Brussels Christmas Markets

 

Grande Roue - Bruxelles

Our fifth day in Brussels started late due a long day in Cologne the day prior, we both slept in. (someone slept in really late, no judgement) The day started with coffee, Annette wanted Starbucks, which meant another walk to the Grand Place. Did not meet any fellow travelers today, just the friendly barista’s.

We walked to Place Sainte-Catherine/Sint-Katelijnplien and explored the area and of course, the cathedral. This was a beautiful small local church that is needing some restoration, but was beautiful inside and there was a Gregorian chant that was magical and gave pause to anyone entering to stop and reflect on what this place really is intended for, worship of Almighty God and his Son. We both were moved.

We also were happy to see a larger Christmas Market there and explored with the intent of returning in the evening, which of course we did. What a beautiful market it was especially at night as the lights, aroma and activity was truly wonderful to experience. The only thing that gave pause was the police presence in riot gear. Morocco was playing again in the World Cup and they were prepared for any more riots after a win or loss, they did win so there was plenty of honking horns and Arabic yells but thankfully no rioting

We did have a fantastic late lunch, Aux Armes de Bruxelles was amazing, we enjoyed the atmosphere and aromas of the restaurant. The local lunch crowd was finishing as we arrived and the staff was as busy to say the least. Annette had a chicken with cream sauce and puff pastry and I of course had to get mussels in white wine and cream sauce. The Fries were the best we have had so far here in Belgium, fried in tallow which makes everything taste good! Annette finished with a tiramisu and I had a Belgian waffle, icing sugar and Chantilly cream, a very traditional meal.

The evening hustle and bustle of the local people combined with the tourists that come on Holiday is something that every big European city has, I will say though that while Brussels is beautiful in areas it does have more trash and graffiti in the streets than other European cities we have visited so far.

We rode the ferris wheel at the market and had a great birds eye view of the city from the top. What a beautiful view it was from the top. I really enjoyed the ride, more than Annette did. I am just thankful she was a trooper and rode with me.

This has been a great trip so far and immersing ourselves in the city, however brief has affirmed that we prefer smaller places like Brugge to visit for longer periods. Brussels is amazing and we both have enjoyed visiting the museums, cathedral’s and local neighborhoods.