the river at the Blind Donkey Alley and another in Brugge called Daya which sold 1kg pralines for just 12 euros. Stocked up on gifts and tummy fillers at these two places and ended up with 3kg of chocolate.
Supposedly the best chocolate shop in Brugge, right next to the Blind Donkey Alley
Chocolate master at work at the chocolate Museum we visited in Brugge. I think he was explaining the ratio of cocoa, sugar, milk and cocoa butter in milk, dark and white chocolate.
STREETS
Brugge was much prettier than Brussels, perhaps also because it was raining all day while we were in Brussels and there was clear skies and sunshine in Brugge, Perfect for walking the town and taking pretty photographs. I loved how all the buildings were squat and narrow and had "stepped" roofs. Also, there was almost always a river, with water catching the sun and reflecting the picturesque streets of Brugge.
SIGHTS
The Grand Place (Brussels), said to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. I couldnt agree more, especially at night when the entire square lights up. There is supposed to be a market in the square which opens everyday, but the weather wasn't so good so we missed the Market. Neuhaus and Godiva have outlets here.
The Manneken Pis (Brussels) - There are many stories behind the origin of this status, ill just share my favorite one. This little boy extinguished a fuse (with very precise aiming) which would have otherwise caused a devastating explosion. I have no idea why he is marketing 02 but they change his costumes throughout the year. Christmas is right around the corner so i supposed he'll get a red and white suit and perhaps a beard really soon!
Parc Du Cinquantenaire (Brussels) - Built for the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Belgian Independence in 1880. The equivalent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Windmills (Brugge) - We found some windmills in Brugge, right outside the city centre. They aren't working anymore but they make for really great photographs.
De Haalve Mann Brewery (Brugge) - Belgium is also famous for its beers and with valid reason. The beers are much lighter than German beers. Very nice with some hot Flemish Beef Stew.
IN BLACK & WHITE
thank you dexter for editing the second photo and helping me straighten the lines.
TRAVEL BUDDIES
(L to R) - Me, Sharon, Gretchen, Jun Xiang.
FOOD
If you don't already know, I will pick sweet over savoury anytime, so a country famed for waffles and CHOCOLATE is definitely going to rank high up on my list of favourite places. Now dont even get my started on the mussels, i will never forget the scent of the briny steam that assaulted my nostrils when the waiter removed the cover from my pot of wine infused mussels.
Waffles were ubiquitous, at every corner turned, there would be a waffles stand and the smell of freshly baked waffles, very tempting indeed. This little baby here cost 5 euros. Sweet strawberries doused in creamy white chocolate (not drizzled, DOUSED) probably a gazillion calories but so worth it.
the ubiquitous waffle stands.
Belgium's the birthplace of Pralines (invented by Jean Neuhaus in 1912) and there were so many chocolatiers peddling handmade artisan praline. So many shapes sizes flavors and prices, we eventually settled for 2 shops. One in Brussels which I dont have the name of but it is right by the river at the Blind Donkey Alley and another in Brugge called Daya which sold 1kg pralines for just 12 euros. Stocked up on gifts and tummy fillers at these two places and ended up with 3kg of chocolate.
Supposedly the best chocolate shop in Brugge, right next to the Blind Donkey Alley
Chocolate master at work at the chocolate Museum we visited in Brugge. I think he was explaining the ratio of cocoa, sugar, milk and cocoa butter in milk, dark and white chocolate.
STREETS
Brugge was much prettier than Brussels, perhaps also because it was raining all day while we were in Brussels and there was clear skies and sunshine in Brugge, Perfect for walking the town and taking pretty photographs. I loved how all the buildings were squat and narrow and had "stepped" roofs. Also, there was almost always a river, with water catching the sun and reflecting the picturesque streets of Brugge.
SIGHTS
The Grand Place (Brussels), said to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. I couldnt agree more, especially at night when the entire square lights up. There is supposed to be a market in the square which opens everyday, but the weather wasn't so good so we missed the Market. Neuhaus and Godiva have outlets here.
The Manneken Pis (Brussels) - There are many stories behind the origin of this status, ill just share my favorite one. This little boy extinguished a fuse (with very precise aiming) which would have otherwise caused a devastating explosion. I have no idea why he is marketing 02 but they change his costumes throughout the year. Christmas is right around the corner so i supposed he'll get a red and white suit and perhaps a beard really soon!
Parc Du Cinquantenaire (Brussels) - Built for the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Belgian Independence in 1880. The equivalent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Windmills (Brugge) - We found some windmills in Brugge, right outside the city centre. They aren't working anymore but they make for really great photographs.
De Haalve Mann Brewery (Brugge) - Belgium is also famous for its beers and with valid reason. The beers are much lighter than German beers. Very nice with some hot Flemish Beef Stew.
IN BLACK & WHITE
thank you dexter for editing the second photo and helping me straighten the lines.
TRAVEL BUDDIES
(L to R) - Me, Sharon, Gretchen, Jun Xiang.