In November 2009 I embarked on a trip to Brussels. At that time I had a plan to visit everyEuropean capital. Now that I live in Canada, that dream seems now very far away! As does Europe.
Before I left for Brussels, I had a bit of prior knowledge. I knew, for example, that I needed to eat as much Belgian chocolate as possible. I knew also that Brussels housed the European Parliament so I needed to seek that out. Beyond this, however, I had very little knowledge and so, armed with my Rough Guide, off I went, ready to see as much as I could!
Let’s start with those things that I knew I would see…chocolate. Oh how I love chocolate and I wasn’t disappointed!
I was glad I did explore a little further, because I came upon what can only be described as really the only truly beautiful part of Brussels – The Grand Place. In this city of nice, but uniformly grey buildings, here was architecture with embellishment. Originally a market, this place continues to feel like the heart of Brussels in it’s hustle and bustle. The Town Hall dominates the square, with the no less impressive, but smaller guildhalls all around.
The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is just awesome. So huge and grand from the outside and so gothic and spectral from the inside. Built in 1047, this cathdral now serves the Archbishop of Mechlin-Brussels.
The atomium was the atomium… designed for the 1958 Brussels World Fair, it is a series of spheres that form a replica of a unit cell or iron crystal. If you venture up into it, you are provided with a panoramic view of Brussels.
The flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle on a Sunday is definitely, definitely worth checking out. It is a super quaint place, filled with dainty antique shops and there were some amazing things. If I could have brought it all home, I would have bought everything!!
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