More Brussels! (6 - 7 Jun 08)

The day may have ended in Ghent, but as it was still early (late afternoon), I returned to Brussels. This time, to visit the more touristy places such as the Grand Place. But first, another one of those WTF guide moments again. Decided to head to the Palais de Justice as it is possible to take an elevator to the top for a panorama of the city. Yet all I got as I stepped into the Palace were confused civil servants knocking off from work and a curious security guard who did not speak English. I used the magic gesture of pointing upwards (hey it worked at the army museum!) but he stared blankly and shook his head. I think he was wondering who the heck was this madman trying to go to the top of the supreme court! As I walked, I also realised it's kinda odd as it's blocks of office rooms, so I asked the security guard for the exit instead. He was pretty sure what "out" meant even in English. The last thing I wanted was to be booked right within Belgium's supreme court itself!!

The Palais de Justice, it's supposed to make you feel very small as it's the courts


The "panorama" I could get, amidst a downpour. So I was wet and had the feeling like I was kena faked liaoz...

Later at the hostel, I related my bizarre incident to my American room-mate and he was also bitching about the weirdness of the guide. For example, he went to the 10th floor of Parking 58 as it states that it has a good view of Brussels to the Atomium and it's free. But what he saw was a very ulu carpark and a very angry security guard. Needless to say, he scooted. WTF guide moments again....

But the guide does have its good points too. For example, it pointed out the locations of several comic prints on the walls of certain houses. You could practically do an Amazing Race finding all of these in Brussels. A proud and strong nod to the Belgians for their love of comics and something which I think is unique in Brussels (the comic hunt)


And why is everybody crowding at this corner of the street?

Of cos to check out one of the national symbols in Belgium; the Manneken Pis!

He's small, he's tiny, and he's pissing! He also gets a nice change in costume a few times per month by Jean-Marc, but today he's butt-naked...keke


Manneken Pis souvenirs at the nearby shop



And not to forget...Belgian beer!




Belgian waffles! If you don't eat these in Belgium, you're not in Belgium! And honestly I have been stuffing myself with waffles mostly for breakfast and lunch...Keke

A real Brussels waffle is square with sugar put on it. A Liegeois one is round, cameralised and the sugar is baked into it whereas the super touristy ones go for extra chocs, bananas and strawberries....I had all of them over the course of 3 days...:)



The Grand Place / Grote Markt - the medieval heart of the city with a 15th century town hall (shots in the evening and early morning)













More gargoyles



Whilst taking shelter from the occasional downpour, this cute couple decided to wear oversized underwear and dance in the rain to entertain all of us...Lol!