Showing posts with label Brussels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brussels. Show all posts

Saturday, December 8, 2012

I Spy Friday featuring Brussels

Last Spring we had a quick stopover in Brussels on our way to Amsterdam.
At the time I declared Brussels Deserves an Overnighter.

A weekend in Germany visiting the Christmas markets was the perfect opportunity for another stopover. 

Last Friday, we hopped on the Eurostar and took the 2 hour trip to Brussels. 
Have I mentioned that I love traveling by train? It's so much more relaxing for me than flying. 

Brussels at night did not disappoint!


(Although in the spirit of full-disclosure, TE and I did argue a bit.
Travel stress strikes again.  But we got it all out on the first night, so it was a good thing.)

The city was in full Christmas mode.
The shop windows were bedecked with everything you can imagine. 







Belgian chocolate by the truckloads!


We strolled over to visit the little man again and had a drink at our favorite pub in Brussels.



The main square in Brussels is massive and beautiful.
But as we got closer, we noticed something different and seemingly out of place.

 
This year the powers-that-be decided to forgo the
traditional Christmas tree in the center of the historical square.



  Instead they opted for a massive, illuminated Abstract Christmas Tree.  




There was an impressive light show set to Christmas music.
The tree and the surrounding buildings all danced with color and lights. 




We noticed some protesters surrounded by TV crews after the light show.  We didn't know what they were protesting until we read later that many were not happy with the new display in the center of their beautiful square.

We were tired from a long week, so after a few drinks we turned in for the night. 


Our friends were arriving on a later train and we were all heading to Germany the next morning to visit the Christmas Markets!  More to come on our weekend getaway. 

The crazy tree did seem oddly out of place, although very pretty at night.  
What do you think?  New and exciting or tacky and out of place?

xoxo
Selena

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Brussels Deserves an Overnighter


On the way home from Amsterdam, we transferred trains in Brussels.  Why not spend a few hours exploring?  I'm glad we did, because Brussels is wonderful.  But, we were so tired and didn't really have enough time to relax and enjoy.  Not to mention the EuroStar station is a 20 minute not-so-scenic walk from the city center. 

But, when we walked out into the Grand Place, which is a huge cobblestone square, it took my breath away.  I had a moment, in spite of being exhausted.  I can't even describe the architecture.  

I think Brussels would be perfect for a relaxed, romantic one or two night getaway.  It's only a few hours from London on the Eurostar.  I would suggest you splurge on a really nice hotel, stroll the streets in the evenings in search of a wonderful meal, relax and enjoy.  (TE, if you're reading this, that's a subtle hint just for you.)

I really love seeing how each European city we visit has it's very own style and character.  

I hope you enjoy the pictures.  They are some of my favorites.  I took all the of them with the Nikon D90.

xoxo
Selena