So we reached Brussels from Paris and gonna spend a few hours here before heading to Amsterdam. Basically is a touch-and-go trip in Brussels (like Germany). Only if we can have like an hour more to explore around. But still managed to cover some must-sees in Brussels and also souvenir shopping, plus a last-minute t-shirt shopping at Hard Rock Café!
THE GRAND PLACE
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| THE GRAND PLACE |
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| THE GRAND PLACE |
The Grand Place is a historic square in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. One of the most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is also surrounded by beautiful, ornate buildings too. The buildings' architecture reflects various styles like Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV. A popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike to stroll around, take in the beautiful architecture, and enjoy the numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops within the perimeter.
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| Random Street View |
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| Cobblestone Street View |
MANNEKEN-PIS
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| MANNEKEN-PIS |
Manneken-Pis is a small bronze sculpture that depicts a naked little boy urinating into a fountain basin (or like the tour manager calls it a Pee Pee Boy). It is a famous statue and landmark of Brussels that stands just 24 inches. A popular tourist attraction and iconic symbol that captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike.
Interestingly, there are 23 dressings planned on fixed dates for Manneken-Pis to get dressed during big events. Also, the Manneken-Pis receives new suits regularly too. The dressing on Manneken-Pis at the time I saw was to honor The Philosophy and Arts Circle of the ULB. The theme is Education and Folklore.
BELGIAN WAFFLES
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| RANDOM WAFFLES SHOP |
The smell of Belgian Waffles was everywhere and how can you miss having one of their waffles, even when you are already full from your lunch? A variety of toppings makes the whole selection pretty tempting. The portion was big too. Many other waffles shop so just picking any one of them will do.
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| The selection of toppings and flavors |
TIN TIN
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| TIN TIN MURAL ARTS |
Tin Tin is a fictional character created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé. He first appeared in the comic strip "Tintin in the Land of the Soviets" in 1929 and went on to star in a series of comic albums. The Adventures of Tin Tin are known for their engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and detailed artwork. Came across a few buildings with mural art and only that day I got to know Tin Tin was a Belgian despite knowing his existence since young.
AT CHEZ LEON FOR LUNCH
Our lunch venue at Chez Leon and only got to know here that locals and visitors alike ate a pot of Mussels as their main course. You know how much of mussels in that pot? Gosh... game changer! From non-mussels taker to one of their own.
Our appetizers were salad and soup of the day and as usual, a good starter for our meal. Too common for more illustrations. Oh I'm a salad eater by the way!
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| SMALL MIXED SALAD |
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| VEGETABLE SOUP |
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| GRILLED STEAK WITH CHIPS AND BUTTER |
Mister had grilled steak in medium well and when it was served up, a promising appearance but the fact that it actually lacking of juiciness and tenderness despite requested for medium well. The flavor was decent but unmemorable, lacking the depth and richness of seasoning or marination. Probably the fries were the saving grace to comfort his dissatisfaction. And Mister also helped himself to my Mussels since it was a big portion.
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| MUSSELS IN WHITE WINE AND CHIPS 👍👍👍 |
Game changer and a matchmaker from heaven. Fresh Mussels cooked in white wine offer a delightful and savory flavor. It absorbs the flavors of the white wine, infusing them with its aromatic essence. As the mussels simmer and release their juices, they create a flavorful broth, resulting in a delicious sauce that you can scrape up with crusty bread. Together, the briny mussels and the aromatic white wine create a harmonious blend of natural sweetness, brininess, and tenderness, along with good wine.
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| Yummy Mussels |
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| CHOCOLATE MOUSSE AND CARAMEL PUDDING |
Their Chocolate Mousse was delicious and creamy with a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth. They probably have adjusted the sweetness and flavor to perfection. Even Mister who isn't a dessert lover, he found his love for this chocolate mousse. For their Caramel Pudding, it tasted rich and creamy with a smooth texture, topped with a luscious layer of caramel sauce.
BELGIAN CHOCOLATES
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| Chocolate Shopping |
We went to this shop for chocolate shopping. A variety to choose from and we bought Truffle Chocolates but without Truffle taste. Haha... just the usual rich chocolate taste but affordable price especially those bundles.
However, I don't recommend buying chocolates unless is your last day in Europe. As we still have Amsterdam as the last leg of this tour, the chocolates already melt by the time we gift them to our families. Haha... deformed though still edible after chilling it.
Recap on my European Adventure blog posts if you have missed out:
Also my Youtube Channel! Show your love to me and my Channel; hopefully, it will hit my 1st 100 subscribers by the end of 2023! You can find it in my playlist named Travelogue 国内外旅游全记录.
Disclaimer: All the above were paid by the writer. Not sponsored post.