Wes had a few days off from class, so he decided to take the opportunity to go explore some of Europe's mini-countries, Belgium and the Netherlands. Wes was joined by Andy, a fellow Hong Kong student.
Brussels is less than three hours from London by train, via the Chunnel. The ticket is relatively cheap if you book in advance and take the first train out, at about 6am. The ride on the Eurostar train was comfortable, and we got to Brussels in time for breakfast. Of course that meant we had to find a waffle somewhere, so we set out.
Walking from the train station, we passed by the Bourse (stock exchange)
And some chocolates. But we were looking for waffles.
After walking a few miles we finally found a waffle stand in a shopping mall. Sorry... no picture. We were hungry so the waffles were gone before the camera came out.
Next we went to the Grand Place, the heart of Brussels. It is a square surrounded by Gothic buildings, mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries.
A building on the square.
More buildings on the Grand Place.
In the square we checked out a museum that featured Belgian art (paintings, tapestries, pewter, and ceramics). The museum also featured a curious collection of 800 different outfits worn by the Mannekin Pis, the city's mascot. Evidently when an important person from another country comes to Brussels, they often bring an outfit for this little statue.
This is probably the most prominent symbol of Brussels. They must be proud.
After a day of walking around Brussels, we enjoyed a nice dinner and a Belgian beer.
The restaurant street
The following day we rose early to head to our next destination, Amsterdam. As soon as we got of the train we noticed a stark contrast between the two cities. Most obvious was the huge horde of tourists - it was often difficult just to walk down the sidewalk.
After checking in at our hostel, we made our way to the Rijksmuseum. The museum was currently being renovated, which meant that we could only see the 200 best of the 5000 paintings in the collection. Actually it was kind of nice since we couldn't spend the whole day there anyway. The collection includes a number of works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. We were particularly impressed with the still-life paintings.
Rijksmuseum from the outside.
Next, the obligatory canal tour.
On the tour boat.
People love their boats in Amsterdam. The boats come in all shapes and sizes, and there were many groups and families out enjoying a cruise through the canals.
Canal scene
Houses along the canal
Trams provide an alternative form of transportation
Interesting bridge
Of all the transportation options, bicycles are certainly the most popular. There are bike paths all over the city, and residents take advantage of them.
Sign outside the Rijksmuseum
The Van Gough museum annex
Later we stopped to see some more famous Dutch artwork at the Van Gogh museum. My favorite piece was "Wheat Field Under a Cloudy Sky." This painting shows a foreboding storm cloud and was one of his final works before he committed suicide.
After the museum we were ready to explore some more, but were tired of walking. So we decided to take a tour with Mike's Bikes. Pip was our tour guide.
On the tour we went to a farm where we learned how cheese and wooden shoes are manufactured.
The wooden shoe workshop
On the way back we had to stop for the obligatory windmill photo op.
At night we decided to check out some live music at Bourbon Street. The band was decent but not quite up to the standard of the real Bourbon Street.
Well, so far I have talked all about Amsterdam and have not mentioned the two most (in)famous aspects of the city - sex and drugs. Actually both were much less prevalent than we expected. While "coffee shops" could be found in many areas of the city, the drug culture was not that overt. Or maybe it just seemed that way since we didn't actually go inside any of the "coffee shops." Prostitution also seems largely confined to the designated areas where it is permitted. We did have a stroll through the red light district and found it pretty much as seedy as the reputation suggests. Along many of the streets were buildings with big windows behind which "professionals" would stand and solicit customers. An interesting Amsterdam sight, to be sure.
The next day it was back to Brussels.
On the train
Before we began another long walk around Brussels we stopped for some lunch. We also tried a Gueuze, one of Belgium's many famous beers.
Back on the tour, we passed by the royal courts of justice.
Next, this church. Maybe I'll look up the name later if you really want to know what it is called.
Then, the Royal Palace.
And finally, to the European Union Parliament building.
Sculpture in the EU Parliament building.
We were able to take a tour of the EU Parliament. While we were inside, the delegates began discussing various issues. Apparently one of the delegates was late; the chairman blamed George Bush for the delay - he evidently interrupted air traffic at one of the airports in Europe.
The EU Parliament in session.
The boxes behind the wall are where the interpreters sit. Each booth was labeled with a language, and two or three interpreters sat in each booth. Whenever someone in the Parliament spoke,an interpreter translated the speech. Each seat (even in the audience section) was fitted with a headset and one could "change channels" to hear the proceedings in over a dozen different languages.
Next, we walked to the museum quarter. Unfortunately they are all closed on Monday.
The museum quarter.
Brussels own Arc de Triomphe.
Back in the Grand Place
Our last stopping point in Belgium was a pub famous for its enormous beer selection.
2000 beers?
We stuck to the beer on tap because we doubted whether the place actually had enough turnover to keep all of their 2000+ bottled beers fresh.
And at the train station, we couldn't resist the temptation to get a waffle with ice cream, a very unauthentic (but extremely tasty) Belgian treat.
Check back later for a few more photos and commentary from this trip.
