Tuesday, August 29, 2006

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!

12 comments:

Maribeth said...

HUbby would die for Mussels in Brussels. He talks about them all the time!

yankeeclipper said...

Omigosh, you look adorable! Mussels in Brussels...hee, hee.

Crunchy Domestic Goddess said...

aww, it looks like such fun! you & josh are both so cute, but i just adore your buddha belly. :)

Anonymous said...

Um, escargots from a street vendor? A tiny bit odd, but when in Brussels....

And I love your tummy!

Anonymous said...

Hey, I just got a postcard of that flower-covered plaza! My FIL and lovely MIL#2 have an apartment in Brussels that they're using as a base for several months of European adventures. I want to be retired, too!

You do look very cute. Too bad you couldn't enjoy the mussels, or the super-strong Belgian beer.

halloweenlover said...

I couldn't get over the escargots from a street vendor, honestly. They kind of stunk, first of all, and second of all, people were standing on the street eating them out of the SHELLS! They must be good, though, because the lines were many people long at every stand. Not for me, I suspect that is on the preggers no-no list (no snails sold on the street).

Girl said...

Ooo...how fun!

Anonymous said...

LOOK at your belly!!! Oh my God! The wee little monkey!

Escargots from a street vendor is very questionable. It all looks so good though that I want to go make myself a pot of mussles and have a (fake) beer.

Jessica said...

What fun! And you look GREAT (love the belly shot)!

Yankee, Transferred said...

You look so beautiful. I'm so happy for you.

K said...

Oh, it sounds divine! I'm getting so excited about my trip to Italy. Every time I think about it, I do this little wiggle/shiver of joy!

Anonymous said...

You look so good. I love the pic of you holding your nose. Heh.

so did you speak Phlegmish? (hee, I am mature)

bring back a llot of chocolate? for your..friends maybe?