Belgium - Ghent, Bruges and Brussels
Solo traveling to Belgium in late September. Why?
Canals, chocolate and cuberdons (gummy 'noses'), cathedrals, cobbled streets, crêpes, hot chocolate, waffles, frites, beer, beef stew, medieval architecture and new towns to explore the culture.
Did I mention chocolate? The best!
I totally fell in love with Belgium.
Brussels-Zaventem Airport
Plane, train and tram.
Landed at 7:30 am in Brussels. Two hours to get through Passport Control before I could board my train to Ghent. Ugh...
Then, an easy one hour train ride. Last, a tram to Old Town.
Ghent
Walked thru Ghent pulling my bag to Ghent St. Pieters - Korenmarkt Square and Graslei/Korenlei quays in the center of town.
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| Ghent River Leie at Graslei and Korenlei Quays |
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| St. Michael's Bridge |
Crossed the old stone arch St. Michael's Bridge over the Leie River.
Passed St. Michael's Church arriving at my Airbnb - 'Room Ginette'.
Airbnb
Somehow, I always end up renting an apartment on the 3rd or 4th floor. Several flights of steep steps with my luggage.
No elevators in these old buildings. Message to Self: Pack even lighter next time. But, I only take a small carry-on bag and not many clothes. Time for a backpack?
The best part is that most Airbnbs are now 'Self Check-In'. So, you don't need to meet your host at a specific time to get the keys.
Lovely apartment with long, vertical windows, kitchenette and huge bathroom. Off to a great start!
Liege Sugar Waffles
Time to explore Ghent and find my 1st waffle. I did!
And, it was beyond my expectations. Turned out to be my favorite.
I loved the 'Liege Sugar Waffle' which is hand-held street food. Fresh, piping hot sugar waffle with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
This Belgian icon is defined by its dense texture and deeply caramelized outer crust.
In Belgium, waffles are NOT a breakfast food. They are a popular street food and snack sold in cafes, bakeries, and town squares.
There are two main distinct styles:
The Liege Waffle and the Brussels Waffle.
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| Liege Waffle |
The Liege Waffle is smaller, denser, and rounded with irregular, bumpy edges.
Rich, chewy and brioche-like made from a heavy Liege dough rather than a runny batter.
The secret ingredient is chunks of pearl sugar kneaded into the dough which caramelizes into a sweet, crunchy exterior shell.
We should all eat waffles this way.
It's typically eaten plain with no extra syrup or toppings needed.
Yes, yes... I plan to walk off all of those calories tomorrow.
The Brussels Waffle
The other popular waffle is the Brussels Waffle.
It's a large, rectangular waffle with sharp, clean edges and 15 or 24 deep, large squares. The texture is very light, airy, and crisp on the outside and soft on the inside because it is made from beaten egg whites.
Toppings: Usually served warm and lightly dusted with powdered sugar or loaded with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, raspberries, chocolate spread, or ice cream.
I liked my waffles with raspberries, chocolate spread and whipped cream.
What's not to like?
Frites
Don't judge me. Yes, frites (fries) for dinner!
I ate the most delicious, salty, hot Frites covered with Flemish beef and beer gravy.
So many sauces to choose from for your frites such as andalouse (creamy, tangy, spicy sauce) mustard, tartare, curry ketchup, cocktail, bearnaise, or pickles.
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| Stoverij - Flemish Beef & Beer Gravy |
I'm not sure what these potatoes are fried in, but they are great!
You can buy them everywhere in a hand-held, thick paper triangular container and just walk around munching on frites.
Stoofvleessaus (Stoverij) - The rich, dark Flemish beef and beer stew gravy poured directly over fries which is what I had for dinner.
I loved every morsel of fries and gravy.
You cannot eat just one! You eat the entire bag of frites and savor every morsel.
They are so good. And, remember, they ARE vegetables.
Do NOT call them 'French Fries' or you may not be served.
Get them from a food cart on the street!
Cuberdons
Cuberdons are traditional cone-shaped Belgian candies from Ghent, also known as "neuzekes" or "little noses" due to their resemblance to a human nose.
They are a traditional Belgian candy invented in Ghent in 1873 by a local pharmacist named De Vynck.
De Vynck discovered the recipe by chance while trying to find a way to make his medicinal syrups last longer.
