[07.19.08-07.20.08] One weekend, we decided to take a trip to Belgium. Day one was spent in Bruges while half of day two was spent in Brussels. Personally, I liked Bruges better. There were more sites to see (sites other than the city square).

Well anyway, here are my thoughts on what we saw in Bruges and Belgium.

FOR THE FOOD LOVER IN YOU: It seems that Belgium in general is famous for its mussels. Whether baked, sauteed in garlic, simmered in white wine or beer; you name it, they have it.

BRUGES - We ate at this restaurant called Mozarthuy's (it might be really famous because we saw reviews and pictures of it in our travel guides). It's located at a square full of restaurants, so you have many other options in case you're not into local specialties. We ordered a lot of mussels, beef stew and some cook-it-yourself steaks. Budget? About 30-40EUR per head.


Mussels in white wine

Cook It Yourself Steaks (over a hot stone plate)

Finished product! =)

BRUSSELS - Some of our companions have actually been to Brussels so they immediately suggested this place which served some yummy Paella. Forgot the name of the place though, will update this as soon as I remember/ask my friend. Remember ordering mostly seafood, inspite of this budget was still about 30-40EUR per head.

Mussels in Brussels? =P

Sizzling Scampi

The Famous Paella

Weird name for a beer (Chimay in tagalog means 'maid')

Waffles. There's a reason why they call it Belgian waffles. You can't go to Belgium and not try their waffles. Apparently, it's the best in the world. I haven't tasted all waffles in the world yet but it's safe to say that it is one of the best.

Freshly cooked waffles sprinkled with some fine sugar. I'm telling you, that first bite was unforgettable.

FOR THE CHOCOLATE LOVER IN YOU: Belgium, as you may have guessed it, was packed with chocolate lovers from all over the world. As soon as you step out of the central station, you can immediately smell chocolate in the air. Everywhere you look there would be chocolate stores lining up the streets.

Consume in moderation.. Hmm, is that even possible with chocolate?

Strawberry + Grape + Strawberry + Grape + Chocolate = (I suddenly forgot how to add)

BRUGES - Here, we visited the Choco-story Chocolate Musuem and learned about the origins of chocolate. Not so nice there, btw. But I was able to take some cool photos.

Looking like sh*t (doodie) at the Chocolate Museum

Marking my chocolate territory

Chocolate juice anyone?

But like I said, there's much chocolate and candy to see/eat/buy around the city anyway. One day is not enough to visit all their candy stores.


BRUSSELS - Here you can find Pierre Marcolini, Godiva and Neuhaus stores, all offering treats you cannot resist although the prices may shock you. Prices range from 20 to more than a 100EUR. But if you're really craving for some sweets, check it out, believe me, it's worth it.

Pierre Marcolini 2009 Chocolates (19EUR) and Neuhaus Truffles (about 10EU)


Godiva Truffles.. to-die-for

FOR THE WORLD TRAVELLER/PHOTOGRAPHER IN YOU: Both Bruges and Brussels have city squares located at the heart of the city.

BRUGES - The Grote Markt or the Grand Square. Also situated nearby is the Provincial Court.


It probably would have been fun to hang around the square, but the rain stopped us. Imagine 8 people sharing 1 umbrella. Not possible.

From the center, you can also catch a glimpse of the Belfry Tower which is about 84 meters high.


Look, it barely fits my camera screen.

We made a quick stop at the Church of our Lady to see the Madonna and Child sculpture of Michelangelo. The atmosphere inside was quite instense and solemn.

Outside the Church

Inside


Madonna and child

The canal tour was also something I looked forward to. If I remember correctly, that boat ride cost us less than 10EUR. Passed by places like the beer museum, 1 of the last 3 wooden houses in Bruges, and some flea markets.


Canal Rozenhoedkaai (I think)


I'm a sucker for sites and trivia so I must say I enjoyed this boat tour.

BRUSSELS - Brussels also has its own Grote Markt. Here, they hold the Brussels' Flowercarpet every spring (or it might be a bi-annual event). Too bad we missed it.

Image from Wikipedia

The Town Hall in the morning

Brussels is also famous for the Manneken Pis, which (I've heard) was not worth visiting.

This is what it must've looked like. Naughty boy.

FOR THE CHILD IN YOU: During our walk around the city, I noticed a lot of stores selling comic collectibles and wooden toys that would appeal to kids of all ages. The world famous comic, "The Adventures of Tintin", apparently originated in Belgium.

The Belgian Reporter, Tintin. (not to be confused with Pinpin)

Felt like a kid again as we stepped inside the toy stores, although I was forced to window-shop because I couldn't afford the toys. Didn't buy even one as a souvenir.. =(



See the price tag on this one?! YIKES!
And if you don't feel like shopping for toys, you can always depend on flea markets and your typical clothing store like Zara, Mango, and the like.


Since this was only a weekend trip, I feel that we didn't really see the two cities the way they were meant to be seen, so I've tagged Belgium as "to be revisited" on my list of "Places to go to before I Die". I wonder, when will that be? Euro-trip anyone? =)

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