Brussels, Belgium

What an incredible city. Today was spent in wonderful Brussels, Belgium. It's architecture is stunning and to say the least this city is such culinary treat. I would love to come back soon and eat everything sweet here! It was only an hour and twenty minutes to Brussels from Paris by train so it was very easy to have an entire day to see the city. The Parliament for the European Union is here, making this city a very important metropolis. It's relatively a small metropolis and a lot less crowded than Paris. What a nice surprise. I might say it's a bit better than Paris. Brussels is perfectly charming and has so much character. It's easy to feel the true culture of the people there. It's in a unique area of Europe because it meshes together, French/Flemish/Dutch language, food, & culture. In Paris, there are so many cultures, and it's a bit difficult to see true Parisian life past the mile long lines outside of the Eiffel Tower and the double decker red tour busses. Tourism being a culture itself, It can be a bit overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I love Paris. It's a beautiful city. All of these things make your experience in Paris a very Parisian experience. But Brussels. BUT, Brussels.

European Parliament building

Chocolate. Belgium is clearly known for chocolate. Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier served us well today! With some of the most incredibly unique and delicious chocolates in the world, they are hardly sold in the US (New York only) and, as informed, they are one of the few REAL Belgian chocolatiers. This upper crust chocolate show room dazzled my eyes' taste buds that didn't let me leave without a few of these treats. Pierre Marcolini uses different cocoa beans from all over the world for specific types of chocolate. Just like different grapes are used for different wines, different beans from Java to Ecuador create a line of chocolate that didn't let me down. Who would of thought that chocolate could be so serious? After tasting, I can easily see why this genius man has used his highly thought method to create this culinary masterpiece.

so many chocolates to choose from

The Grand Place  is one of the main squares in town that showcases architecture so incredible different from Paris. The town hall almost looks like a cathedral with it's detailed spires and gothic facade. The surrounding buildings are just as detailed and most built in the 1600s. They are trimmed and decorated in gold leaf that reflects beautifully even on a dull gray morning.

Town hall on Grand Place

Wonderful example of Belgian architecture

Belgian Museum on Grand Place

Me and mom on Grand Place

We also indulged in little baked goods from the Middle East from Patisserie Orientale. Little baklava type snacks filled with all sorts of nuts and were in mounds that caught so many eyes not window shopping. Almond, pistachio, caramel...

Bourse (Pistachio and Almond)

Almond Cigars

My chosen treat

Belgian waffles can lead your nose around any corner in Brussels. Fraises et Chantilly (Strawberries and a Whipped Cream), can't go wrong there. Just pound it on a waffle. After eating we walked to the Cathedral of St. Matthew and came across the best park benches I've ever encountered.

Overall Brussels is a place I'll never forget and will revisit in the near future.