Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Day 3 - Brussels, Belgium


Courthouse, Brussels, Belgium

Continuing on from Day 2, we moved on to Belgium. This small country offers much in its capital of Brussels. In the Upper City, there are streets full of cafes offering every kind of lunch and dinner that you would want. Plenty of shopping is also available. The Courthouse contains a beautiful, giant hall, which if you go to the back elevators and push "6" (not the 6th floor by American standards, but by European standards) you will arrive at a small landing. A sliding door is on the side, that opens up to a balcony that lets you view the giant hall - from the top. Just outside the Courthouse is a ledge that offers spectacular views of the Lower City, and an elevator ride down the hundred-some foot distance between Upper and Lower Belgium.

Other sights to see are the many European Union and NATO buildings, some of which offer tours. The Royal Museums of Fine Art is close to the heart of the Upper City as is the Museum of Musical Instruments. In the Lower City is the "Grand Place" - a large market square. Interestingly enough there is an underground highway going from one end of the city to the other. This underground highway ends at the National Cathedral, which offers a panoramic view of the city of Brussels.