In which I unearth the history of the Grand-Place, and discover that it is the people and the stories that make the city, not the streets and buildings.
Yes, you've hit the nail on the head about Brussels. Grand Place aside, it's not obviously romantic, beautiful or cool like Paris, London, Rome or New York. But scratch the surface and you'll find it's fascinating, with lots of stories to tell - its historical, cultural and scientific influence is under the radar. Belgians don't like to brag, everyone's pretty low key. And in the summer it's a lot of fun. This is why many people arrive here, planning to try living here for a few months, and next thing they know it's 10 years later, like me. Glad you had fun!
I've been away for a couple of months, so I am glad to have this morning to catch up a bit and feed my travel bug by reading one of your most excellent accounts of travel. I enjoyed every paragraph. The Grand Place sounds like a wonderful place to sit and people watch for a day.
I know, I was so sorry to hear about your sister. I know it must have been a tough Christmas for you, but I’m wishing all the best for you and Rick in the new year!
Hello Jodi, thank you for taking me back to Brussels, I agree the Grand Place is the best part about that city. Your photo taken early in the morning is amazing as is all your photography. A bit of a change that the train strike wasn’t in France, they are always on strike. Glad you got on your way ok. Merry Christmas, belated and wishing you a very Happy New Year
So glad to have you and your wonderful writing back! And yes, train strikes— I spent hours stalled on an unheated train in Belgium during a train strike in the winter of 1984. I was just passing through and never saw the city except from the windows, eventually. It was memorable though. 😁
I agree with you on the contrast between the Grand Place and the surrounding buildings. To me, Brussels was underwhelming compared to western cities. But Grand Place is unique and like some other Brussels.
I'll read you if you read me. Let's support each other and build a writing community to counter the politicoa who hold court here. What say you. travel writer of beautiful things?
Well, this was encouraging despite the potential disappointment of the architecture. I'm hoping to visit Brussels -- for the first time -- next autumn. Happy holidays!
Yes, you've hit the nail on the head about Brussels. Grand Place aside, it's not obviously romantic, beautiful or cool like Paris, London, Rome or New York. But scratch the surface and you'll find it's fascinating, with lots of stories to tell - its historical, cultural and scientific influence is under the radar. Belgians don't like to brag, everyone's pretty low key. And in the summer it's a lot of fun. This is why many people arrive here, planning to try living here for a few months, and next thing they know it's 10 years later, like me. Glad you had fun!
So you met a man in Brussels, full of mussels … was he six-foot-four, and did he just smile and give you a Vegemite sandwich? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfR9iY5y94s
Lol, no need to link the video…as a child of the 80s I recognized that reference in a heartbeat! 😂
I've been away for a couple of months, so I am glad to have this morning to catch up a bit and feed my travel bug by reading one of your most excellent accounts of travel. I enjoyed every paragraph. The Grand Place sounds like a wonderful place to sit and people watch for a day.
I know, I was so sorry to hear about your sister. I know it must have been a tough Christmas for you, but I’m wishing all the best for you and Rick in the new year!
We do make speculaas in Belgium as well 😉.
So 'Brussels sprouts' takes on a new meaning! Welcome back, Jodi
Thank you, and wishing you guys a happy new year! 🧡
Hello Jodi, thank you for taking me back to Brussels, I agree the Grand Place is the best part about that city. Your photo taken early in the morning is amazing as is all your photography. A bit of a change that the train strike wasn’t in France, they are always on strike. Glad you got on your way ok. Merry Christmas, belated and wishing you a very Happy New Year
Thank you so much, Sally - and happy holidays and a very Happy New Year to you, too! ❤️
So glad to have you and your wonderful writing back! And yes, train strikes— I spent hours stalled on an unheated train in Belgium during a train strike in the winter of 1984. I was just passing through and never saw the city except from the windows, eventually. It was memorable though. 😁
Thank you so much! ❤️ That sounds awful! Train travel…it’s not always as romantic as it seems, is it? Happy holidays to you, Victoria!
I agree with you on the contrast between the Grand Place and the surrounding buildings. To me, Brussels was underwhelming compared to western cities. But Grand Place is unique and like some other Brussels.
Thank you for taking me back! I'm a writer of essays, but a travel writer at heart. Thoroughly enjoyed this!
I'll read you if you read me. Let's support each other and build a writing community to counter the politicoa who hold court here. What say you. travel writer of beautiful things?
Well, this was encouraging despite the potential disappointment of the architecture. I'm hoping to visit Brussels -- for the first time -- next autumn. Happy holidays!
Happy holidays to you! 🎄