brussels and chocolate

We only planned one day in Brussels, and that day happened to be the day we arrived. In retrospect, perhaps that wasn't the best idea. After our 3 hour advance arrival at the airport due to increased security measures, and then the flight to Newark and the 3 hour wait until our flight to Brussels, and then the 6+ hour flight to Brussels, overnight, plus the jet lag, I was a leeeetle bit tired. Maybe even a little bit grumpy, although I won't admit to that.

We did lots of walking in Brussels, ate lots of chocolate, sampled some frites, and enjoyed the sights. Thankfully, Brussels wasn't too big and didn't have an overload of sights for us to visit, so we were able to see everything we wanted to see without too much trouble. It was, however, very charming and pretty. We started at our hotel, took the subway to the center of town, and stopped at the center, where the Town Hall was surrounded by restaurants, cafes and museums. It so happened that it was also a yearly festival where the square is decorated with thousands of flowers.




It made for lots of crowds too, so I spent a good bit of time maneuvering my way around while protecting the belly against wayward strollers and elbows.






There were some interesting street vendors also, creating a variety of smells that assaulted a pregnant woman's nostrils.













Look at how they decorate the mailboxes and sign posts! These flowers were so pretty! I wished we could have brought them back with us.





We rested quite a bit in Brussels, and stopped for chocolates and coffee (decaf, of course) and beer for Josh. He was very impressed with the array of beers available at every cafe. He isn't a big drinker, but sipping a leisurely brew on a hot summer day while people watching is certainly his idea of a good time.







Mmmmm, chocolate.





Sorry the picture isn't clear, but this was a smuggled photo since the woman was watching customers like a hawk. I pretended to be adjusting the camera around my neck while I shot this photo.



Of course, we couldn't miss the most famous statue in Brussels- Mannekin Pis. Surprisingly, he is quite small for a boy that attracts such a huge crowd! Isn't he a cutie, though?






Our visit wouldn't have been complete without some of Brussels most famous treats.










Mussels in Brussels, and frites! And Beer! What else?




Unfortunately, mussels were another one of those smells that assaulted the pregnant woman's nostrils, so I opted not to partake. Perhaps next time!