Brussels Chocolate and more

After we had spent the morning in Walcourt, we caught the train for a trip to see the sights and tastes the delights of Brussels.  We had one change of train which we just missed by a minute, but fortunately, the trains run with such regularity that we only had to wait 30 min., and we were off again.

Once we got off the train, we were almost in city center where we were ready for something to eat and to have a coffee.  One thing about the cafes in most of our recent stops was that they don’t rush you, and really won’t bring the check until you request it.  We got to do some good people watching and get our bearings before heading to the city square of old town Brussels.

This is really postcard scenery with real gold  on many of the statues

Here is a strange  Tourists flock to see this fountain with a uniquely Belgium emphasis.

little fellow that is part of the lore of Brussels.

We stuck our head in a few shops, and then Severyn treated us to a Belgian waffle—hot and no syrup required.  Nancy  quashed the idea of comparing the taste of waffles in various shops.  You don’t even have to step inside to get one.

Then we sauntered back through the square for a look from a different perspective.

 

Next came the reason that so many people visit Belgium—streets filled with chocolate shops. Most of the shops offered free samples as inducements, and we did sample our way along.  We made several purchases to get us through the rest of the week in France, although our backpacks were pretty full.

 

In addition to chocolate, Belgium is well-known for its beers—both varieties and number of varieties.  We had been warned at our cultual pre-port that many of the beers have up to 10 percent alcohol content.  The Belgium students stressed that beers are meant to be tasted—not to get drunk.  They are served in a glass with the name of the beer on it.  As we headed  for the train station in our sugar high, we thought we couldn’t leave the country without a stop for a beer.  Mr. Poe was happy.

Then we hiked the rest of the way to the train station (there are actually three), and got a ticket for the fast train to Paris.  The fast train was more expensive, but it was going to get us there in time to check in to our hotel  and see the Eiffel Tower at night.

So, after an already full day, we were off to our next country, France.

Thanks, Severyn.  We loved Belgium.