En Route to the Olympics, we decided to stop in Brussls. Our first few hours in Brussels were a bit of a challenge in terms of navigation. We bought train tickets but after about 45 minutes we became concerned that we seemed to be getting farther from civilization not closer to a city hub. When we finally jumped off the train and realized we were not remotely in the right spot. The inquisitive part of this experience is that we were instructed to get back on the same train traveling the same direction on the same track where we just hopped off…Not at all sure how we got to Brussels….very Blair Witch. What we did learn though is if the spelling of the stop you are headed to isn’t exact, perhaps you should ask for assistance.

The 25 minute trek with luggage from the central train station was not too bad because it was downhill. However, ask me how we feel after our hike back up! We easily found our boutique hotel, Made in Catherine (https://madeincatherine.com/en/). It was quaint and well cared for. We were greeted to a very warm welcome at reception. Their one concern was that our room was on the top floor and would require about 25 steps to the top with no elevator. We were nothing short of elated as it was a quiet nook with no side traffic from people wandering in at all times of night.

Our contentment grew with each passing day here. Our location was close to everything but just off the busiest area which would have been far too loud for us. Our room was thoughtfully designed with brilliant use of space and energy saving tips. Everything about our hotel was lovely. We found the architecture intriguing and the vibe of the city relaxed but vibrant at the same time. We enjoyed the art, culture and endearing sense of humor on some of the signs and statues.

Of course, Brussels it known for its gastronomy and we enjoyed plenty of delicacies like Moules, Waterzooi and croquettes.  Having missed my birthday flying, Jeff thoughtfully suggested that I pick an upscale restaurant for dinner. GUS did not disappoint. The dishes were visually stunning and innovative. While the food was pricey compared to our normal selections at 80 euros each, for the prefix, we did not mind. The one hiccup here was service after 3 plus hours and being lapped by other tables that was a bit unfortunate and detracted from our experience there. 

The only stark departure from this genial city was our annual trip to buy a Cuban cigar while abroad. The only positive thing I can say is that name of the store Cig Art is clever. Sadly the owner/manager was a rude, small-minded person. When Jeff approached the humidor, he was immediately scolded to stop until he was ready to come with us. Jeff immediately said, of course no problem. But then the he felt a need to insult us in French to another couple in the store tittering away that we think every store is a supermarket. His tiny mind could not grasp that I would reply in French to tell him he was an impolite fool although I wanted to use stronger words. When I left my review he proceeded to lie in his response that he would not insult a customer, but could not risk theft. About 10 minutes later we found a much better store with a very pleasant owner. Otherwise, we have been delighted by the warmth of people and our time here.

There are a multitude of museum options in Brussels so opted to have a little fun with Illusion Brussels – https://illusionbrussels.be/en dedicated to optical illusions boy did I leave feeling BIG, while Jeff was feeling quite small!

The illusions continued after we left in search of an actual supermarket. Asking Google for “Supermarkets near me,” we now have a running joke about supermarkets after this the and Cig Art debacle!

Having seen most of what we wanted in Brussels we decided on a side trip to Bruges. Navigation woes followed us here, and even though we asked for directions and were told to exit at the end of the line we got off to find we were 30 minutes past Bruges and had to double back. Once we found our stop we enjoyed a gorgeous day meandering along the winding canal in the Venice of Belgium.

We wanted to capture an image of the Grand Place and the best seat was at a corner of Le Roy D’ Espagne. The managers were kind enough to reserve the perfect table for us at “blue light” time of night. We enjoyed a few tastings from their extensive menu and had to laugh at the people next to us that felt it was completely reasonable to bring fast food into the restaurant and eat it along side their friends.
We also did a quick shot in Le Comptoir de Mathilde, an excellent chocolate shop just off the Grand Place while we waited for blue light next to a striking building adjacent to the St. Nicholas Church.

And for our last shot in Brussels, we bring you the Where’s Waldo of the Grand Place.

No trip to Brussels is complete, without mussels and waffles. Perhaps, not at the same time.