A day in Brussels

The famous Mannekin Pis statue

Off we went with our Belgian Friendship Force Friends to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and also the seat of the EU and headquarters of NATO.  Immediately we noticed that most people here speak French while the area we are staying in speaks Flemish (very much like Dutch).  Our guide pointed out the Grand Palace.  King Phillip and Queen Matilda were out for the day so unfortunately we couldn't meet them !  The Mannekin-Pis (peeing boy statue) had the biggest crowds.  Every day they dress the boy in a different costume and today's fashion statement seemed to be an outfit in the colors of the Belgian flag.

The chocolate shops were everywhere and we enjoyed the free samples  We checked out a few lace shops. These days the lace made by the Belgians is rarer and very expensive.  We were told that lots of lace is imported from poorer countries.  There were comic strips characters painted on some of the buildings.  Belgium has produced some of the world's most popular comic characters, including Tintin and the Smurfs. 

Group picture in Brussels - warmer sunny day!

We had a lovely lunch of traditional Belgium pork sausage on a bed of smashed potatoes containing veggies.  The town was very crowded because its the start of a 3-day weekend, Pentecost.  Even though the country is Catholic, most of the young people attend church only on significant Church holydays or for Baptism or Confirmation.  We found this true of Germany also.  The Belgians are proud to host the EU and that peace has endured for the most part since the end of WWII.  



Chocolate shops everywhere



Lace shop displaying its wares

Check out more Photos