This is my last day in Belgium, and I hate to admit that I actually slept in this morning. I really had no plans for today, so during my yummy, daily breakfast I decided to hit the tour books. There are so many more things to see and do, but in all honestly I just want to relax, buy some souvenirs, eat, and have a few more beers. So by the end of my breakfast the decision was made. Today was about me.
Fist on the agenda was souvenirs. When I travel I always have my staples that I try to get, Christmas Ornament, Cookbook of the local cuisine, and a bottle or two of the local wine. So I headed out, and because I just couldn't get enough headed straight towards the Grand Place area. Tonight is the first night of the annual Belgium Beer Weekend where 250 different Belgium Breweries set up tents in the Grand Place center. I will definitely have to come back tonight to see what it's all about, and of course to have a beer.
One thing that I had to see was the famous statue "Manneken Pis." I have seen him in chocolate form in just about every chocolate shop I passed so thought I should check out the chocolatiers inspiration. The theory goes. . .
" In the 12th century the son of a duke was caught urinating against a tree in the midst of a battle and was thus commemorated in bronze as a symbol of military courage. The inspiration for the statue has been revealed as cupid"
This statue is just as part of Brussels as the Trevi Fountain is of Rome. The current statue has been in place since 1619, however the first statue was thought to have been in the same spot as early as 1451. There is a tradition that was started in 1698 by Maximilian Emmanuel (the Governor of the Netherlands) that each visiting Head of State visiting Brussels donates miniature versions of their national costume. The little boy has over 800 outfits. So with all the talk, and the proudness of the locals over this statue, I have to say that when I approached the fountain, I was instantly disappointed. He is barely 2 feet tall, and not what I expected. As I was taking my pictures, I couldn't help but to listen to the other tourists, and was relieved that I was not the only one who did not understand the infatuation of Manneken Pis.
Moving on, it was time to buy some chocolate to take home. I have restrained from buying chocolate since I arrived for the simple fact that if I had it, I would eat it. I found a wonderful little chocolate shop "Chocopolis" and loaded up. The woman that owned the store was awesome, and I was so grateful that she gave me 10% off. Chocolate adds up fast! I bought a few other items, but to my disappointment could not find a Christmas ornament, or a cookbook that I liked. Oh Well! I headed back to the hotel to drop off my purchases.
I decided to visit one more church that I happened to pass everyday while walking around. To my surprise the church was "Cathedrale Sts Michel et Gudule" and was the national church of Belgium. This was the church that the Belgium royal family got married in. The church itself was very impressive with gorgeous stained glass windows and its Gothic architecture. The most interesting part of the church was the pulpit which was located in the middle of the church. The pulpit was carved of wood in 1699, and the detail was stunning.
Well it's time to check out the Beer Weekend. As I approached the Grand Place the first thing that came to mind was how low-key this was compared to Oktoberfest in Munich. The people were dressed, and it seemed more like a large cocktail party than an actual beer fest. I walked around a little just taking it all in when I came upon an escargot vendor. I have never had escargot, and just couldn't do it. Maybe next time. With all the walking today I was starving. My last night for my favorite meal. I found a great little restaurant and decided to treat myself. It was Mussel season, so how can I leave Brussels without trying their mussels (which seem to be everywhere.) So my last dinner started with Mussels in a white wine and cheese sauce, Carbonnade, Fries, Waffle, and of course a couple beers. I sat there for 3 hours, just eating, drinking, and watching the people walk by. With as much as I was enjoying myself, I knew I still had to pack for my trip tomorrow.
Once back at the hotel I made my arrangements to the airport, packed my bags, and believe it or not watched "Meet the Fokkers."
I had a wonderful time, and was not looking forward to getting back to reality.
I cannot wait for my next adventure!
Fist on the agenda was souvenirs. When I travel I always have my staples that I try to get, Christmas Ornament, Cookbook of the local cuisine, and a bottle or two of the local wine. So I headed out, and because I just couldn't get enough headed straight towards the Grand Place area. Tonight is the first night of the annual Belgium Beer Weekend where 250 different Belgium Breweries set up tents in the Grand Place center. I will definitely have to come back tonight to see what it's all about, and of course to have a beer.
One thing that I had to see was the famous statue "Manneken Pis." I have seen him in chocolate form in just about every chocolate shop I passed so thought I should check out the chocolatiers inspiration. The theory goes. . .
" In the 12th century the son of a duke was caught urinating against a tree in the midst of a battle and was thus commemorated in bronze as a symbol of military courage. The inspiration for the statue has been revealed as cupid"
This statue is just as part of Brussels as the Trevi Fountain is of Rome. The current statue has been in place since 1619, however the first statue was thought to have been in the same spot as early as 1451. There is a tradition that was started in 1698 by Maximilian Emmanuel (the Governor of the Netherlands) that each visiting Head of State visiting Brussels donates miniature versions of their national costume. The little boy has over 800 outfits. So with all the talk, and the proudness of the locals over this statue, I have to say that when I approached the fountain, I was instantly disappointed. He is barely 2 feet tall, and not what I expected. As I was taking my pictures, I couldn't help but to listen to the other tourists, and was relieved that I was not the only one who did not understand the infatuation of Manneken Pis.
Moving on, it was time to buy some chocolate to take home. I have restrained from buying chocolate since I arrived for the simple fact that if I had it, I would eat it. I found a wonderful little chocolate shop "Chocopolis" and loaded up. The woman that owned the store was awesome, and I was so grateful that she gave me 10% off. Chocolate adds up fast! I bought a few other items, but to my disappointment could not find a Christmas ornament, or a cookbook that I liked. Oh Well! I headed back to the hotel to drop off my purchases.
I decided to visit one more church that I happened to pass everyday while walking around. To my surprise the church was "Cathedrale Sts Michel et Gudule" and was the national church of Belgium. This was the church that the Belgium royal family got married in. The church itself was very impressive with gorgeous stained glass windows and its Gothic architecture. The most interesting part of the church was the pulpit which was located in the middle of the church. The pulpit was carved of wood in 1699, and the detail was stunning.
Well it's time to check out the Beer Weekend. As I approached the Grand Place the first thing that came to mind was how low-key this was compared to Oktoberfest in Munich. The people were dressed, and it seemed more like a large cocktail party than an actual beer fest. I walked around a little just taking it all in when I came upon an escargot vendor. I have never had escargot, and just couldn't do it. Maybe next time. With all the walking today I was starving. My last night for my favorite meal. I found a great little restaurant and decided to treat myself. It was Mussel season, so how can I leave Brussels without trying their mussels (which seem to be everywhere.) So my last dinner started with Mussels in a white wine and cheese sauce, Carbonnade, Fries, Waffle, and of course a couple beers. I sat there for 3 hours, just eating, drinking, and watching the people walk by. With as much as I was enjoying myself, I knew I still had to pack for my trip tomorrow.
Once back at the hotel I made my arrangements to the airport, packed my bags, and believe it or not watched "Meet the Fokkers."
I had a wonderful time, and was not looking forward to getting back to reality.
I cannot wait for my next adventure!
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