Two of Mein Mann’s sisters have come to visit us here in Germany. We met one of them in Paris for a weekend two years ago and also hosted her in our home twice. The other sister came to Germany last summer for a short visit before taking the train to Paris to attend a U2 concert with her big brother. Its been a HUGE treat to spend time with these wonderful women on European soil!
When these two sisters were working out plans to return to Paris at the end of March, we began to brainstorm how we could take advantage of their close vicinity and create new memories together without disrupting school schedules. We settled on a weekend reunion in Belgium since Brussels is just under four hours by car for us and a train ride from Paris. On March 23rd, we picked up the boys from school and made it to our apartment in Brussels in time for dinner. We filled the next thirty-six hours with lots of conversation, mileage on our feet, taking in a few sites and enjoying the local cuisine. Here’s a glimpse into our brief, but beautiful, visit to Brussels…
We stayed in the European Quarter, the neighborhood of the European Union’s headquarters. Being a little east of central Brussels afforded us free, weekend parking in front of our apartment, a large grocery store down the street, a nearby children’s park and a lovely Farmers Market. La Grand-Place, the central square of Brussels, was about a thirty minute walk from our accomodations with a couple of parks along the way. Public transportation was also an option but we decided to get our exercise and enjoy the scenery.
Spring was in the air which made a local café with outdoor seating all the more inviting. It also had a photo booth inside allowing you to leave with a fun momento!
We continued on our journey, mixing with the locals along the way…
We eventually came to the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula and took a stroll through its beautiful interior. As is our custom now, the boys took a moment to light candles and say a prayer.
Being that Brussels is known for their waffles, we decided to have a taste test of our own…DELISH!
After weaving through some crowded streets, we came to La Grand Place. This iconic square has references dating back to the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Brussels’ Town Hall is one of the many ornate buildings to be found here.
On a more modern bent, Brussels is also known for its comic strip walk that offers more than fifty mural paintings in various parts of the city. We passed a couple of them alongside some other creative art!
Another popular tourist site is Manneken Pis…a statue of a little boy peeing in a basin below. How this little guy became such a popular symbol of Brussels is beyond me! His original predecessor dates back to the early 16th century. He is often dressed but not always. I’ve read that his closet is stuffed with over a thousand outfits! With two young boys, we couldn’t resist stopping by to give our regards.
The boys did well taking in the sites and walking over six miles on Saturday! We typically have our challenging moments here and there but they are often forgotten when I’m looking back at pictures. =)
Before heading back home to Germany, we took one last stroll to see the Triumphal Arch in Jubelpark. What a lovely park for the citizens of Brussels!
I’m so grateful we got this weekend together! Belgium was a beautiful backdrop to continue to pass on the value of family to our boys…not just in word but in action. Thank you Aunties for all the love you showered upon your nephews and sharing life together again for a couple of days. We love you!
