Brussels

Had to take Mom down town to see Brussels. We went to the Grand Place, which happens to be a square. Mom, I discovered, LOVES squares. It's funny because, for whatever reason, I could care less about squares. I feel scrunched and crowded in them. But Mom just loves them. So we found a crowded cafe and we each had incredible salads. We were oo-ing and aw-ing all over them with every bite. The sun was shining. It was really fantastic! Brussels was more packed than I'd ever seen it. I found myself thinking, "These tourists are ruining everything! They're crowding everywhere! What a pain!" Never thought I'd say that before! I could suddenly sympathize with native europeans. It was so strange because I heard so many people speaking English and spoke english to so many people (asking directions). It was so unusual!

Mom kept talking about how all the streets looked so cool. We came to this one and she just had to take a picture. I thought it was so weird because it looks just like every other street. But once I stopped and really looked at it- it IS a really cute! I never thought I'd get so used to things I wouldn't notice anymore. When Greg and I first got here that was our favorite part- all the little alleys. Now we don't even notice. All of Europe is starting to look the same to us.

Of course I had to take her to the Mannequin Pis. Man, he was trouble to find. He didn't have to be. When we decided to go looking for him he was literally one block away but somehow it took us a half hour to find him!

The best part: The Belgian Waffle. I don't know if I've mentioned this. People think they know what Belgian Waffles are. NO PEOPLE!!!! Belgian Waffles HERE are NOTHING like the belgian waffles in the U.S. The only similarity is the shape. The taste, the texture- completely different. I mean just look at my mother-

LOOK AT HER!!!! Powdered sugar all over herself! And chocolate all over her face like a little kid. It simply can't be helped. My mother compared this experience to the seeing the David. She was such a mess we couldn't stop laughing and she was so overwhelmed by the waffle and couldn't stop talking about it. Greg and I COMPLETELY understood as we felt the same way with our first waffle. It's just not the same. There's no way anyone could ever know what they're in for. It's honestly an unforgettable experience!

This is a neat little covered area. It just looks fancy. I like walking thru it.

Then it turns into the fish market/restaurants. Greg and I just love this street. At night it's all lit up. The restaurants all have there umbrella/cover things crowded above in the alley. Everything and everyone are touching as they're passing. There is fresh fish on display and tables and chairs all along the way. The best part is all the managers of each restaurant dressed impeccably and standing out front and the moment they meet your eyes they smile and slide one hand out and say, "Come to my restaurant, what would you like to eat?" I used to feel really bad walking by and saying no, even though I'd already had dinner that day, but I don't anymore. I'm sure a thousand people walk by every night!

Janequin Pis- she was turned on for the first time! She's not as cute.