We were lucky enough to meet a couple from Belgium while we were travelling through Belize and Guatemala, they invited us to stay with them if we were in the area. Probably a big mistake on their part, but 9 months later we called them on it and they were the perfect hosts. Over the 4 days that we were in the country, they walked us around their city with the knowledge of a professional tour guide and drove us across the country so that we could see what we were interested in. They also cooked for us and provided tasty drinks.
We started the first day off by going to the local market. Laurence was amazed at the quality of the produce and wanted to eat EVERYTHING. We bought fruit, veggies, pate, meat, bread, salami, and a cooked chicken. We then went home to eat our way through our tasty treats. Once our hunger had been sated we began our walking tour of Brussels. First stop was the beer museum, where we tried some wild yeast activated beers (i.e. from the air).
The next morning we were driven to Bruges, an incredibly pretty little town in the west of Belgium.
After a canal boat trip, a wonderful curry pasta lunch (well on my part), we drove out to the Belgium coast. Although not the most beautiful coast that we have seen, it was nice to see the number of people enjoying the sunny day in April. And what would a trip to the sea be without delicious, delicious waffles!!!
Mons was our next destination, in southern Belgium to see the boat lifts from the coal rush (a Laurence interest). It also happened to be where one of our hosts was from. We spent the day wandering around 4 boat lifts, being allowed into one engine room because by pure luck some government officials were having a tour there and looking around the city on Mons itself. I must admit that the city had more of my attention, but it was a wonderful day out and about.
Our last day in the city involves a different part of Brussels, one where the criminal court and public library was located. We even took a look at the flea market before having lunch at a typical café/restaurant surrounding a square. The topping on the day was going to the Horta Museum. A wonderful place that was designed entirely by one man, I mean that he designed everything down to the door knobs and hinges. The place was impressive and I would consider heading there again once the renovations have finished so that we can see the street front properly.
Belgium is such a small country, but there are still places that I want to see. I will return…
