Belgium Chips

In an effort to write my travels as they happen I’m having my time I spent in Belgium together in one post. I arrived here via plane, automobile and train and after a little teething problems found the way into the place I would be staying for 2 nights. I was staying by the ‘Simonies’ metro stop which I was later informed is outside of the centre of Brussels. Apparently anything that’s more than ten minutes away is classed as outside the city centre. 

I do miss canals

I was couch surfing with Pieterjan and his boyfriend Nicolas. When I arrived they were having a dinner party and so I chatted with some of his friends and began to learn a little more about the city. Often overlooked I was told Brussels is a great city but one which needs more time to explore and get to know before its beauty shines through. Apparently the city has all the benefits of being a capital but is small enough that you can enjoy everything easily. Being new to the place I was unaware but was eager to explore the next day. It became clear that the people who live in Brussels (not all the guest were Belgian) are very proud of their city. I was also told of a great DJ cpmbo called DJ Sprot & Age Sauvage. (look them up on facebook)

 

After a much required sleep I headed off into the city to explore. I had been told about ‘use-it’ an organisation which produces maps for ‘young travellers’ which are written by locals without companies paying to be involved. The map was great! It suggests must see places, the truth behind the tourist traps and secret spots which only ‘locals’ know about. It also suggested a few walks. One of the ‘secret’ suggestions was the view from the top of a multi story car park. It was very nice, despite the clouds threatening to produce rain. But I was able to see the Atronium thing to the north of the city and get a nice view of the city itself.  Even if it did involve climbing 10 flights of stairs and being cold at the top.

Mannekin Pis

I wandered round and found that the city is very small and easy enough to walk around. The transport infrastructure is still being developed so it’s easy to see how the city will improve transport wise in the next few years.  Brussels likes pissing statues. There was a replica of one in the airport. Here is the original. Manneken Pis is a baby sized statue peeing into the wind, that’s either a very brave or a very stupid baby. Apparently Manneken has a sister, although I didn’t get to meet her. I did however get to meet their dog, who unsurprisingly likes to urinate in public too. I can’t say I fully understand why but it’s certainly different.

'Walkies'

During my walk I had my first experience of Belgian fries. I didn’t know until I got here but they’re fried twice served with salt and mayo, no vinegar, and taste amazing. The only thing which I think would improve them, would be the addition of vinegar : )

Oooh, i've not had pasta for ages!

Later in the day I had arranged to meet Pieterjan, at what the map described as 'the Meeting Point' a brick buildiong with steps and coloulmns in the front of it, and from there we would go for a drink and something to eat. I got there a little earlier and owing to the fact that I had my hood up, it was cold,  I was mistaken for a drug dealer selling on someone else patch. It’s funny how some stereotypes don’t need any translation. After assuring them I wasn’t selling, and that I didn’t want to buy any, I was left be.

For something to eat I had a version of a Sheppard’s pie. It was the first I’d had for a long time and it was really good, maybe I do miss English food after all. The meat was a little like a broken up beef burger but it was still nice. The mash was lumpy, which is always good. And the Belgian beer to accompany it was great.

After an early night and an earyesque start I was stood at the Noord Station waiting for my train to Antwerp. The train to Antwerp took about 45 minutes. And when I arrived the first thing you are met with is the ornate station building. It is apparently one of the best stations in world, and much nicer than Manchester Victoria.  It doesn’t quite let the water in as well as Victoria does though.

I ventured across the city, bought some more fries, and made my way to the bookshop where I was meeting my couch surfing host, Danny.  Danny was prepared, with 2 guide books and a map ready for my arrival. After a coffee and a chat I ventured out and saw what the city has to offer. I had been told about this tunnel which goes under the river to the right bank. Danny said that Antwurpen people have a saying, ‘the only good thing about the right bank is the view of the left bank.’ Keeping this in mind, I ventured onto the wooden escalator down into the tunnel which went deep underground to cross the river. Once there, I took a photo and came back again. What shocked me the most about this tunnel is that people ride their bicycles through it. I mean it is long so I can understand that. The shocking factor is that people take their bicycles down the escalators. I was so shocked the first time I saw it I took a picture. After I’d passed the tenth bike ride the escalator the novelty had begun to wear off. I still think it’s a high risk mode of transportation for bicycles, I’d hate for one of them to slip loose and fall down the stairs, taking me with it.

Peckham?

Antwerp has a castle and lots of old market squares. One of the new editions to the city skyline is the Mond Museum. This funny looking building is a museum and each floor focuses on a different subject, being short on time I decided to just take in the view from the top whilst I was there. All was great until I realised how high we were and decided, it’s time to come down.

Great Example of Antwerpen sense of humour

The day turned to evening and it was time to meet with Danny and his husband Peter. We went for a Thai meal (mmmmmm) and then had a little tour of the city at night, intertwined with a Belgium beer here and there.  The city looks so pretty at night and being guided around by Peter and Danny meant I didn’t even need to pretend I knew where I was going. We walked through the red light district and I was surprised at how big it was. Each girl sat in the window, waiting for their white knight to come and pay them for their half an hour’s work. I can’t help but think that some of them may make more money if they chose to wear more clothes.

I will try more, I will, I will!

Great Sense of honesty you don't get with other cities

After our cycle home, I crashed out and slept for what felt like days. Turns out it was only like 10 hours but still I felt I could have slept for ten more. Instead I thought it best to get up and make the most of my last morning in Antwerp and Belgium. Peter was at work so Danny and I visited a local market and got ourselves some ingredient for breakfast, breads, meats, yoghurts, fruit etc. It was so nice to be able to see a market with actual food in, doesn’t seem as though they are dyeing the same way here as they are in the UK.

After breakfast I had enough time to finish packing and make my way to the coach station ready for my coach to the next stop on my trip Rotterdam.