This candy is a distinct, cone-shaped purple candy about 2.5 centimeters wide.
The texture is a firm, sugary outer shell that bursts open to reveal a sweet, soft, gooey center.
They became a street treat staple in Ghent and famously sold from traditional bicycle carts piled high with purple candies.
Cuberdons now are made in several different colors.
They are also sold in other Belgium cities such as Brussels and Antwerp.
Cuberdons have a truly unique flavor. You simply cannot believe how good they are. Bill loved them!
Ghent Waterfront Medieval Buildings
There are historic buildings along the Leie River, specifically at the Graslei and Korenlei quaysides.
They feature a dramatic row of medieval and gothic guildhalls with ornate, stepped gabled, tiered rooflines.
There are rows of narrow, multi-story brick and stone houses directly facing the water.
They have carved statues, decorative windows and distinct stepped gabled designs such as the Masons' Guild Hall and the Free Boatmen's Guildhall.
Stepped Gables (Staircase Gables)
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| Wheat Measuring Building |
Stepped gables are a defining hallmark of medieval and early modern Flemish architecture in Belgium, particularly in historic cities like Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp.
They are architecturally interesting, as well as practical.
The stepped gable (staircase gable) originated around the 12th century in the Low Countries.
Masons built them as a practical way to finish brickwork.
Also, instead of cutting bricks or stones diagonally to match a steep roof's pitch, stacking them in horizontal stair-steps made construction easier.
This roof was also a firebreak. Extending the brick or stone gable wall up above the thatch or tile roof helped block flames from jumping from one row house to the next.
The flat ledges of the steps doubled as safe, functional walkways or platforms for chimney sweeps, masons, and repair workers to navigate steep, slippery roofs.
They shielded thatched and tiled roof edges against strong gales and rain.
Most stepped gabled townhouses belonged to affluent merchants, guilds, and civic leaders.
Chocolate
Belgium is 'Chocolate Heaven'! Reason enough to visit.
I sampled, bought and enjoyed so much chocolate while traveling here.
And, the chocolate shops are exquisitely designed and elegant.
Truffles made with rich, dense, ganache or butter creams that melt instantly on the tongue.
I thought Paris had exquisite chocolate, but Belgium is another level of deliciousness!
Seashells - My personal favorite were the Seashells (Chocolats de mer) made famous by brands like Guylian.
These are sculpted marbled shells of dark, milk, or white chocolate filled with a signature roasted hazelnut praline.
Belgian chocolate is famous for using 100% pure cocoa butter without vegetable fats or palm oil which results in a rich, smooth, and velvety texture.
Window displays of chocolate shops rival Paris.
Can I live in Belgium?
Bikes
Watch out for bikes and trams! Seriously...
Everyone, I mean everyone, of every age rides their bike in Ghent!
Be very aware if you are in a city where most people bike.
Do NOT WALK in the Bike Lane!
Bikers are not happy with tourists who walk in the bike lane and you could be hit.
Bakfiet or Cargo Box
Some bikes have not just one, but two passenger seats for children. One on the front and one on the back.
But, I also saw several bikes with a 'bakfiet' or a 'cargo box' on the front of a bike which is used to carry children. Bakfiet literally means "box bike" in Dutch.
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| Bakfiet - Cargo Box Area for Kids |
This box bike is a sturdy wooden or composite bucket/box mounted on the front frame between the handlebars and the front wheel.
It typically features benches and safety belts to transport toddlers, young children or groceries.
Parents bike their kids to school and everywhere else. Children start riding their own bikes between 3 and 6 years of age! Biking to school with your family is totally normal.
Not many people have cars. Petrol is expensive. Automobiles are costly.
Parking is at a minimum in the city. Everyone walks or bikes.
The only problem with so many bikes in one city is that there are not enough parking areas for bikes!
So, they are refitting a large medieval building on the river just for bike storage.
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| Bikes, Bikes, Bikes Everywhere! |
Bonus:
Belgians ARE super fit!
Trams
I also mentioned watching out for trams because they are very quiet as they glide on their tracks through the city.
But, they are great for getting around town and inexpensive as this is a college town with lots of students.
I hopped on the tram to get to the train station a few times.
Canal Boat Tour
What a lovely way to see Ghent which is located at the confluence of the Leie and the Scheldt rivers.
