I had decided last minute, upon discovering I had virtually another whole week without class, that another trip was warranted of course! Hannah, Gonçalo and I began to search and discovered that we could score a flight to Brussels from Bordeaux for just 30 euros! High-five me. So we packed our bags and began our adventure.
We arrived in Belgium late on a Wednesday night only to discover that we still had to figure out how to find our way to the place where we would be staying. Gonçalo, who is from Portugal, has some Portuguese family friends living Brussels who had offered to let us stay during our explorations. Little did we know just how kind, welcoming, and generous Dina, Maidey, and Lukas would be to us during our stay (but more on that later!)
We arrived by train/tram/car or something from the airport and were very hungry. Right away we were informed (actually mostly apologized too) that the family was vegetarian. I of course being a total food nerd was not upset by this but rather stoked to see how the other half lives, you understand. A small part of me has always wondered what kinds of creative things vegetarians eat, and I got my chance to be vegetarian for five days or so! Disclaimer: I'm not switching to the vegetarian lifestyle, I appreciate my meats too much. BUT it was an amazing experience.
We arrived by train/tram/car or something from the airport and were very hungry. Right away we were informed (actually mostly apologized too) that the family was vegetarian. I of course being a total food nerd was not upset by this but rather stoked to see how the other half lives, you understand. A small part of me has always wondered what kinds of creative things vegetarians eat, and I got my chance to be vegetarian for five days or so! Disclaimer: I'm not switching to the vegetarian lifestyle, I appreciate my meats too much. BUT it was an amazing experience.
Dina was so nice to give us such a full dinner after our arrival from the airport. I would have expected a small sandwich or something, but this vegetarian pasta dish was AMAZING. I'm sort of a sucker for any pasta dish with a red sauce, but this one was chock full of onions, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and even olives (which aren't my favorite).
One thing that was notable about the generosity of this family was this: knowing that the three of us weren't used to eating full vegetarian, they insisted that we take the majority of any meat-substitute they made during every meal. I'm sure that Dina intentionally prepared extra things just for us to ensure that we still maintained the levels of protein that we were used to and such. This noodle dish was no exception, and at first I had thought there actually was real meat in it because if I'm being honest, I could barely tell the difference.
We soon went to sleep, and the next morning we awoke to an offer: Dina would take us to see the Grand-Palais and leave us to explore while she did some shopping, and then we could accompany her to the market.
One thing that was notable about the generosity of this family was this: knowing that the three of us weren't used to eating full vegetarian, they insisted that we take the majority of any meat-substitute they made during every meal. I'm sure that Dina intentionally prepared extra things just for us to ensure that we still maintained the levels of protein that we were used to and such. This noodle dish was no exception, and at first I had thought there actually was real meat in it because if I'm being honest, I could barely tell the difference.
We soon went to sleep, and the next morning we awoke to an offer: Dina would take us to see the Grand-Palais and leave us to explore while she did some shopping, and then we could accompany her to the market.
I really don't have any words for the Grand-Palais except breathtaking. The architecture is stunning, and standing in the middle you just feel so small. I knew standing there that I'd have to return, especially because every other summer they add the Tapis de Fleurs (Flower Carpet). The ground in the Grand-Palais is covered with hundreds of thousands of colorful flowers, designed and executed by graphic designers, horticulturists, artists and volunteers.
Here is a picture of the 19th edition in 2014 (believe me, I WISH I had a picture this beautiful to call my own):
Here is a picture of the 19th edition in 2014 (believe me, I WISH I had a picture this beautiful to call my own):
August 2016 anyone? That's the thing about traveling, you can check things off of your bucket list but you can't help but to add things too. I will DEFINITELY be seeing this someday.
