Delicious Brussels
What a long day, starting at 4.30 am, with my early flight to Brussels, where I had to wander around for a few hours until my meetings started, and then a long wait at the airport because of various delays to get back.. at 1 in the morning.
I enjoyed the quiet hours of the morning looking at the voluptuous shop windows and holiday decorations of the city center though.
And since it was very cold, I had a good excuse to sample quite a few hot chocolates (mmmhhh Haegen Dasz hazelnut espresso chocolate. MMMMMMHHHH) and other delicacies until it was time for work. Exhausting, but quite satisfying, no doubt about it.
In the early morning light, and nearly empty, la Grande Place looked like made from sugar
The only people around were the workers decorating the place for the holidays, including this life size creche
..which apparently had such fresh straw on its roof that the local pidgeons enjoyed a grain feast. Or maybe the straw was old and full of yummy insects. Who knows.
Onwards to more human treats. Chocolate fountains have always fascinated me. I must have one at my wedding. Absolutely.
Next door to the chocolate shop, other delicious treats.
My favourite shop window. Manneken Piss Multicolour.
The Christmas market was not open yet, but the shop tenders were already busy stocking their little stands from behind, and seeing the merchandise I started to drool.
I got all excited seeing this but alas it was not open yet and I was very hungry already at 11 am.. so no sarmale :(
In the end I opted for a nice place, the Cafe des Epices in Rue Froissart, where I got this absolutely delicious risotto.. I particularly loved the decoration :D
In the end, time to work. The holy halls of EU ruling.
And yours truly in front of it, very visibly wind blown and already exhausted at 2 p.m....
I enjoyed the quiet hours of the morning looking at the voluptuous shop windows and holiday decorations of the city center though.
And since it was very cold, I had a good excuse to sample quite a few hot chocolates (mmmhhh Haegen Dasz hazelnut espresso chocolate. MMMMMMHHHH) and other delicacies until it was time for work. Exhausting, but quite satisfying, no doubt about it.
In the early morning light, and nearly empty, la Grande Place looked like made from sugar
The only people around were the workers decorating the place for the holidays, including this life size creche
..which apparently had such fresh straw on its roof that the local pidgeons enjoyed a grain feast. Or maybe the straw was old and full of yummy insects. Who knows.
Onwards to more human treats. Chocolate fountains have always fascinated me. I must have one at my wedding. Absolutely.
Next door to the chocolate shop, other delicious treats.
My favourite shop window. Manneken Piss Multicolour.
The Christmas market was not open yet, but the shop tenders were already busy stocking their little stands from behind, and seeing the merchandise I started to drool.
I got all excited seeing this but alas it was not open yet and I was very hungry already at 11 am.. so no sarmale :(
In the end I opted for a nice place, the Cafe des Epices in Rue Froissart, where I got this absolutely delicious risotto.. I particularly loved the decoration :D
In the end, time to work. The holy halls of EU ruling.
And yours truly in front of it, very visibly wind blown and already exhausted at 2 p.m....