Walk with Sandra: Brussels, Belgium

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Brussels, Belgium - 14 April 2007

I went on yet another weekend day trip - this time a solo visit to Belgium's capital, Brussels. The return train ticket from Maastricht cost 28 euros. I spent the day simply enjoying myself: sipping coffee, sightseeing, shopping, and indulging in good food.

Traveling with friends is always fun, but solo travel has its own quiet rewards:

I can set my own relaxed pace, stopping and going exactly when I feel like it.
There’s space to pause and reflect - to slip into memory when something stirs a thought from the past.
I’m free to choose what I want to see and do, without having to compromise on budget or interests.

While wandering around Brussels, I came across the city’s famous Manneken Pis - a small statue of a boy peeing into a fountain. It reminded me of a park I used to visit as a child in Malaysia, where there was a similar statue. We always called the park "Small boy peeing," and whenever we wanted to go, we'd say, "Let's go to Small boy peeing!" It made me smile to stumble upon something so familiar in such a foreign place.

That moment brought back a memory I hadn’t thought about in years. It’s one of the things I enjoy most about traveling - you notice these little things, and sometimes they take you somewhere unexpected, even if just in your own mind.

Above: The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert ~ a 19th-century arcade of elegance, where glass ceilings, gilded façades, and the scent of chocolate stir the senses

Above: Brussels Stock Exchange

Above: Monument to Everard t'Serclaes - a 14th-century Brussels hero honored for reclaiming the city from Flemish occupation in 1356

Above left: Lunch at Crazy Salad ~ 10 euros

Above: One of Brussels' most beloved symbols, Manneken Pis (Dutch for "Little Peeing Man")

Above left: The statue of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, located at Place de l’Albertine. Queen Elisabeth (1876–1965) was the wife of King Albert I and became a beloved figure for her support of the arts, sciences, and humanitarian work - especially during World War I, when she was known for visiting front-line hospitals and wounded soldiers.

Above: Mont des Arts

Above left: Mont des Arts

Above right: The Royal Palace of Brussels - the administrative residence and ceremonial venue of the Belgian monarch. The Belgian flag flying atop the building signals that the King is in town.

Above: Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

Above: Another glimpse of the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Above: A quick bite at Exki ~ grilled fish with grains and cappuccino for 6.85 euros; Exki is a popular Belgian chain known for its healthy, ready-to-eat meals like quiches, wraps, salads, and soups.