Brussels!
We arrived yesterday, unpacked and walked around our area to find somewhere to eat. We went to this little place called KOSMOS where we had delicious Tapas. We went back to our guest house and settled in for the night. We are staying at a guest house just beside the museum because my dad has to work there while we are here.
I have been so busy here that I haven't had the time to post anything. We go to bed very late here because the sun doesn't go down and then we sleep in so whenever I'm not sleeping I'm out visiting wonderful amazing places. Here are some photos of places I've been and I will try to post something everyday from now on...
I have been so busy here that I haven't had the time to post anything. We go to bed very late here because the sun doesn't go down and then we sleep in so whenever I'm not sleeping I'm out visiting wonderful amazing places. Here are some photos of places I've been and I will try to post something everyday from now on...
So far we have visited Le Grand Place which is a square filled with little shops and great food. Most restaurants and to try to sell their restaurant to you because there are so many to pick from its like a constant battle to get costumers to eat at your restaurant. We went and saw the famous Mannekin Pis and went to Antiones for french fries. We went to a great antique market at the Grand Sablon.
Yesterday July 14, we went over for dinner to one of my dads colleagues houses. They have a beautiful house and the food was excellent. They were very surprised that I spoke french and all our conversations were in french! Its great practice! We were there quit late talking about Brussels and Canada and the differences between them.
This is one of the cats that lives by our house I call him Brux short for Brussels but apparently he has a name. I don't think he minds though!
While dad is working mom and I get to explore Brussels and find new cool places. Today we relaxed all morning and then went and met up with dad for lunch at a sandwich place.
While dad is working mom and I get to explore Brussels and find new cool places. Today we relaxed all morning and then went and met up with dad for lunch at a sandwich place.
The weather here is so nice I'm not used to the heat. Mom and I walked around La Grand Place today and went to the museum were they have all the costumes Mannekin-Pis has worn. We went for a cold drink and walked around with our drinks and a chocolate in hand. I will definitely be brining this tradition back home with me. On our way back home we picked up dinner for tonight and decided that we will have a picnic in the park behind our house.
July 19th:
This morning we all woke up early to get ready to go out with my dads co-worker Claude for the day. We are headed to a Titanic Exhibition and then following his trail all over Brussels for lunch and other site seeing. We will be having dinner at his family's house again tonight!
I think I am getting used to living here, yesterday I realized the only way to survive here is to live,eat and be like the flemish. The drivers here are not very safe and in order for you to actually get a turn to cross the road you have to be ruthless and don't wait around for a car to stop for you, it just never happens. The weather here is so hot and its ridiculous how fast it changed between wet and cloudy to hot and muggy. Even though it is nice to see the sun, it isn't great when your walking around all day. Oh also in Brussels there are so many cats in the windows of small businesses, houses and restaurants. To the left is a photo I took of a kitten laying around in the front window of an art gallery. Have a good day! |
What a day we had today! Before going to the Titanic Exhibition we visited the Atomium which is a large structure representing an Iron atom, it was built for 1958 World Exhibition. We went to the top of the atom to see the view and we also looked at the history of the 1958 World Expo. We left for the Titanic Exhibition which could not have been more interesting. We were each given a boarding pass that represented a real Titanic passenger. I was Miss Marie Grice Young. Throughout the displays of the artifacts an audio guide told the timeline of the Titanic's life, the artifacts were amazing and there was a real iceberg to show just how cold the water would have been for passengers swimming for their lives. At the end of the exhibit there was a wall with all the names of passengers and crew aboard the RMS Titanic. They were listed as to whether or not they survived. Marie was a survivor. After that we visited an old castle in a town outside Brussels.
The day was long and hot, but the sights and experiences were worth it.
The day was long and hot, but the sights and experiences were worth it.
As the days go by I find that the time is going by a lot faster then I expected. When we first arrived here I could not imagine another 3 and a half weeks of Brussels but now I am realizing how amazing it is to be here. It is Belgium's national holiday tomorrow and everyone is full of excitement. We will be joining the celebration tomorrow in front of the Palace. I can't wait to see how they celebrate their National day here! My parents and I went to a festival in the square in our neighbourhood which had live music and lots of food! As I type this by my windows I can hear the music and bustling excitement, it is a beautiful night here and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!!!
July 21th
So yesterday was La Fête National of Belgium and we went by the Palace where the celebration was partaking. There was lots of military demonstrations and food trucks. I had my first Belgium waffle yesterday and enjoyed it immensely! We continued strolling along Brussels to see the celebration and then went back home for a nap before heading out to have dinner at Claudes (dads co-worker). The evening was amazing filled with laughter and much eating! I went home feeling satisfied. Unfortunately I should have known that no day goes perfectly well as I was sick all night.. however today made up for the bad sleep. Mom and I went to the Royal Palace and got to see the inside. We also went to the underground city. The underground tour discovers the remains of the Palace of Charles V. From the 12th century, the monarchs and their representatives transformed a small castle into a sumptuous residential palace, one of the most magnificent palaces of Europe and one of the main residences of Charles V. The building was severely damaged by fire in 1731. The remains of the palace make up the Coudenberg archaeological site.
