Wednesday in Brussles

When we were in the airport we had a bit of a time getting the internet service to work there, and we were a little uncertain of where to find the area to meet our car, but when we did get to the proper place, the car was there waiting for us.
When we arrived at our hotel, we were quite happy to find Rob there already, waiting for us.
With our abbreviated nights sleep the past two nights, and also the 7 hour time difference, both Ruth & I were ready for naps, so we were glad to pull the blinds & crash for a while. Actually it took me a while to fall asleep, as my brain wanted to keep on going.
Most of the pictures are posted small so I can get more on here & consolidate space.  I believe you can click on the photo to enlarge it if you want to see it better.

 This is our view from our motel room, we were only on the 3rd floor, so we didn't have too far of a view.
Later I'll have a photo of the outside of the very impressive hotel building.

Well, some things are the same as home! I was amused to see UPS here, looking just like home!

After our naps the three of us went out walking, and spent the afternoon sightseeing and dined Al-fresco! One of the things that is so interesting is all the dining places outside, with only tiny little restaurant areas inside.

 Look at all the flowers & vines on this building! At first we thought they were live, but when we got close we realized they were silk.

The buildings are so interesting to me.  So very different than what we see in the states.  The architecture  is just amazing! The streets are narrow, and I often am amazed at they are actually open to vehicle traffic   There is alot of traffic, and really not many street lights and the drivers are quite courteous.  Rarely have we heard horns honking at each other, and when we did generally it was more of a quick beep letting someone know they were coming. The drivers are also very courteous and aware of foot traffic, of which there is really alot of!

 Here's a couple pictures for some of my girls--we saw antique store signs, vintage & second hand clothing stores & lots & lots of fantastic looking goodie treats in the windows!

 The Grand Place.  This was a large city square (no vehicle traffic) inclosed by buildings all around.  Shops & lots of places to eat.  it's where we had supper Wed. eve.

 How does this menu sound?   Actually our food was very good! (and no, we didn't try any of those on that menu)

 My friends, Ruth & Rob----------a delectable looking candy store  Lots & lots of small shops, filled with all sorts of intriguing looking items.  Amazed over & over again with all the very narrow winding streets.  Narrow sidewalks.  All the streets (and most sidewalks are old brick.

This fountain has a funny story.  It is a huge tourist attraction, down near the square on a corner.  It's not very big--and actually not very noticeable, but very old.   The name of it is (quite appropriately) Manneken Pis.  You can read about the history of it here--and some amusing facts (the statue is occasionally dressed in different outfits!)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manneken_Pis

 Belgium is famous for it's waffles, so of course we had to try some.  Can we say sugar overload here? But aren't they beautiful looking?

 One of the streets we walked down was an outdoor covered street, lined with shops & eating establishments.

 I wish I could tell you all the names of these cool buildings--I can't.  It was a perfect day for our walking tour, and after all the sitting/flights and food we ate, the walking was a great way to work it off.

 I also had to take this picture for some of my girls--and coffee loving friends!

This is all for Wednesday, I'll be back with another day of sightseeing & waffle cooking class for Thursdays post!  Thanks for coming along!