Brussels, Belgium - BELGIUM BABY!!!

As I sit watching the computer screen I am a little confused as to how I should greet you all… I am a little late for Easter; we are currently in Spring but it’s lightly snowing with a not-so-light Russian wind; and it actually took me a while to work out what season Australia is currently in! Gee whizz, it feels like my mind is twirling around several different places at once. I have to say, the fact that my nose tip is stained an unbecoming pink from the frosty weather, I wouldn’t mind twirling around in the Aussie weather right now. Apparently London just experienced the coldest March in 50 years… Shivers!!! Literally.

So, we hold on to the hope that summer will appear, although winter is threatening to linger and is viciously gripping tightly onto our windowsills, unwilling to hide it’s presence. Whilst it is easy to give this weather the “cold-shoulder” the moment the sun ever so slightly peaks its shy head through a gap in the clouds, it really does make it all ok. It seems to give London an instant makeover, along with all the grumpy faced commuters. Everyone is suddenly best friends.

I have finally decided that the best possible way to greet you all in my current state of slippers and reminiscing of home would be with the biggest hug and a welcoming smile to join me for a cuppa and a chat. So, I virtually send all my love and with a cuppa in hand, hoping for you to join me.

Going back to last October, we boarded to Eurostar for another dashing European adventure. We made tracks to Brussels, Belgium in the finest of company – Mark and Terri! I still treasure the fact that we have met people to create life-long memories and implant our footsteps all over the world with such stunning friends. So, as you can tell, this trip was set-up for yet another cracking good time.

The city itself is a mix between traditional, ostentatious European buildings, which enclose the main square, with its outskirts and beyond boasting of modern, arty and eclectic scenery. We had a pretty low-key trip, with not much travelling beyond the main square, however I must point out that this is the city of Belgian chocolate, Belgian beer and Belgian waffles…. What would you do with your time in such a city!?

The square was really quite grand and breath taking, so our initial visit here compelled us to stop and act the tourist with several photos being taken. However, once we did venture out into the side streets, the quirkiness of the city began to enchant us. I didn’t realise, but Brussels is the city of the popular and cute comic character, Tin Tin, along with many other comics. It then became our mission to scout out the comic displays that were painted on random buildings around the place. With this inspiring our interest in the comic world, we strolled up to the Comic Museum where it displayed an excellent exhibition of world famous comics.

Speaking of world famous, I would get in a bit of trouble if I didn’t highlight the world famous beer that was enjoyed in Brussels… Tim and Mark were ruined for Belgium beer and had no trouble enjoying the world famous commodity daily to ensure that it really was the best. This was usually enjoyed with a warming meal of Chicken Waterzooi (yummmmm!!!), muscles (really yummmm!) or a Flemish beef stew (Tim’s favourite) and of course with a side of frites. It was heart-warming and stomach filling. Yet, Tim’s philosophy “there’s always room for dessert” was tried and tested and the waffles were happily eaten after such satisfying meals.

We frequented a small corner pub where we met the happiest Cambodian waiter who quickly became our closest friend and our entertainment with his witty sense of humour and flirtatious smile and wink. I love stumbling across such encounters, meeting generous-hearted people whilst traveling.

Brussels was definitely a win and another memory to catalogue and revisited often. It also gave us the opportunity for a day trip to the quaint and stunning Brugge – soon to come on our next blog.

So much love to friends and family. Big hugs, T&S xo