Bruxelles (Brussels), Belgium

We spent the day on Friday in Brussels. We arrived from Amsterdam around 1pm and walked the train station in search of a map. After storing our things in a luggage locker, we continued our search for some sort of direction.

It was then that a friendly seeming janitor approached us asking us of our height and heritage. We discussed our plans for the day in what appeared to be general chit chat before he turned the conversation in a different direction. Steve, as he introduced himself, asked Camille if she would be interested in doing some Amazon work. Clearly not understanding what he meant, he clarified with an explanation on foot worship photography. She quickly declined any such offer and we tried our best to end the conversation quickly.

Once outside, our uneasy feeling continued as Brussels is not what we had imagined. We walked the messy streets to the nearest shop and inquired about a map. The storekeeper directed us back to the hotel district where we found a great map and a helpful receptionist to point us in the right direction.

After a few minutes of walking, the neighborhood began to change as we approached the Grand Place, the main square in old town Brussels. On the way, we passed our first destination: the Manneken Pis (the famous statue of the small boy pissing into the fountain below). Today, the Mannekin Pis was wearing a Yoda type robe. We found a small sign that lists the different outfits the Mannekin Pis wears including a Chinese get up, a solder uniform, among others. Slightly confused we took photos and continued on towards the Grand Place.

Approaching the square we stopped for a Belgium waffle, a delicious treat. We continued to the square and were impressed be the beauty and architecture around us and in much contrast to the surrounding area. We walked by the numerous shops before stopping for some French fries. Finally, after seeing what there was to see, we grabbed another waffle (this time with Chantilly cream) and made the journey back the train station. Our day in Brussels was over, or so we thought. The train we originally planned to take at 4:15 was full. As was the 5:15, the 6:15, and the 7:15. We were forced to sit in the waiting area, avoiding Steve, until after 8pm when finally we had seats to our next destination.