Took a relaxing one-hour narrated boat tour on the River Leie canal on my first afternoon.
This charming, picturesque river curves directly through the historic center of Ghent and is the primary waterway used for canal boat tours.
Perfect weather in Ghent.
Sunny and 70'.
The river should NOT be green.
Duckweed is the problem.
We had a very engaging boat driver/tour guide who had lived in Ghent his entire life and shared great stories!
The main docks are located on the Graslei and Korelei quays which are across from each other on the river in the center of town.
Bright Green River - Duckweed
Did you see the strange bright green river? Looks disgusting, right?
Unfortunately, a massive green blanket of duckweed has covered the Ghent canals and the Leie River.
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| Green Duckweed in the Leie River |
2026 - Belgium experienced its hottest summer on record this year.
The prolonged drought and low water flow created ideal, stagnant conditions for the tiny floating plants (duckweed) to multiply rapidly.
Apparently, the ducks love it. But, it is NOT good for boat engines or underwater flora and fauna which cannot get enough sunlight or oxygen.
Ghent at Night
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| Ghent - The Three Spires |
Medieval Port
Ghent was a medieval port which hosted ships from the 11th century.
The Scheildt River and the Leie River formed a major historical and commercial waterway through the region.
Ghent was originally founded around the 7th century at the confluence of these two rivers which were so important for river trade.
Walking Tour
A walking tour is always 1st on my list in a new city. I love to learn about the history of the people, city and buildings, as well as 'get the lay of the land'.
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| The Three Spires of Ghent |
The Three Spires of Ghent are Saint Nicholas' Church, the Belfry of Ghent, and Saint Bavo's Cathedral.
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| City Pavilion |
I took a wonderful walking tour with a local graduate student who was born and raised in Ghent.
He knew absolutely everything about his hometown. Plus, he spoke loudly so everyone could hear him.
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| Ghent City Pavilion with Piano |
A good tour guide can also recommend other tours, restaurants, museums, and places that I've not found in my research.
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| Everyone is Welcome to Play! |
Ghent Architecture
Ghent's architectural landscape is a striking dialogue between an exceptionally well preserved Medieval and Gothic past and bold contemporary structures.
Brick and stone buildings all connected to one another. Not many 'stand alone' homes in the city.
There were several residences with rooftop solar panels allowing more light in, long vertical windows and very tall chimneys with steep tile roofs.
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| Ghent Doors |
People Watching
Around 4:30 pm each day, I enjoyed sitting in a large plaza with a view of the Gravensteen Castle or overlooking the Leie River having a glass of wine and appetizers as I 'people watched'.
Great way to meet locals or other tourists, which I often did.
Or, I ask someone to take my photo. Then a conversation begins.
Have you met me?
I chatted with a grandmother and her 28-year-old granddaughter who were sitting next to me playing cards and sipping fizzy water.
They were having the best time talking, laughing and simply being together.
Every Thursday they play cards and visit. How sweet is that?
Locals and tourists also enjoyed the incredible selection of Belgium beers.
Can you believe the number of Belgian beers which are ALL made in Belgium?
Cathedrals, Churches and the Belfry of Ghent
I love to visit a church to sit in silence, reflect, pray, absorb and observe everything around me. Then, I walk around the church looking closely at all of the relics, choir seats, pulpit, art, stained glass windows and more.
Peaceful and deeply meaningful...
St. Michael's Church - Sint-Michielskerk 1440 - 1825
My favorite church was Sint-Michielskerk or St. Michael's Church at the stone arch bridge on the Leie River and one block from my Airbnb.
Stunning, spacious and imposing!
Built from 1440-1828 in a late Gothic and Baroque style as it took a few hundred years to complete.
Sound of silence... There was a heavy silence here, but with the low murmur of prayer.
But, I was also aware of footsteps as others entered the church.
When your mind is quiet, you can hear more.
St. Nicholas' Church - Sint-Niklaaskerk
This medieval church was constructed around 1200 and built in local 'Scheldt Gothic' style with blue gray Tournai stone.
It features a unique central lantern tower that once served as an early town watch and bell tower in the Ghent historic area.
Incredible stained glass windows, as all Ghent churches and cathedrals have.
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| St. Nicholas' Church |
Guild Chapels or individual chapels were added by local merchant and artisan guilds during the 14th and 15th centuries.
