Brussels

Stephen, Summer and Paris at Grand Place

Building at Grand Place

Most photos are from Grand Place

Candy store

Belgium Waffles

School children at Grand Place

When the clock struck 5...

Belgium Beer!

Brussels Flea Market

Old Church site

I always like to give Google public feedback. I chose them to host this blog, because, amongst other reasons, it is free. However, as I was uploading these photos, I was informed that I had run out of space, and that I would have to buy additional space! As a photographer, this is frustrating, reminds me of a bait and switch tactic. Additionally, I was informed that the additional space would cost on an annual basis, which means this blog will disappear in 1 year, unless I continue to pay a fee. Then, you have to manually opt out, or you get charged automatically annually. I am only half way thru this 12 month experience.I think Google needs to be more forthright, and frankly, I would have chosen another host, had I been aware of these issues. In Ireland the word transparency has been used a lot, in regards to the politicians (what they need to do, not how they have been). That term would behoove Google as well.


We arrived in Brussels from Berlin. We got off at the train station, which had great choices for food. We continue to be impressed by the variety of pastries here. They were an easy way to appease our hungry teenagers. Many purchases were a gambit, most paid off.

We hopped the subway (older but efficient)  to our downtown apartment. . Typically, we rent for four people, to save euros. I will go in with 1 or 2 kids and register, and Justine will follow a little later with the other child. Once we get past that hassle, we are home free. There are usually enough beds, so that is not an issue. The kids were thrilled there were a couple of English stations on the television.

We found some Belgium chocolate, and some Belgium waffles, of course. I bought a sampler of the five main Belgium Trappist monasteries' beer, wondering what originally got the monks on this pathway? These brews were full bodied. There are over 400 different beers made in Belgium, many fruit varieties, and wheat beers. The kids are enjoying sushi more and more, to varying degrees. We have found some great sushi bars on this trip. They like to pick plates off the conveyor belt. We ate at an authentic Italian restaurant, and there were five different hor dourves on our table, before the great meal, including olives and breads, the latter baked on site.

The highlight of Brussels was the Grand Place. This plaza was incredible. I wish I could show the 360 degree photo montage that I took, standing in the middle of this plaza. We completely were surrounded by big, majestic, Baroque buildings. It was stunning, and worth the trip just for this sight. I shot many a photo, to where the kids finally got bored, and they would dart around the square, hiding from me, as I snapped away. 

We headed off to the Magritte museum, only to get there to late.  We had some moules (a big bucket of steamed mussels) and Summer had a crepe. The next day, we found a flea market. Justine found some nice, old prints, and I found a old barometer, for ten euros. Dr. Hooke turned me onto them, as he has 2, and he swears by their accuracy, in foretelling the weather here in Ireland, where there is never a dull moment.

We enjoyed Brussels, although Amsterdam was the best. We took another train there, after 2 nights in Brussels.