July 24th
So today we are going to take the train to meet my relatives and stay with them for four nights! I will be hopfully visiting Bruges and Ypres and exploring other beautiful places in Belgium. Yesterday was more of a relaxing day, mom and I went out for a bit. We shopped and had lunch but came home to relax and pack for today! I might not be posting anything because I will be so busy but I will post photos gaoler when I get back!
Have a great week!
Have a great week!
Go to Side Trips for info about my week!
July 29th
Today I went to Audrey Hepburn's birth house! It turns out the house is a 15 minute walk from my Brussels house!!! As soon as I saw it I freaked out. Its a tall thin building like most here in Brussels. And...THE TOP TWO FLOORS ARE FOR RENT! How tempting..anyways it was great to see and they have a plaque in her honour. Here are some photos.
July 30th
Today was a pretty relaxing day around the neighborhood. Mom and I had breakfast at Paul and then bought some paint supplies and books. This evening we had dinner at the Cowfish Burger. I don’t know how many times I have said this in the past month, but that was the BEST MEAL EVER!
July 31st and Aug 2nd
Go to Side Trips
Aug 3rd
Today we went to Paul for breakfast (again), the farmer’s market in Place Jourdon and then had a bit of a rest before meeting up with Claude and Patricia. They took us to the Horta House (architect of Art Nouveau). We then had Brussels’ best ice cream at Glacier Zizi. After dropping off Patricia, the rest of us headed to the Brussels Botanical Gardens. We only had time to explore the tropical green houses, but as you can see from the pictures – they were magical!
After Claude dropped us off. Mom, Dad and I decided to do Italian for dinner in Place Jourdon at the restaurant that is always packed. We found out why! Guess what?!? BEST MEAL EVER!!!
After Claude dropped us off. Mom, Dad and I decided to do Italian for dinner in Place Jourdon at the restaurant that is always packed. We found out why! Guess what?!? BEST MEAL EVER!!!
Aug 7th
So this was it, we were leaving Belgium and heading home. Europe was amazing and I will never forget the people I met, beautiful sights I saw and terrific food I ate. Every bit of it was incredible. Mom and Dad thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to see another part of the world. I will never forget it.
Differences between Belgium and Canada
Driving |
There is a big difference between the drivers in Belgium and Canada. In Canada cars almost always slow down for you as soon as they see you are about to cross the street, however, in Belgium even if you have started to cross they will drive at normal speed until they are right in front of you and then they will stop very sharply. Our first day in Belgium Mom and I were shocked and everyone does it. I definitely prefer the driving in Canada
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Food |
Well, there isn't really much to say in this subject. Everyday in Belgium there was something that I ate that I decided was the best thing ever. Not only is everything tasty but the presentation of food is incredible. In Belgium when you eat you take your time and enjoy it with great company. In Canada I find its not really about taking your time and enjoying it we tend to eat and go constantly rushing. I think we need to start adopting the European way of eating, you not only enjoy it more but it also gives you the time to appreciate the day and relax from whatever you were doing before hand. Its a time to celebrate and I love it!
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Architecture |
Sorry Canada, but its obvious Belgium is stunning and the architecture is nothing to be ashamed of. Not only is there a huge respect for history in Brussels but they take care of it and preserve it. I feel sometimes in Canada we tend to forget how beautiful our history is because we replace it with big modern buildings. Not that modern isn't amazing but I think its very important to preserve the beautiful architecture of a city.
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Interaction |
In Brussels the men are very forward.. very forward. I found it very uncomfortable to be honest. Some cultures are more forward about their emotions and feelings which is great, however, for me I was shocked when guys would wink, blow a kiss or call at me. I wasn't sure if it was something they thought was normal but I was not fond of it. Also when your shopping and you are looking at an item and someone behind you wants to look at it instead of saying "excuse moi" or "pardon" they just stare at you in a rude way as if I was suppose to know they were there. What? I mean hello you have a mouth use it.
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Environmental |
Everyone rides their bike in Belgium. It's fantastic but they never wear helmets, not even little kids learning how to ride a bike. I was shocked. They use their cars less then we do and they are all very small. The plumbing is so old most people cannot use their taps to drink water, they depend on bottled water. This is a huge waste. At every meal there is a huge plastic bottle which we drink from and then throw away.
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