What I noticed as I sat there were the dust mites flickering through the air. They were dancing across the stone floors because of the sun light coming through the stained glass.
Spiritual and powerful in a way that is difficult to describe. What a special place to reflect on life and loss.
My daughter, Laura, would have loved this church.
St. Bavo's Cathedral - Sint-Baafskathedraal 1274 - 1569
St. Bavo's is the permanent home of the Ghent Altarpiece - The 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb'. Truly an incredible work of art.
My Augmented Reality Tour of the crypt was amazing and informative.
But, the best part was when I entered the room which held the Ghent Alterpiece in the upper church.
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| Adoration of the Mystic Lamb |
Just to sit and look at the incredible Ghent Alterpiece. I must have sat there for 20 minutes looking at this masterpiece up close and from my seat.
The Sint-Baafskathedraal is a breathtaking 89-meter tall Gothic cathedral standing as the seat of the Diocese of Ghent.
This incredible cathedral combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture reflecting over a millennium of rebellious local history.
Again, I am truly in awe of these old cathedrals having been built without computers or heavy equipment.
They were built by the people, by hand and over many years.
These structures must have inspired so much awe in the people.
The jewel toned red, blue, yellow and purple windows were brilliant because of the time of day and the sunlight filtering through.
Belfry of Ghent 1313 - 1380
The Belfry of Ghent is over 710 years old. It's the tallest Belfry in Belgium.
Not a religious tower, but a medieval civic tower.
Famously crowned by the copper Dragon of Ghent.
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| The Belfry |
The "Three Towers" of Ghent:
The Belfry forms a famous medieval triptych in the city center alongside Saint Bavo's Cathedral and Saint Nicholas' Church.
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| The Three Towers |
This is a UNESCO Tower with a spectacular view of the old town.
Walk up the stairs, then take the elevator up 91 meters to the top (299 feet).
No thanks, I'll stay on the ground and enjoy looking UP at the beautiful Belfry.
Guilds
Guilds in Ghent were powerful medieval associations of merchants, weavers, butchers, stonemasons, bakers and other craftsmen that controlled labor, trade, prices and quality standards from the 11th - 16th centuries.
Ghent's political and economic system was structured around a powerful civic hierarchy that divided its guilds into the primary cloth trades, butchers, and 53 minor craft guilds.
Weavers were the largest and most politically influential textile guild controlling the core of Ghent's wool-processing power.
Butchers also ranked high and most prestigious. They operated out of the Great Butcher's Hall with hereditary stalls.
53 Minor Guilds
There were 53 Minor Guilds that specialized in urban handicrafts, services and food provisions.
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| Guild Buildings on the Leie River |
These guilds represented smiths, locksmiths, weapon makers, masons, carpenters, bargers, coopers, boatmen/shippers, general merchants, tailors, shoemakers, saddlers, skinners, brewers, grain weighers, fishmongers and wine merchants.
Historic Guild Buildings
Ghent was one of the largest and most powerful medieval cloth-weaving and merchant cities in Europe.
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| Guild Buildings |
It was also the most important grain and wheat trade center in late medieval Flanders which primarily refers to the Dutch speaking northern region of Belgium.
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| Stepped Gabled Gothic Guild Buildings |
There are several historic, beautiful, stepped gabled Gothic guild buildings that showcase medieval and Renaissance architecture along the canals and old squares in Ghent on the River Leie in the commercial heart of Ghent.
The Mason's Guild Hall and the Guildhall of the Free Boatmen are the most famous along with a scenic row of medieval trade houses along the Graslei.
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| Koornmarket - Wheat Market |
The Koornmarket (Wheat Market) is in Ghent's historic center where wheat and cereals were sold in bulk starting in the 10th and 11th centuries.
The Koornmarket was built for the guild of grain weighers who officially weighed, graded, and taxed grain shipments to ensure fair trade.
Graffiti Alley (Werregarenstraat)
Winding, narrow alley in Old Town filled with colorful, fun graffiti painted by local artists.
This area is a legal, rule-free public street art canvas in the heart of Ghent.
I did not see any other graffiti in Ghent.
Isn't this a great idea?
A public place FOR graffiti which stops artists from painting on other buildings, especially historic sites.
