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Brussels, Belgium

We ventured away on an overnight trip to Brussels a few weeks ago with our travel buddies, Erika, Aaron and Asa. Brussels is about a 2.5 hour drive from our house. Most people do not go to Belgium to visit Brussels, but we decided to see what the city had to offer. We stayed at the Sheraton in the heart of the city, hopped on the Hop On/Hop Off bus to catch the highlights, stopped at the Atomium ("iconic building in Brussels originally constructed for Expo '58, the 1958 Brussels World's Fair") where we waited an hour or so to ride the elevator to the top sphere to take in the panoramic view of the city. The atomium was renovated in 2000 something, but really doesn't have anything to offer those of us who have seen a light show or two. It was very much a disappointment. We also enjoyed Belgium fries. I'd call them French fries, but I suppose that isn't quite right. Anyway, Belgium is known for their fries and waffles, both which were delicious! From that area, we walked through Mini Europe, which was cute. The kids enjoyed pushing the buttons that played music representative of the country or moved boats through the water. We also saw the Grand Place, purchased my watercolor paintings as I do in every city/country, and found the "Manneken Pis" or the statue of the boy peeing. It was surprisingly small for being a highlight of the city. Our little adventure was complete with a side trip stop to the Tongeren Flea Market. I didn't find anything other than a pink cake plate, but it was fun looking through all the treasures.







The Waffle Van


Mini Europe




"The Grand Place"


Small, small statue of a boy peeing. Not sure if he is always dressed or if this is new. Anyway, "Maneken Pis"




The Atomium. Each ball had a different exhibit inside it. Some balls you walked up into, some had an escalator.

Belgium Welcome


This was a heat censored light display. The heat from their bodies was conveyed via colors on the wall. Interestingly, my flash made the colors disappear?

Riding down the escalator at the Atomium.

Yummy Fries!

Claire scraped her head the day before we left. Poor thing. 

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