BRUSSELS, DAY 1
Visas, mussles & pis in Brussels. I need to get more organized as I barely caught the airport bus. The habit of packing on the day of my trip needs to go!!
69 OPTIONS FOR MUSSELS
So arriving in Brussels from the airport (train is 15minutes) I chose the hotel called hotel Mozart as according to the photos the interior decor was….interesting. I choose a single room and when I arrived there were a total of 3 beds which could take 4 people; A single bed downstairs, a double upstairs and another camping bed.
😉😏🤣😘😆🤦🏻♂️😇😎🥺🤮🤢😴🤤👍🏻👎🏻🤙🏻
WHERE IS BELGIUM?
TOWN HALL
I love the old squares in Europe; this one is a favorite because it’s unique. Its gothic architecture is unique at night when the buildings are lit, and the square is quiet.
PIS
Up early the next day I headed to the main square again for a daytime perspective. I always like to get to the main tourist attractions early to avoid the crowds and there is no crowds like those found in European cities
I visited Manneken Pis, a statue of a boy peeing, and Janneke Pis, the female version. Bizarre! After walking through the chocolate-filled Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, I headed to the Burkina Faso embassy in the city’s south. Though the counselor didn’t speak English, I submitted my forms, paid €70, and was told to return at 3pm. I was thrilled to get my visa the same day after receiving different answers each time I called.
MUSSELS
After checking out of the Mozart, I headed to Mini Europe, a gem with 15:1 scale models of famous landmarks. Everything from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the baths of Budapest.
Afterwards I went towards Le Zinneke for easily the most famous mussels in Brussels (sorry). They have over 69 options all with varying ingredients so there is sure to be something for everyone but a kilo of mussels is a bit much!
LIME BIKES
I headed back to the embassy using a Lime bike after spending €50 on taxis. These things are incredible. A public electric scooter connects to your phone and charges per mile and minute. Download the app, add payment info, and scan the bike’s barcode to go!
CHEAPER
Tap ‘search for bikes nearby,’ and a map shows the closest options. It’s a great way to get around. Park it safely and press finish ride when done. It’s quicker, more flexible, and more fun than a taxi. They are cheaper but probably not as much as you’d think.
WAFFLES
After getting the visa, I returned to the city. Turned away from Tonton, I chose noodles before the essential chocolate and waffles. Something everyone must try if they are visiting Belgium. You can go to a shop called the waffle factory and wait 30mins but there is a place just 30metres away on the same street which usually has no queues, half the price and is just as good!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Success in getting the visa and another hop around a stunning city!
NEXT UP
Head to Madrid for the first time. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
130/229
This is episode 1 of the West Africa Series, pt1, click to explore all.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