Once a year, the walls are scraped and painted white to invite new art to be created!
Gravensteen - Castle of the Counts - 12th Century
Great rooftop views of Ghent and the canal from the top of the castle which was built in the center of town.
Excellent audio tour of this 12th century castle with a moat, towers, medieval weapon museum.
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| Castle Door |
Built around 1180 with a Middle Ages Tower from 1553.
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| Great view of Ghent |
Tattoo Parlors
Did I or did I not? That's for me to know.
There are tattoo parlors everywhere with the most incredible artists creating permanent body art with personal designs.
I am fascinated by tattoos and the stories behind them. Lots of ink!
Bruges - UNESCO Listed Historic Site
Day trip to Bruges via a 30 minute train ride, then a 25 minute walk into the city center.
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| Bruges Town Square or Grote Markt |
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| Bruges Grote Markt |
No need for a Google Map, I just followed everyone from the train!
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| Bruges Belfry or Bell Tower |
Arrived in time for my 11 am Walking Tour starting at the Town Hall on the Central Market Square in front of the Belfry Tower.
Most impressive is that the entire town of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not just a few buildings, but the whole town!
Bruges Bell Tower, the Belfry or Belfort (in Dutch)
This is the most famous landmark in Bruges. The Belfry is a 13th century Gothic bell tower that is 272 feet high over the central Market Square (Markt).
Originally built as a medieval watchtower and a symbol of the city's municipal independence and wealth.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Visitors can climb 366 steep steps via a narrow spiral staircase to reach the observation deck at the top for panoramic views.
Not for me... Not thrilled about heights or spiral staircases. But, it was beautiful to see.
Belfry Carillon
The belfry features a 47-bell carillon that plays automatic tunes and is also played by hand on Saturdays and special holidays by a city Carillonneur who plays it using a hand and foot keyboard.
Locals and visitors gather in the courtyard or town square to listen.
Beer and Chocolate
Why else would I visit Bruges? Beer and chocolate!
On our tour, we had a beer from the De Halve Maan Brewery which is the city's only continuously operating family brewery since 1856 (for 170 years).
It has a 3 kilometer (1.86 miles) underground beer pipeline and rooftop views.
We also tasted chocolate in several shops. Free samples! Yay!
Great weather, but far too many tourists who were bused in from cruise ships.
The narrow, winding alleys and streets were overflowing with people.
Provincial Court
I had a fascinating tour of the Provincial Court (1887-1892) which is a neo-Gothic landmark in the Market Square (Markt) and is now a hospitality center. Incredible historic exterior and interior.
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| Bruges Provincial Palace |
Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is about 892 years old, having been originally built between 1134 and 1157.
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| Basilica of the Holy Blood |
The Basilica is in Burg Square featuring a distinct contrast between its lower and upper levels.
The exterior is ornate Renaissance and Gothic style with decorative lions and bronze historical medallions.
A famous 15th-century Renaissance style ornamental staircase leads up from the square to the upper chapel.
The lower chapel (St. Basil the Great) is 12th century Romanesque architecture that is dark, quiet and virtually unchanged.
The upper chapel was rebuilt in late 15th century Gothic and Neo-Gothic style. Beautiful arches, wooden barrel-vault ceiling and vibrant stained glass windows.
Rosary Quay
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| Rosary Quay in Bruges |
Every small street, alleyway and canal were photo ops, especially the Rosary Quay which is the most photographed spot in Bruges.
Canal boat tours originate here.
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| Boniface Bridge |
The historic Church of Our Lady was beautiful, as was the small pedestrian only stone and brick Boniface Bridge.
Canal Boat Tour
Another idyllic, picturesque canal boat ride on the Reie River which runs through Bruges.
Every bend in the river is a photo op.
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| Reie River - Canal Boat Tour |
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| Saint Salvator's Cathedral |
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Bruges Lace
Lace has been made here and all over Belgium for 200 years. The Rococo Lace Shop was amazing.
Bruges lace (Brugs Bloemwerk) is a traditional Belgian lace made from long, continuous cotton or linen "tapes" or ribbons that are shaped into curves, scrolls, and floral motifs and joined together with plaits, braids and picots.
Picots are small, decorative or functional loops of thread placed along the edge of lace, ribbon or needlework.
