Brussel - Day 2

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Today we set off with our map and all the sights circled.

The first stop is 'Grand Palace'. This place is  beautiful. You are surrounded by such amazing buildings. In front of thePalace is a florist selling flowers.

Located here is the 'Hotel de ville' My travel book states that this was the only building not bombed in 1695 by the French, although it had been the target. It is a definite sight to see. The only thing ruining my experience was the construction work taking place. To take pictures served difficult as vans and trucks would pull out into the picture. However we did get the shot we were after.

We walk through the streets to check out the national icon of Brussels 'Mannekin Pis' which is the statue of the little boy taking a pee into the pond. I'm yet to find out the story behind this statue but Brussels souvenir stores are just packed with ornaments of this little boy.

We stop by at the bakery for some pastry and coffee. The streets are tight but Brussels has endless cafe and bars in each street. There is no shortage of cafes and bars  as every street we stumble across them. All looking very inviting. It's quite and amazing place. Brussels has a buzz about it & it was great just to get lost in the streets.

We walk towards the Royal Palace which was a short distance from Mannekin Pis.

As thought it was quite grand. We take a stroll through the parks across from the palace. There are wonderful statues lined up and plenty park benches to rest on. Thankfully it was a nice day so we were able to enjoy it. We relax by the fountain before heading back towards the city.

We stop over at St Michel cathedral. The building is massive and such sight. We head in and soak in the atmosphere.  The stain classed windows and plenty statues and chandeliers were beautiful. All wonderful to see.

We set out on a mission to find  "Jeanneke Pis' which is the female version of the statue peeing. After walking through the same street 'Fourche Greep' twice, we finally find it in a small alley way just off from this street. It was so easy to walk by just as we did and it was rather disappointing as she was behind bars so, truly not worth the extensive search.

We walk through 'Rus des boucher' which is a tight lane way filled with seafood restaurant known as the famous dining street. I found the restaurants very impressive and absolutely loved the fireplace inside some of the restaurants. You have them calling out to you to enter their restaurants. There is seafood out on display. It has a great ambiance to it. I'm definitely thinking of returning here later when it is dark when all the lights and candles are lit. It was impressive during the daylight so I can imagine night would be fantastic.

We head to the supermarket, and grab some snacks and head back to hotel to rest. Our hotel is nicely situated at what is called Place Angora. Its the main entry point and next to the Galleries St Hubert, a building built in 1847 which is a shopping arcade lined up with cafes and chocolate stores. I managed to only look at the chocolates through the window. I have not yet indulge but I'm sure i will. You can not come to Belgium without purchasing some of their delights. Especially chocolates.

We rest temporarily and headed out again. This time we no real plan. Just to walk about town and soak in the atmosphere. It was definitely much busier then the morning as the streets were filled with people. We take a walk through St Hubert Gallery and head towards Bourse beare another magnificent building in the city.

Make tracks for Mannekin pis restaurant. A restaurant we had eyed out this morning as it looked fantastic and had a fireplace and all. We arrive there to see the place is packed out so there are no tables. We were hungry so we could not wait and roam for a second choice.

We head back towards Place Angora and after browsing through the plenty streets filled with restaurants, we ended up eating at the pita bread store located right next to our hotel.

We sit out side and order our meals and end up chatting to the owner who was proud he has something in common with us as his brother lives in Sydney. Our meals come out and we enjoy our meals while we hear the plentiful busker's playing their musical instruments. It was definitely relaxing.

After returning from a big day out in Brussels I was more then impressed with the city. We felt safe walking though the streets. It's easy to navigate around with the map and there are plenty signs to get to your destination.

The street leading up to the Mannekin pis called *Stoolstraat Rue de l Etuve * can be quite congested. There are plenty of souvenir stores all in this street so you can purchase a peeing little boy on a key ring, as bottle opener, on a t-shirt, the choices are endless.

We have yet another day and a half here so tomorrow is going to be dedicated to buying souvenirs and eating out.