Today our program took a day-trip to Brussels, Belgium. We had a charter bus and it only took us a little more than an hour to reach the city. We arrived in Belgium a little bit early and stopped by the Atomium, which you can see in my pictures. The Belgians say the Atomium is to Belgium as the Eiffel Tower is to France. I think it's ugly and looks like a jack (like the toy). It's pretty famous, you can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomium
Afterwards, we went to the headquarters of the European Union. We received a private tour of the headquarters and of Parliament (which was not in session). Then we ate lunch- the best food I've had so far- at a cafe inside of the HQ.
We received 3 hours of free time this afternoon. We went downtown to through the Gallerie de Rois (Gallery of Kings)-- which is an impressive indoor street with high-end shops and cafes. We sampled some Belgian beer in one of the cafes. Then we went to the Grand Place-- the Grand Place may be one of the most beautiful sites I've seen so far. It's basically a huge square, and all of the buildings around it are really old and cool looking and have gold sculptures on top of them. Supposedly, it's the nicest Grand Place in the world.
Just off of the Grand Place is the Museum of Chocolate. We toured the museum for 4 euros and got to sample chocolate along the way. It's probably the best 4 euros I've spent on my trip. Then we walked a little ways to see the famous Manneken Pis. I'm glad I finally got to see this in person, but it was only about 20 inches tall, and you could easily miss it if you weren't looking. We went to a waffle place next door and ate, which was great. Then it was time to get back on the bus, and it started to rain as we left.
Overall, Brussels was pretty neat: Belgian Waffles + Belgian Chocolate + Belgian Beer + The Mannekin Pis + a giant jack + the Grand Place + the EU= a great day.
Afterwards, we went to the headquarters of the European Union. We received a private tour of the headquarters and of Parliament (which was not in session). Then we ate lunch- the best food I've had so far- at a cafe inside of the HQ.
We received 3 hours of free time this afternoon. We went downtown to through the Gallerie de Rois (Gallery of Kings)-- which is an impressive indoor street with high-end shops and cafes. We sampled some Belgian beer in one of the cafes. Then we went to the Grand Place-- the Grand Place may be one of the most beautiful sites I've seen so far. It's basically a huge square, and all of the buildings around it are really old and cool looking and have gold sculptures on top of them. Supposedly, it's the nicest Grand Place in the world.
Just off of the Grand Place is the Museum of Chocolate. We toured the museum for 4 euros and got to sample chocolate along the way. It's probably the best 4 euros I've spent on my trip. Then we walked a little ways to see the famous Manneken Pis. I'm glad I finally got to see this in person, but it was only about 20 inches tall, and you could easily miss it if you weren't looking. We went to a waffle place next door and ate, which was great. Then it was time to get back on the bus, and it started to rain as we left.
Overall, Brussels was pretty neat: Belgian Waffles + Belgian Chocolate + Belgian Beer + The Mannekin Pis + a giant jack + the Grand Place + the EU= a great day.
All the Pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/TigerColby/Brussels02?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2Bws2msLTwcQ#
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