This lace was heavily produced in Bruges, particularly between 1850 and 1950, where it was historically favored by high clergy and used for fine clothing, veils and interior decor.
This technique was unlike continuous lace as it is built by weaving or crocheting a central tape of plain stitches with chain loops on the edges.
Truly the most beautiful, intricate, yet delicate lace I have ever seen.
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| Lace Curtains in a Bruges Home |
Flemish Stew
Best meal in Bruges - Flemish stew. Known locally as Stoofvleew or Carbonade Flamande.
It is a traditional, comforting Belgian beef stew slow cooked in a rich, savory-sweet beer sauce.
Widely considered one of Belgium's national dishes and is a staple in home and traditional taverns across the region. Try it, you will not be disappointed.
Brussels
My final city in Belgium to explore for four days. Train to Brussels from Ghent took only 45 minutes.
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| Brussels Town Hall |
Walked from the train station to the historic center with the ornate 17th century Grote Markt or Grand Place for my 11 am Walking Tour.
This UNESCO World Heritage Grand Place is a baroque spectacle with ornate guild houses and the Town Hall's tall spire high in the sky!
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| Brussels Grote Markt or Town Square |
The Town Hall Tower features a 96-meter high Gothic spire crowned by a gilt statue of Saint Michael slaying a dragon.
You can see this tall spire from almost everywhere in Brussels. Everyone uses it to navigate the city.
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| City Hall in the Grote Markt |
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| Brewers' House |
The Maison des Brasseurs or Brewers' House located in the Grand-Place is a magnificent Baroque-style Guildhall featuring a gleaming, gold-leafed equestrian statue at its highest peak.
It's commonly known as the building with the 'gold man on a horse on top'.
On our tour we learned the history of Brussels, visited the Cathedral of St. Michael & St. Gudula with beautiful stonework, walked through the Arcades of Saint Hubert Galeries Royale, took photos of the Mannequin Pis and so much more.
Mannequin Pis
The Mannequin Pis is a small statue famous because it serves as the long-standing symbol of Brussels.
It represents the city's independent, irreverent spirit and love of self-mockery.
The Manneken Pis (Dutch for "Little Pissing Man") is a famous 21.9 inch bronze fountain sculpture in central Brussels.
It originally served a practical purpose as a public drinking water fountain for the neighborhood.
Brussels Town Hall 1401-1455
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| Brussels Town Hall in Grote Markt |
After lunch, I toured the impressive Gothic Town Hall which is a 15th-century Gothic masterpiece built in stages between 1401-1455.
This is the only surviving medieval building on the Grand Place and is used for official ceremonies, weddings and guided tours.
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| Town Hall Council Chamber |
I shopped and walked around the Grote Markt or Grand Place (central square) tasting chocolate, eating waffles and macaroons.
Just enjoying the beautiful weather in Brussels.
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| Carriage in Brussels Town Square |
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| Artist in Town Square |
Airbnb in Brussels
Late afternoon, I took the Metro to my Airbnb which was in a trendy part of town with several small restaurants, bars, shops and young people in their 20s, 30s, plus lots of college students.
My Airbnb was lovely!
Enormous room on the 2nd floor with 12 foot ceilings, exposed heavy beams, 10" wide plank floors, tall windows, kitchenette and bathroom.
I had a king size bed, sofa, coffee table, small kitchen table with two chairs, wardrobe, and lots of light.
The name of my room was 'Balance'.
Interesting because I am trying to find that in my life.
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| Brussels Airbnb 1st Floor |
My host, Marnix, was great. He had truly provided everything for a guest including extra pillows, blankets, cooking items in the kitchen and more. He lived on the 3rd and 4th floors.
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| 1st Floor - Airbnb Brussels |
The 1st floor was beautifully decorated with comfortable chairs, books, lamps and a lovely water feature on the back deck which was quite relaxing to listen to.
Cuberdons in Brussels
The cuberdons were just as colorful and delicious in Brussels. It's hard to eat just one!
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| Cuberdons |
Everyone walks around with either a bag of chocolates, cuberdons or a waffle. You can't go wrong with any of these treats!
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| Cuberdons in Brussels |
Brussels Sights
I took the Metro into the Brussels city centre daily, but walked home in the late afternoons to my Airbnb.
Once again, I found a small restaurant with both outdoor and indoor tables near my apartment.
