Winter in Belgium
My first ever experience of Belgium, and I was definitely not disappointed. Arriving by rail made it so much more enjoyable. Eurostar itself may be ready for a make over. However, not having to arrive an hour before departure, face the numerous security and bag measuring checks you now have to undertake at an airport was brilliant.
Within two and a half hours I had arrived at Brussels Midi station. Brussels was alive with Christmas; I took a taxi to the Hotel Leopold where I would be staying for the night. The receptionist was warm and friendly and the lobby was covered with beautiful Christmas decorations. Although slightly out of the centre, the hotel has great transport links close by, including a handy metro station at the end of the road. Being new to the city, I decided to walk to the market and take in the sights, which took about 20 minutes. It was very cold and with all the cobbled streets I definitely recommend leaving the high heels at home. It was not long before I stumbled across the first of many Belgian chocolate shops. The smell was sweet and the free samples were a welcome treat. Piles and piles of scrumptious chocolate, although top tip for friends and family presents, it's cheaper in the supermarket. Brussels is a maze of small narrow streets, before I new it I had stumbled across the Grand Place. It was a stunning sight with the ornate Maison du Roi and a simply decorated Christmas tree in the centre. Many people were sat in the bars surrounding the square enjoying a beer, chatting and admiring the view - the atmosphere was absolutely wonderful. The Market began not far from here and was spread through the city centre. Small wooden stalls either side of the streets were selling lovely hand made items from personalised jewellery and chairs to free standing and hanging tree decorations. The smell of the market was also wonderful; a mixture of mulled wine and freshly cooked waffles sweetened the cold crisp air. I was however slightly taken aback by the children’s carousel. Be warned: It’s not horses and carriages but more like something from a mad scientist’s laboratory! Many children were happily riding on the back of large beetles and strange skeleton like sea horse but it definitely wasn’t something I remember from my childhood! The following day I left Brussels to continue my journey to Bruges, a short hour on the train and I had arrived. Within in a 10 minute walk I was in the Markt (Market Square). Not unlike Brussels, it was alive with the sound and smells of Christmas. Although Bruges Christmas market was much smaller and more compact, it had just as many offerings as Brussels did. I wandered around the Market square taking in the breathtaking architecture of the provincial court and the belfry of Bruges. The bright winter sun made it all the more stunning. Overall, seeing the contrast of both cities was an amazing adventure and one I would definitely recommend.
