Why do holiday’s always fly by?

Today we fly back to Edinburgh, but not until late evening, which means we have almost a full day in Brussels.

As we had to check out of the hotel, we thought it best to take it easy and have a lie in. We left at 11am, so our first stop was brunch. The Waffle Factory is famous, although there are many dotted around Belgium, but we thought we would try it anyway. We both went for waffles filled with savoury fillings, which reminded me of a calzone. I chose one with goats cheese, spinach and sun dried tomato along with a latte, although it was so small, and cost 3 euros; the waffle was worth it though.

After brunch, we decided to find the comic strip museum as Brussels is extremely famous for its comics, such as Tintin and the Smurfs. We decided not to go in as neither of us were particularly interested in the comic strips but I did take a few picture in the main entrance. We also walked past the Everard t’Serclaes monument which apparently brings luck and grants wishes to all who touch it. 

Instead, we decided to go to the Royal Museum of Fine Art. On the way, we noticed a lot of police, and there were lots of comic character balloons. Unsure, what was going on, we just kept walking. I didn’t mention this yesterday, but Iain started talking to an elderly man in the park where we had a beer; he recommended visiting the Music Instrument Museum as it was free for the next few days. We are still unsure why this was the case, but we decided to take a look anyway. The first and second floor were filled with over 2000 musical instruments dating back hundreds of years, and from various different countries. We walked around for 20 minutes or so before deciding to try the rooftop cafe which turned out to be the worst idea ever. As it was free to get in, the museum was heaving with people. We actually walked up the 10 floors as the lift was so busy; in fact, we should have taken that as a sign to ignore it. We both lasted 5 minutes, before we were shouted at for not queueing (I want to add that other people weren’t queuing either and just walked in), so we left for the art gallery, angry and thirsty!

First stop after buying a ticket for the gallery, the cafe! It was actually 24 degrees today so we were both in need of a cold drink; I actually had a coke instead of alcohol! For the next few hours, we wandered around room after room of “old masters” paintings. The plan of the gallery helped us to pick out the main pieces in their collection but it still took time and over 10,000 steps! It was definitely worth a visit, but its not somewhere that you can rush around quickly as it is a maze.

We left the gallery shortly after 4pm with a plan to get some beer, some fries, a waffle and maybe have a ride in a horse and carriage. As we left, there was a massive parade with the characters we had seen earlier in the day; now we understood why there were so many police about. Thankfully, this didn’t deter us and everything worked out well apart form the waffle so I can’t complain too much. Earlier in the day, we found a bar offering a “Degustation Beer Tasting” so the plan was to go back. It was just luck, that a couple left as we were approaching otherwise we would never have gotten a table. The beer was very refreshing, although we did decide to share! Apart from one beer which was 10%, all the others were ‘only’ 8%.

It’s always wise to eat something to soak up the alcohol, so what better than Brussels “special” fries. They are served with mayonnaise, ketchup and onions and taste even more delicious after a beer or five.

It was nearing 5.45pm and we were planning to leave for the airport at 6.30pm. The horse and carriage ride was across one side of Grand Place, so we were just around the corner. It was 50 euros for four people for 30 minutes, but I really wanted to go. We waited in line and thankfully got the last trip of the day; the horse was also grey, which reminded me of Wishbear, my horse, from what seems like a lifetime ago. Obviously, there were only 2 of us so we technically had room for two more people; a little girl was desperate to join us so how could we say no. Turns out, the family were visiting from Acapulco. There were only two places, so the girls father had to miss out; he seemed quite happy with the prospect of having a beer in a pub on the square instead though!

The tour lasted 30 minutes, although we did get off for 2 minutes in the middle so we could go into the church of Saint Nicholas. It is situated slap bang in the middle of lots of bars, restaurants and shops which is very odd. We walked around the church then went back to the remainder of our carriage ride. It was already 6.30pm, so we had to go to our hotel and pick up our bags. Thankfully, our hotel was a 5 minute walk from Grand Place and then another 2 minute walk to Brussels central station. We boarded a train in record time, before arriving at the airport 20 minutes later.

All in all, it was a successful day. I’m currently blogging on the flight home and have just been told its a mild 8 degrees in Edinburgh, brrrr! Until next time....