Time to travel again! This time, Sam and I chose Rick Steves' "Heart of Belgium and Holland in Eleven Days" tour, even though we have been to some of these places before. After all, this is my fifth and Sam's sixth Rick Steves' tour. But we always enjoy learning and it's fun to get away. Our trip and arrival in Brussels was on time and uneventful, exactly as we like it when beginning a tour.
Our first tourist site upon arrival from the airport and train station into the city center was the Grand Place (we arrived a day early, Tuesday, August 27, 2013). It was easy to find because the Town Hall's spire in the 1,000-year-old main cobblestone square is the tallest. This is where Brussels was born--at a strategic spot on the banks of the Senne River which crossed the main road from Koln to Bruges and is today completely bricked over.
As seen in the photo, there are many things going on here at all times during the day: flower markets, concerts, souvenir and art stands, and endless people-watching. Sitting among the museums surrounding the square are cafes and shops selling beer, mussels, gaufres (Belgium waffles, of course), paintings and drawings, chocolates, fries, flowers, and dentelles (lace).
It was a beautiful day and temps were climbing into the 70s. But we were eager to check into our hotel and get something to eat before exploring some more. Sam had to study the map before we found our way to the Hotel Scandic Grand Place.
It was time to check-in, drop off the bags, freshen up, and head back out again to enjoy the day!
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