All things Belgian

We have been here in Brussels two night now and the place is really growing on me. First off, hearing French spoken is always a pleasure, and after a day or so it starts to seem familiar and I can pick up a word here and there. No less of a delight is the food here. The prices are reasonable, people are friendly and accommodating and the food tastes splendid.
We ate lunch in a sidewalk cafe in the Galleries du Hubert , which is one of the first "shopping malls" in Europe .




There's Bill below getting a few great shots as usual.





Every other store was a chocolate shop. Of course we had to buy a few bon bons and they were delish.


Another thing Belgium is known for is waffles. So good!



Comics are very popular here.





Oh and beer made by Trappist monks. This old tavern dates from 1928.


Between chocolate shops are stores selling a huge variety of specially brewed Belgium beer.


Of course the most famous resident of Belgium is the little statue known as "Mannikin Pis". It dates from the 1600s and was originally used as a drinking fountain I think. It's really small and wears clothes people have made for it. Once again, underwhelming. Here you see him wearing a lavender soccer. uniform for some unknown reason.



A school field trip stops by the statue. Interesting how all the kids had to wear vests.



There appears to be no limit to the commercial potential of this Mannikin.


Even the French fries salute him. Note yellow sign. The fry is peeing!


I have to say that even though the sky is usually gray, the shops are colorful.














The Grand Place is the main square and has been there for a thousand years. Here's my movie of it.

Tomorrow is our last day. Can you believe it? We plan to spend it in Bruges.