Back to Belgium

A few years ago, on a road trip around Europe, we went to Bruges. It was a stunning place, truly lovely, but ruined by the fact we were involved in a car accident. One that wasn't our fault I might add. Being surrounded by people speaking Flemish and refusing to acknowledge us whilst we were waiting for the police to arrive was not a good experience.

3 years later, having forgiven Belgium for not treating us well when we last arrived, my boyfriend and I booked to go to Brusells. The plane was delayed by hours, my iPhone was stolen within an hour of finally arriving in Belgium and then my boyfriend over indulged in Belgian beer and one day may as well have been a complete write off.

So, you can see, Belgium doesn't seem to treat me very well. Really, I'm not sure why because I love it. The mixture of Flemish and French, the contrast between the buildings at La Grand-Place and the Atomium!

I didn't know much about Brussels before we went, so when we heard about Manneken Pis we had to go and find him. Not so shockingly, we were surprised for find quite how little he is...

...and even more surprised because the first time we saw him he was dressed as a surfer. Manneken Pis is dressed up as different things on a regular basis. In fact, in one museum we discovered the whole collection. He's been dressed as several from the Pope to Santa Claus and a vampire. Seriously, you should Google him.

Of course, my favourite thing was the food. Belgium is chocked full of amazing food - the beer, the chocolate, the waffles - and the Belgium people are keen to embrace it. As part of what we presume was a protest, one of the main roads off Grand Place was taken over by hundreds of people all having a picnic. What a lovely, peaceful way to protest. Belgium, if I visit again can you promise to make the whole trip as lovely and relaxing as my last day in Brussels?