Mr. Moo here. I have taken over writing duties for this blog. Ali & Anna need a break and I’m sure my perspective will be more interesting than theirs.

Brussels is the capitol of Belgium. They have the best fries, chocolates, waffles, and beer in all of Europe! I think Ali and Anna are on a mission to eat all the countries specialities without thinking about calories, or weight. Boy will they be in trouble once they land back in Canada. Ha Ha!
As we were travelling on the train Ali and Anna were nice enough to let me ride in the seat next to them and enjoy the view of the countryside when we arrived in Brussels.  We arrived at the train station in the early evening and had to take the subway. Ali was the poor sucker dragging the 34kg suitcase all over the subway station and for another 10 blocks to the hotel! It pays to be plush, small, and cute.

We arrived at the hotel and checked in. Right away they went in search of food. (I only need air for my life). They eventually found the restaurant square (apparently they have trouble navigating during dark hours) and noticed that most of them weren’t open….yet. It just so happens it was Saturday night and most of these places don’t waste time opening during the day. They open typically right at 7pm, and they were full! We found a place called “Au Vieux Bruxelles. Le roi des moules-frites et des plats bruxellois!!!” That’s exactly what it says on the card. Kings of fries, mussels, and any Brussels dish. The place was small, wood clad, and very much in the style of an 1800’s home. Ali had the Waterzooi del Volaille and Anna the Carbonade a la Geuze. These dishes are specific to Brussels and according to the faces and moaning sounds they were making while eating, I’m assuming it was very tasty. Waterzooi is a stewed chicken dish that smelled incredible. Anna’s dish was the same idea, but with beef. I personally took issue with her choice (poor past Mr. Moos). I should note that both Ali and Anna are still struggling with jet lag. Suckers!! Being a plush toy has its advantages, like never having to eat, or need any luggage besides my nifty hat, or never sleeping. Who needs to sleep? There is so much to see.. Stupid humans.

The next day the 3 of us ventured forth unto the main square in town where great Christmas Market is. It was a bit of a journey, but we managed to find a Belgian waffle hut that sold them fresh made waffles for 1 euro. Ali and Anna seemed to disagree on the volume of waffles they should eat. Anna I think won since they only had 1 each and not the 3 each Ali wanted. As they ate their waffles they made those faces and moaning sounds again. Clearly they were enjoying themselves. As we got closer to the market we realized quickly that waffles are everywhere! There was never a shortage of places to get them. It just depended on the cost. Ali was a little obsessed and wouldn’t stop talking about it. We stopped for a photo shoot (my favourite part of our trips) and moved on to the Grand Palace. This place is more than just a palace. It was once the great market square back in the 1400’s. The palace, the guild halls, church, market, were all here. Now it’s a gathering place and where the most people will be found. A central point from which to explore the rest of old downtown. The square is anchored by a 30’ tall Christmas tree right in the middle.

We wandered for a bit marvelling at the market and all the activity bustling everywhere from the artisan stands, street food, and activities for all. We made our way back to the Grand Palace to start the walking tour. Our guide, James, was very informative and funny for a human. He gave us a great history of Belgium and told great stories about many of the sites and the cultural background of Belgium. Everything from the “eating of the chickens” to Tintin and the Smurfs (all from Belgium). The best story is of the most famous statue in the world, the Manekin Piss. This statue of a baby boy pissing is everywhere. There’s many stories about it. Some say he was 2 and commanded a troop of Wallonia soldiers to victory by pissing on them. The others are about how many times the statue’s been stolen. The best is when Louie the 14th knighted the statue and dressed him in uniform. For a long time the soldiers were forced to stop and salute the statue (peeing or not) every time they passed by. Take the tour! Sandemann’s Walking Tour. You won’t regret it. All the other humans were enjoying themselves as well.

As the day went on the crowds got busier and busier. By 8pm or so it was packed everywhere! We followed the path of the Christmas market and visited all the stops. There was even a tribute to Quebec City, or as they called it, “the land of the caribou”. The maple syrup treats were there. From the Swiss Chalet, to the many artisan kiosks and even the grand 57 foot high Ferris wheel, the market was something to behold. The highlight was the grand sound and light show in the Grand Palace square. They had all the buildings of the square lit up and dancing to the sounds of Christmas orchestral soundtrack. It was a truly magical show! If I was able to show emotion, I would have. J

Our final day, we did a walking tour of the areas we didn’t get to see the first time. We decided to check out the heart of the EU’s power and see the government buildings. There are a LOT of buildings, and all of them are worthy of any architect’s attention. We learned a fair bit about how the EU commission and Parliament ended up in Brussels and how it was between them and Luxemburg. It made me really hope that Canada would join the EU someday. Cafes, treats, and Belgian chocolate were all sampled and loved by Ali and Anna while I watched. I may not have to eat, but I’d sure like to try! MMmmmmmm chocolate.

The people were very friendly and most everyone knows a bit of English, but you’d be better off knowing some French. As we learned, not every place will have an English menu, or English translation for everything. It keeps the humans hopping while I watch and smile, as always, since I was stitched this way. Someday I’ll be able to change that, but for now, no one can beat me at poker! We all had a great time and enjoyed the culture, food, food, food. Next stop. Paris!!







© Anna & Ali. Powered by Blogger.