First Time Visiting Brussels
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
As I set out from Amsterdam, bound for Brussels, I did so via one of the many trains running throughout Europe. The Thalys train that I took has regular service from Amsterdam to Paris with stops along the way, including Brussels. My first European train experience was marred as my train had mechanical problems before we even left the terminal. They moved all of the passengers over to the next train, however this train was mostly full and a lot of passengers had to stand for the 2-hour or so journey to Brussels. Luckily, I was able to get a seat before they were all gone. The train had both wifi and power outlets which gave me a chance to start working on the photos I had taken so far.
When I arrived in Brussels I had to walk from the train station to Grand Place, where I was staying at Grand Place Hostel, in the rain. I had just enough time to change into some dry clothes and meet my friend, Celine, in the plaza courtyard. She had made her way into the city to have dinner and show me around. I have to say that it sure is nice having someone with local knowledge show you around. I am very grateful for Celine and her hospitality.
The first order of business was to find a freshly made Belgian waffle. These dessert treats can be found all around the city, much like Amsterdam, but were so much better in Brussels. The next stop was the market for some world-famous Begian chocolates. The assortment of chocolates was incredible as there were so many different kinds to choose from. After making my selection and vowing that they would make it back to LA (they only made it as far as Paris before meeting their end, well my belly), we headed out to find some food and Belgian beer.
Walking around the city was a breeze as the Mayor had just made a major portion of the city pedestrian-only. This was great for getting around but a lot of the businesses were protesting because they were losing a lot of business due to lack of traffic. From what I understand, this decision was made without consulting the people. We made our way passed the Brussels Stock Exchange which was also the site of the memorial for the Brussels attacks. Just over a month after the attacks and there were still lots of flowers and handmade signs. One of the signs read, "Make waffles, not war!" Overall, I felt very safe in the city.
The following day I made my way out to the Hallerbos Forest near the town of Halle. This is where, for a short time each year, the bluebells bloom creating what looks like a purplish-blue mist along the base of the trees. Just getting to the forest was an advernture. I made my way out to the Halle bus station where you have to pick up a bus that will take you "near" the forest. Luckily, I had zoomed into the area and scrolled all around on Google Maps while I still had wifi so I had the street level maps already loaded on my phone. However, when I tried to board the bus that Google Maps told me to take, the bus driver told me that I should take another bus. When I tried to board that bus, that driver told me that I should take yet another bus. I ran into a couple from Amsterdam that spoke English and well as a local mom and daughter that were trying to get to the same place. We joined forces and were finally able to find a bus that got us close. While it wasn't the right bus or even the right area, we made do. We probably would have been better just walking from the bus station to the forest as the bus dropped us off a couple miles from where we needed to be. The rain had subsided though so we set out on foot.
The walk to the forest took us through some old countryside areas that were neat to see. Finally arriving in the forest, the bluebells started to become visible. Once we got into the denser areas, the flowers were an amazing sight as there was such a stark contrast between the brillant blue and the greens and the browns of the woods. We wandered through the trails for miles in sunshine and in the rain, taking in the magic of the afternoon. Even though I had not made it out at sunrise like I had planned, I am very happy to have made the trip to Halle to see the "Bluebell Forest" and met some new friends along the way.
It was now time to board another train and make my way to my next city, "The City of Light." Stay tuned for my next post and see what adventures I find in Paris.