From the Grand-Palais we began to branch out a little bit, mostly in search of the Manneken Pis which is a statue very well-known and admired in Belgium. It's essentially a little boy peeing (Dutch for: Little Man Pee), but the image is EVERYWHERE. I first saw it in the Brussels airport and then in endless places after that. Exhibit A -->
Surprisingly enough this is not the actual Manneken Pis. The real one isn't eating a waffle sadly. In fact, the real one wouldn't have Hannah stealing his waffle from him. The REAL Manneken Pis is just down the street from this one. Even more surprising is that the statue that could be considered a pinnacle of Belgian culture (and humor) is exactly 61 cm tall. It's just located on a street corner seen peeing into a fountain. I was so confused by the fascination that I don't even have a picture of the actual statue. So, sorry about that. But seriously, people come from all over just to dress up this guy in little costumes. His wardrobe is made up of several hundred that are managed by a non-profit organization and represent the national dress of different tourists who have visited it, as well as the uniforms of different professions, associations, and different branches of civil and military service. When they change his costume there's a big colorful ceremony with a brass band and everything. The little peeing boy is basically cooler than you and me.
I think it's time to move on. Anyways, an even greater discovery was just down the street from all this hullabaloo. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you:
Surprisingly enough this is not the actual Manneken Pis. The real one isn't eating a waffle sadly. In fact, the real one wouldn't have Hannah stealing his waffle from him. The REAL Manneken Pis is just down the street from this one. Even more surprising is that the statue that could be considered a pinnacle of Belgian culture (and humor) is exactly 61 cm tall. It's just located on a street corner seen peeing into a fountain. I was so confused by the fascination that I don't even have a picture of the actual statue. So, sorry about that. But seriously, people come from all over just to dress up this guy in little costumes. His wardrobe is made up of several hundred that are managed by a non-profit organization and represent the national dress of different tourists who have visited it, as well as the uniforms of different professions, associations, and different branches of civil and military service. When they change his costume there's a big colorful ceremony with a brass band and everything. The little peeing boy is basically cooler than you and me.
I think it's time to move on. Anyways, an even greater discovery was just down the street from all this hullabaloo. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you:
THE BELGIAN WAFFLE. It's as good as legend says. I promise. I enjoyed quite a few gaufre (waffles) in France before this trip and I refuse to eat one since because it's just NOT the same people. You can go for a little more fruit and a little less sugar in these versions (and by a little less I mean a small, minute amount less):
I don't think I need to tell you that healthy isn't the route I took. What else is vacation for, right? The first waffle I ordered on my trip was smothered in strawberries and house-made chocolate, which was fantastic and also unbelievably difficult to eat. It was delicious, but I found myself wishing I could appreciate the actually waffle a little bit more. No need to sugar-coat the experience (hehe, puns). SO, the other one pictured is au naturel and I tell you I'll never be the same.
It wasn't exactly JUST the waffle, because it came automatically with a light glaze which made it sweet and perfect. Not exactly the healthiest option and certainly more dessert than breakfast but there really is nothing to complain about here.
Our next stop was over to the market with Dina. It was very large and full of amazing looking produce which seems to be a recurring theme here in Europe, at least in the cities I've visited. We followed her around while she bought giant bundles of herbs and gorgeous looking vegetables, all along the way pointing things out to us and telling us what she likes to buy/cook. We got to sample some things, including the most beautiful oranges I've ever eaten in my life. That's saying a lot, considering my parent's house in AZ has some pretty fantastic oranges. These were decadent, and drip-down-your-face juicy.
The fun only continued from there, as we followed Dina around town on other errands, sampling Pastilla (moroccan meat-pie) in a bakery she claimed we just HAD to try, and buying us honey-sesame crisps in her favorite little Indian-spice shop. She was filled with so much joy and excitement by sharing the little things of her daily life with us that it made me beam from ear to ear. It was just another small example of how these people made the trip perfect for us.
After a smorgasbord of a vegetarian dinner which had everything from a beautiful caprese salad (one of my favorites for sure) to meatless meatballs, we decided it was time to venture off and see Brussels by night.
Imagine again the way I described the Grand-Palais before, and just triple it. I don't think I need to say anymore than you have to see it for yourself. My pictures really don't do it justice. For the sake of space I will spare you the 800 pictures I took of this scene, but if you want more, you know you can always just ask!
