It was now time to bid Paris a teary goodbye. Belgium awaited.
We drove four hours to the capital city of Brussels, where we first stopped at the
Atomium. We were explained what the significance of this iconic structure was, but after I heard that meeting rooms were built in the spheres, they kind of lost me. However, for the education of all, the Atomium was originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels
World’s Fair – is used as an exhibition centre and meeting hall now. It has also been named one of Europe’s most bizarre buildings by CNN – and I would concur heartily.
 |
| Happy Atomiers |
After a half an hour and the rather boring photo-stop, we drove to the heart of the city and our tour manager walked us to what is possibly the most popular part of the city –La Grand-Place. To be very honest, I had never heard of the place in any must-do lists, nor had I bothered to research it assuming that it would be just another town square.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I’m not kidding you when I say that I have never seen anything like that place ever – in pictures, in movies or anywhere. You cannot take your eyes off even one edifice – each one more spectacular than the other. All arranged in a neat rectangle and building outwards – a series of public and private building standing since the late 17th century. While the numerous flower pots and adorned street lamps distract you, a petite young woman is playing the harp at a street side café, while the crowds bustle past her – and to her it’s like they don’t even exist.
This is the Grand-Place in Brussels.
The erstwhile City Hall covers most of the south side of the Grand Place and consists of a group of buildings around a rectangular internal courtyard. The part facing on to the square is from the 15th century, consisting of two L-shaped buildings and the entire façade is decorated with statues dating from the 19th century or even earlier.
I tried desperately to get a shot of the whole public plaza, and failed miserably. So here some bits and parts, which I would love to put together and make a panorama – unless someone volunteers to pay for a helicopter ride! J
 |
| Grand-Place |
 |
| Flower power |
 |
| City hall |
 |
| Old world European charm |
 |
| Built in 1698 |
Once we tore ourselves away from the square and hunted for Belgium’s biggest attractions – waffles and the minuscule statue of the pissing boy (screams over-rated!). We found a cosy little street corner next to an outlet of Waffle Factory and bolted down gorgeous fluffy waffles with strawberries and cream and melting chocolate. Heaven!
 |
| The Mannekin Pis! |
 |
| Waffle Factory devourers |
 |
| Instaaaa! |
 |
| Chocolat! |
 |
| Berries and cream. *Drool* |
 |
| Gosh! |
To digest, we strolled around the square, sampled fruit beer and Belgian chocolates while absorbing the beauty of the old Europe ambience. After a brief city tour, we drove past the royal palace, crossed over into Dutch territory and we drove to our luxury resort in Koningshof via Antwerp.
The NH Koningshof was probably the best hotel we stayed at, during our trip. Located in Eindhoven, it is in the middle of lush greenery – making one almost feel like they were living in a golf course. The rest of the evening was spent walking through the resort – Ma went bowling, Baba got a drink and while taking a dip in the pool, I could literally feel the fatigue wearing off.
 |
| Like I said. Lush. |
 |
| Almost a forest outside the window |
 |
| Poooool |
 |
| Ten pin strike! |
 |
| You could play tennis, or badminton, or squash or even power cycle! |
 |
| 😀 |
Next stop, the Netherlands. Windmills, ahoy!
