Being in Brussels
The Grand-Place, or Grote Markt, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the central square of Brussels, Belgium. Surrounded by opulent Baroque guild halls this is the location of the political center and most significant marketplace in the city, not to be missed!.
When the opportunity to visit Brussels arises, I start packing! My airline of choice is United to book flights quickly. I'll gather my Leica camera gear, fill my Tumi backpack as a carry-on, and attempt to be strategic with clothing choices; for me, this usually means overpacking! Because I love fashion, it can be a challenge for me as part of the travel equation, even with all my logged-in trips.
November is a great month to be in Europe. Fall weather is cool enough to enjoy wearing boots over stylish leggings and beautiful sweaters hiding in my closet. It doesn't yet feel like a deep freeze. I consider dressing like an onion here because of warmer afternoons. I know I'll be peeling the layers off. The often overcast skies lend a cozy feeling to walking for hours alone. Yet, I'm never alone. I call it 'my mini Paris' because I find it more manageable to navigate. This city offers world-class architecture, art, museums, fashion, cuisine, and infamous beer. The official French and Dutch languages are music to my ears.
I stay in old-world grandeur at The Wilcher’s Steigenberger Hotel. This exclusive luxury hotel, built in 1913, offers a unique Belgian experience on Avenue Louise in the city center. It is a fine example of art nouveau with outside and inside design elements for those who love architecture. Oh, yes. My hand is raised high!
Leaving the hotel in the morning and returning late afternoon, I find plenty to photograph and opportunities to shop, walk through peaceful parks, gaze at sites like the World's Fair Expo 58-Atomium, and visit with locals. The neighborhoods are diverse meccas with international locals and tourists. And Brussels has the best toy shops! A favorite is Serneels for kids of all ages, including myself. I quickly spend hours here as it brings out my inner child. Mid-day, I take cues of what to eat for lunch from viewing what others have ordered, such as salmon fume on toast and a glass of white wine at the lovely Mamy Louise brasserie. Belgians are also big fans of hamburgers; I need to find out what the big draw is, but they are offered everywhere around the neighborhoods in various venues.
I love the fashion in Brussels. You can find exclusive specialty stores offering the latest looks. I'm in awe of the designs, fabrications, cuts, and colors unabashedly shown off in oversized glass windows drawing you inside. Easy to do, let me tell you! Of course, there's always Sandro, Max Mara, and Zara to shop in for the seasonal fashion-forward looks. But I'm easily and quickly drawn to unique boutique styles not often seen outside Europe.
I need a coffee break! I stop at a nearby Nespresso store to take the edge off my caffeine craving with a complimentary espresso pick-me-up freshly brewed in front of me. Because I have two models of their coffee makers, I never leave there empty-handed; the international choices are too tempting to pass by.
Let's talk chocolate! For me, Belgian chocolates are the world's best. It can be simple, like a Melo cake draped in a dark coat. Or exotically flavored ganache truffles and pralines lightly rolled in fine nuts or toasted coconuts. For years I've been treating myself and others to the decadent and divine Elizabeth Chocolaterie for artisanal handmade sweets. The key to her success is a collaboration with local artisans throughout Belgium. Luckily, I was fortunate to know the store's manager, Daniel, who treated me to one sample after another until I put my hand up to stop, and we both laughed. When in Brussels, make time to go here. OR, connect with me to bring some back for you. (That's if I still have room in my luggage packed with my own!) I also love the old-world recipe speculoos cookies and waffles found at Maison Dandoy.
When the busy day has ended, I want to find and sit in a local restaurant, dine with the locals and drink the local beer. If you need to know where to go, my tip is to start looking after 7 p.m., strolling whichever neighborhood you're in, and peek in the windows for busy, bustling tables. Following this has always steered me right. Sometimes I'll even ask the server to request the chef to surprise me with off-the-menu dishes he recommends. It's easy to find any genre of cuisine here, but I stick to Belgian dishes for the entire travel experience. Cheer to good health with an array of Belgian beers, which include lambics, flemish red ales, pale ales, strong ales, and stout. My favorites are Belgian-style Leffe and the heavier Trappist Chimay Bleu. They pair well with cheese boards and meat dishes.
I step back into the November night air, which has cooled a bit. Its dark, dreamy street lights are on, and the locals are outside catching up with each other. A chill and relaxed feeling surround me as I walk back to the hotel, taking one last look for the day into shop windows and restaurants and watching people make their way to their hotels or residences. It's easy to feel right at home here in Brussels.
One last thing. Consider taking a train for nearby daily trips, like bustling Bruges or historic and quaint Ghent. But that's for another blog! Until then, I invite you to put Brussels, Europe's capital and a major global city, on your destination list. Sante!