To finish off the night we wanted to head to Delirium Café, a bar just up the street. Delirium Café is world renowned and has held the world record since 2004 of having the most beers: a number to date which is 3,162! I sadly (of course) did not have the fortune of sampling three-thousand different types of beer from all over the world. However, here are a few I did get to try during my two nights at the legendary bar--which by the way also has AWESOME atmosphere and decor. Would definitely recommend.
Full Disclosure: These descriptions are adapted from the ones written in the Delirium Catalog:
I think my favorites of these four have to be a tie between the Palm and the Floris Apple, just because they're both so different but both so delicious and satisfying depending on the mood. I will say that La Divine was certainly one of the most unique beers that I have ever tasted, but don't take my word on that because I haven't tasted that many and don't consider myself to be a expert by any means.
To finish off the night we wanted to head to Delirium Café, a bar just up the street. Delirium Café is world renowned and has held the world record since 2004 of having the most beers: a number to date which is 3,162! I sadly (of course) did not have the fortune of sampling three-thousand different types of beer from all over the world. However, here are a few I did get to try during my two nights at the legendary bar--which by the way also has AWESOME atmosphere and decor. Would definitely recommend.
Full Disclosure: These descriptions are adapted from the ones written in the Delirium Catalog:
- Palm - Amber colored and brewed via infusion method. The main ingredients are brewing water rich in minerals and maritime barely with soft aroma hops. Adding "top yeasts" results in a fruity, full beer with a fine bitter sweet balance.
- Floris Mango - A smooth single mango white beer, with exotic fruity flavors and a refreshing citric finish.
- La Divine - The top beer from Brasserie de Silly, this beer is an amber triple that is unique in taste and flavor. The use of the Brasserie's special yeast is evident in the beer as well as a balance of residual sugars and a clear and present hoppy taste.
- Floris Apple - This beer has a stable fruity taste that remains rich and warming with aromas and flavors of apple from the first sip to the last.
I think my favorites of these four have to be a tie between the Palm and the Floris Apple, just because they're both so different but both so delicious and satisfying depending on the mood. I will say that La Divine was certainly one of the most unique beers that I have ever tasted, but don't take my word on that because I haven't tasted that many and don't consider myself to be a expert by any means.
Between good discussions and live music, it was a really really fun night. It's no wonder I went back again and certainly will go back in the future.
The next morning Hannah, Gonçalo, and I got a chance to see Brussels with Lukas, who took us up and down various different streets and to different important sights, like the Royal Palace of Brussels, the Justice Building, and to the European Commission. There wasn't much food involved in this particular escapade, but I will take the chance to tell you about the breakfasts I had while staying with Lukas' family.
A lot of the food we ate in the mornings consisted of fresh things that Dina had picked up from the market (LOVE!) including those awesome oranges I was telling you about. Usually we also had plenty of crêpes to go around, as well as some beautiful cheese panini-type creations and the most amazing tea. I drank so much of Dina's tea while we were staying, which was essentially some Chinese green tea that she brewed with fresh mint, sugar, and a few other spices. It was delicious and she gave it to me every meal. Can't complain, right?
The next morning Hannah, Gonçalo, and I got a chance to see Brussels with Lukas, who took us up and down various different streets and to different important sights, like the Royal Palace of Brussels, the Justice Building, and to the European Commission. There wasn't much food involved in this particular escapade, but I will take the chance to tell you about the breakfasts I had while staying with Lukas' family.
A lot of the food we ate in the mornings consisted of fresh things that Dina had picked up from the market (LOVE!) including those awesome oranges I was telling you about. Usually we also had plenty of crêpes to go around, as well as some beautiful cheese panini-type creations and the most amazing tea. I drank so much of Dina's tea while we were staying, which was essentially some Chinese green tea that she brewed with fresh mint, sugar, and a few other spices. It was delicious and she gave it to me every meal. Can't complain, right?
Breakfast is my favorite meal, and though I adore my usual American eggs/bacon/pancakes kind of thing, this was fantastic to say the least. Getting to sit down and eat breakfast with the family though made me a little homesick. I miss Saturday breakfasts made by my Dad.
