Day 253 – Brussels, Belgium

We spent our last full day in Belgium by continuing to explore Brussels. This afternoon we stumbled upon the wonderful Folklorissimo Festival which runs all weekend. Due to the festival, the entire city center is buzzing with music, dancing, and parade marches. Apparently we picked the perfect time to visit Brussels. Ryan and I especially enjoyed the delicious food options offered by numerous vendors that had tents set up all over beautiful Grote Markt (it was the perfect ambiance to a lovely celebration of culture).

(Eglise Notre Dame Au Sablon)

(A beautiful church on Boulevard Anspach)

(Eglise Notre Dame De La Chapelle)

(Folklorissimo festival in and around Grote Markt)

(Manneken Pis)

(European Union Parliament)

(Belgium chocolate… the finest in the world)

(Various scenes from Brussels)

Day 252 – Brussels, Belgium

This morning we said goodbye to charming Brugge and hopped on a train heading for Brussels, our last destination in Belgium. Our train journey was brief so we had plenty of time this afternoon to explore Brussels. After checking into our hotel and dropping off our bags, we took a bus to the city center where we walked for hours. The buildings in the main square (Grote Markt) are absolutely stunning. Grand Place – Grote Markt is definitely my favorite area of Brussels.

(Grand Place – Grote Markt)

(Cathedrale Des Sts Michel & Gudule)

(Eglise St. Jean Baptiste Au Beguinage)

(Palais Royal)

(Eglise Ste. Catherine)

(Place Des Martyrs)

(Place Du Congres)

(Opera)

(A beautiful church next to Palais Royal)

(Various scenes from Brussels)

(Miscellaneous)

Day 251 – Brugge, Belgium

This morning we departed Antwerp and hopped on a train heading for our next destination, Brugge. In less than an hour and a half, we had arrived in an incredibly beautiful medieval city. After checking into our hotel and dropping off our bags, we began exploring Brugge’s many charms. Brugge has a wonderful atmosphere. I especially enjoyed its enchanting architecture and the many chocolate shops scattered throughout the city. I don’t dare reveal how much chocolate I consumed today (what happens in Belgium stays in Belgium).

(Provincial Government Palace)

(Markt)

(Belfry and Halls)

(Gothic Hall / City Hall)

(Basilica of the Holy Blood)

(Various scenes from Brugge)

(Miscellaneous)

Day 250 – Antwerp, Belgium

This morning we said farewell to the Netherlands and hopped on a bus to Belgium. Our two and a half hour journey zipped by fairly quickly (before we knew it, we had arrived in Antwerp). After checking into our hotel and dropping off our bags, we began our sightseeing. In our usual fashion, we charted along the walking tour outlined in our guidebook. From what little time I have spent in Belgium thus far, I am completely in love with its sweet tooth culture. There are gourmet chocolate shops EVERYWHERE and countless vendors sell delicious Belgian waffles served with sweet cream and berries. Antwerp seems like a lovely city. Ryan and I were particularly impressed with Antwerp’s train station. We both agreed that is it probably one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe.

(Various scenes from Antwerp)

(Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk)

(Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)

(Rubenshuis)

(Steen)

(Antwerp’s gorgeous train station)