A WEEKEND IN BRUSSELS

Wow, this place is great!

Friday night, my roommate Katie and I went into the heart of the city with Jen, another intern. We had dinner and saw the Grand Place (above) and enjoyed the city at night. We also saw the Mannekin Pis, the statue of the peeing boy. Dinner was an enjoyable experience! There is a long, narrow cobblestone road with restaurants on both sides. The maitre d's from the restaurants stand outside and try to persuade people to eat there, often in many different languages. Large menus and outdoor tables crowd the road. We chose one of the first places we saw with a good deal and a persuasive frontman. We sat outside, and as we sipped our complimentary champagne, we watched the fascinating people walking by. Dinner here is a leisurely affair, I'm learning, and one shouldn't eat out if they are in a hurry!! At one point, a very bizzare parade passed by, with people dressed in brightly-colored jester-like costumes followed by a band. We saw them three times over the course of our dinner, and each time tried really hard not to laugh!! We also had fun watching our maitre'-d try to convince people to eat there, competing with the restaurant across the way (when I say ''across the way'' I mean 10 feet away!!!). After dinner it was dark, and we went to the Grand Place, a square surrounded by fabulous buildings that were all lit up. After a bit more wandering about, we caught the bus back home (it's about 20 minutes).

Saturday, I went back with Jen and Jo, a teacher at ISB. We hit up the more modern part of the area, going shopping, having lunch, and seeing the GrandPlace in the daylight. I tried my first real Belgian Waffle, and it was definitely fantastic, especially with strawberries, whipped cream and chocolate!

That night was a late one, as I met some more of the teachers at ISB and we headed back downtown yet again - things stay open quite late here! Sunday, however, was a Car-Free Day here in Brussels, so I was able to sleep in quite late! Only public transport was allowed on the roads, and bicycles were everywhere. Also, each Sunday there is a fabulous market across the street from my house - they have all sorts of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, bread, flowers and a whole bunch of other stuff. I enjoyed it immensely, and even survived with my pracically non-existent French!! (Although I have decided to learn it as soon as possible!!).

So far life here has been wonderful! I will write more about the school later in the week! Click on the link that says "PICTURES" to see some! (Sorry some are sideways, I was in a hurry!)