The day included lots more sight seeing, some great discussion and some french movies, and for dinner we had a delicious squash and spinach soup with pizza:
The day included lots more sight seeing, some great discussion and some french movies, and for dinner we had a delicious squash and spinach soup with pizza:
For specific ingredients I'll have to get back to you, I'm sure I could make some inquiries but at the time I was too busy being grateful to ask endless questions about Dina's cooking methods. I will tell you that one thing I really appreciated about all the vegetarian creations, was just how wholesome they seemed. I've always been fascinated by the lifestyle choice because of the pureness of the ingredients used. Like I said before, I love my meats too much to ever choose to be full-time veggie lover but I can certainly appreciate the style.
The next day, my last full day in Belgium, Maidey took us in his car to do some last sight-seeing in Brussels. We went to see the famous Atomium, but along the way stopped to see the beautiful Chinese Pavillon and the Garden of the Japanese Tower. You can find lots of culture in Brussels if you look in the right places given that it is the political center of the EU.
Here is us with the Atomium:
Here is us with the Atomium:
After this, Maidey surprised us by saying he was prepared to drive us to the city of Bruges, which is about an hour and a half drive out of Brussels close to the coast of Belgium. The city is well-known for it's picturesque views and fairy-tale type architecture, which I can only confirm for you because this city is beautiful, to say the least.
Here is one of many picture I took in Bruges, I won't bore you with them all considering I think they're all breathtaking but this is the kind of architecture you can see here and elsewhere in Belgium:
Here is one of many picture I took in Bruges, I won't bore you with them all considering I think they're all breathtaking but this is the kind of architecture you can see here and elsewhere in Belgium:
Considering how pretty it is on a cloudy day, I can only imagine how it must be in beautiful weather. It is truly unique and a quaint little city at the same time.
Bruges is where I got the chance to eat the last two things I KNEW I had to try while visiting Belgium. First, fries were in order. Do you know why? Because french fries, as they are commonly known, are not French. They're Belgian! And they are sooooooo good. Here is my heaping pile, covered in a house-made tartar sauce which I don't think I need to tell you made it all the better:
Crispy, light, tasty, and hot, I can tell you now that I've eaten more than my fair share of french fries in my life, but in my opinion if you want to be a fry-connoisseur, you MUST come to Belgium.
And last but not least, I give you:
And last but not least, I give you:
Belgian chocolate is amazing. AMAZING. I mean lots of places in the world have amazing chocolate, don't get me wrong, but Belgium cannot be ignored by us chocolate lovers. Woooooooooo Chocolate!
And, to clarify what is written on the caption underneath the fourth picture, Pierre Marcolini is a world-renowned chocolatier and alchemist who travels the world every year in search of the best cocoa beans, blending cocoa from all over and creating brand new flavors of chocolate. The chocolaterie in Brussels was his first, opened in 1995. It was beautiful, and very expensive, but SO worth it.
And, to clarify what is written on the caption underneath the fourth picture, Pierre Marcolini is a world-renowned chocolatier and alchemist who travels the world every year in search of the best cocoa beans, blending cocoa from all over and creating brand new flavors of chocolate. The chocolaterie in Brussels was his first, opened in 1995. It was beautiful, and very expensive, but SO worth it.
To conclude our trip, we went to another, larger market on Sunday morning with the whole family, and walked around enjoying the sights: everything from food to flowers. We stopped for awhile to sit and share some cheese and honey crêpes and hot tea, another thing about Belgium I'll never forget.
A special thank you to Dina, Maidey, and Lukas for hosting us, feeding us, showing us around, driving us, teaching us, and just being great people. This trip would NOT have been what it was without you all.
Sorry Dad, I didn't eat any Brussels Sprouts (yes everyone, apparently those are authentically from Brussels!). Maybe next time?
Here are a bunch of chickens made out of chocolate, because I can, they're really cool, and because this is the end of my post! Goodbye for now.
Sorry Dad, I didn't eat any Brussels Sprouts (yes everyone, apparently those are authentically from Brussels!). Maybe next time?
Here are a bunch of chickens made out of chocolate, because I can, they're really cool, and because this is the end of my post! Goodbye for now.