Loved sitting outside with wine and food to people watch.
Brussels Chocolates
So much chocolate, so little time! But, I did my best!
The chocolate in Brussels was just as delicious as the other cities that I visited.
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| Chocolate Fountain |
Jean Neuhaus was a Swiss pharmacist who founded a famous chocolate and confectionery company in Brussels.
The very first Neuhaus Chocoate Shop opened in 1857 in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels where the brand is still rooted today.
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| Galeries Royale Saint-Hubert |
Pralines - The crown jewel of Belgium invented by Neuhaus in 1912. These are hard chocolate shells filled with soft, whipped centers like hazelnut paste, ganache, butter creams, coffee or fruit.
Single-Origin and Bean-to-Bar Tablets crafted by modern luxury chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini with cocoa beans from Peru, Ecuador and Cuba.
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| Brussels Chocolate |
The flavored and specialty bars like dark chocolates are mixed with crushed cinnamon or orange-infused.
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| Galleries Royale with Glass Ceiling |
Museums in Brussels
So much to see and do in Brussels! I visited the Magritte Museum, the Musical Instruments Museum, and the Old Masters Museum (Flemish masters), churches and shops.
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| 17th Century Harpsichord |
Loved both the Magritte Museum and the Musical Instruments Museum.
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| Magritte Painting |
Delicious lunch on a lovely terrace overlooking Brussels with an outstanding view.
European Parliament Hemicycle
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| Brussels European Parliament |
I made my reservation to tour the European Parliament Hemicycle in advance with my passport information.
I wanted to learn more about how the EU is governed.
The European Parliament Hemicycle is in the heart of the European Quarter in Brussels.
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| Parliament Hemicycle |
Fortunately for me, Parliament WAS in session with a plenary sitting on the day that I visited.
I was able to watch how Members of the European Parliament work and debate on the floor.
Heavy security to enter the building with bag checks, full-body scanners, metal detectors and X-ray machines.
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| Members of Parliament |
This massive room is also called the Debating Chamber because that is the function of the room where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) sit, debate, and vote on laws.
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| I Watched from the Balcony |
The European Parliament is unique because it operates out of two main debating chambers with one in Brussels and the other in Strasbourg, France.
What an impression this made on me. Very interesting and worth visiting!
How the European Parliament Functions
The European Parliament has 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) representing citizens across 27 EU member states.
They share equal power with the Council of the European Union to adopt and amend EU laws.
The EU budget is decided and approved here.
This group oversees the European Commission, approves its President and holds the power to censure or force the resignation of the Commission.
MEPs are elected by direct universal suffrage every five years.
Seating by Political Affinity
Members (MEPs) sit in transnational political groups based on political affiliation ranging from the left to the right of the political spectrum rather than by nationality which I found quite interesting.
Allocation Method: Seats are distributed using "degressive proportionality," meaning smaller countries get more seats than a strict population ratio would allow, with a minimum of 6 seats (such as Malta) and a maximum of 96 seats (such as Germany).
Strasbourg, France - Official seat where monthly plenary sessions take place.
Brussels, Belgium - Primary location for parliamentary committee meetings and political group gatherings.
Luxembourg - The host of the General Secretariat.
Sunset in Ghent
Solo Traveling and the Kindness of Strangers
Solo traveling has become more fun and interesting for me. Lots of research prior to a trip, walking tour reservations made in advance and occasionally train reservations made.
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| Solo Traveling is Fun! |
I have found that people are very helpful when I ask for directions to the train, Metro, cathedral, etc.
Young people between 18 and 30 really know their way around and are the most helpful. They will immediately check their phone for the Metro or train schedule.
Sometimes, this person will walk a few blocks with me to the station to show me the way.
I often rely on the kindness of strangers when traveling and I am never disappointed.
Margery, an incredible 'solo traveler', shared this advice with me years ago.
So, I never hesitate to ask strangers for directions. But first, I always smile and ask if they speak English.
Actually, many people across the world speak two or three languages, English being one of them. I often wish that I was fluent in another language, specifically French.
Strangers will often let me know that my train stop is only three more stops.
Strangers help me by lifting my small suitcase and putting it on the train or tram. Or, they will carry it up a flight of stairs without my asking.
Strangers do the kindest things.
I would do the same for a stranger who is traveling. You would too.
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