Chapter 1: In Brussels, In Bruges

Are you still there, my followers? I’m back, and I bring with me from exotic lands fantastical tales and inconceivable pictures (stolen and otherwise). 

Not really, but thus begins a consolidated recount of my 11 day journey, during which I crossed five borders and one time zone. (Seriously, only one time zone?)

November 3rd: I arrived in Brussels with such excitement and energy, but nobody to share it with. Yes, unfortunately, due to the demands of an ESCEM education, my travel buddy was unable to join me, and so I had a couple days in Belgium to kill, solo. This didn’t get me down, though. My travels to Brussels by train went smoothly. It was only after emerging from the metro station nearest my hostel that I hit my first hiccup. It was raining, my big ass backpack was pulling me down like a bratty little preschooler, and I had directions, but no map. Oh, and what on earth is this Wookie language? It’s Flemish. But I thought Belgians spoke French? They do, but they also speak Flemish. And so street names have both French and Flemish names, and nothing is labeled clearly. 

So 45 minutes later, after taking all three possible wrong turns, I finally arrived at the Sleephere hostel. I haven’t stayed in a bazillion hostels or anything, but this, my friends, is the Ritz of hostels, as far as I’m concerned. I won’t go into extreme detail, but let me just say there was a doggy, a grand piano, peanut butter, nutella, and speculoos spread. I settled in, and headed out for a few hours of exploring, making sure to be home before dark. I’m really not that good with maps, and I’m especially not good with maps when I can’t see squat. 

The next morning I was up early for breakfast and more wandering. Around noon I decided to hop on the train to Bruges, seeing as it’s only about an hour away, and free for Eurail Pass holders. I did some more wandering, and paid 4€ to climb to the top of the bell tower. Have you seen the movie In Bruges? Yea, that tower. As you get higher it gets narrower and narrower, so much so that it’s rather uncomfortable for two people to pass each other. Unless you’re into rubbing up on total strangers, but that’s not really my thing. But the view at the top was impressive, and gave a sense of purpose to my quick jaunt over to Bruges. I was back in Brussels in time to freshen up for dinner with a friend I met over a year ago at USC. It was nice to finally have people to talk to after a day and a half of traveling solo, although everyone at dinner was speaking French. At least they weren’t speaking Felmish?

The next morning was rather uneventful. I had a train to catch at noon. Next stop: London, baby! Now, les photos..

The Sleephere hostel - delightfully difficult to find

Window shopping on the Boulevard de Waterloo (WATERLOOLAAN, lol)

BELGIAN WAFFLES! 

Fall colors (only two creepy encounters with sketchy men in this park - mom, don’t worry)

Ya know, taking photos of buildings that I have no clue what they are. There’s a lot more of these, but I’ll spare you

Diggin’ the roof line

Manneken Pis. This little dude has been taking a leak for almost 400 years.

You thought I would stop at one? 

Then I bought to coziest Vanessa Bruno coat….. don’t worry, I’m wearing it in literally every picture that follows.. 

In Bruges

Tower

View from the top.

Hostel breakfast of champions

Caesar, the sleepy hostel dog

Looking back, although it wasn’t ideal, traveling by myself really wasn’t so bad, but I was glad to be with friends for the remainder of my trip. And out of all the cities to do solo, I think Brussels/Bruges were the best. I was actually very fond of Brussels. As the capital of the EU, I enjoyed the international feel of the city. Everyone walking down the street in their suits seemed to be going somewhere important to do something important. And, as I will do for each city, I would like to say a word about the food. Belgian waffles are delicious. Plain, or smothered in chocolate and strawberries and whipped cream, I like ‘em any which way. Belgian beer, I only tried one. Belgian chocolate was alright, but I don’t think I will ever like anything as much as I love See’s Candies. And unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to try authentic Brussels sprouts during my stay.  

That’s all for Chapter 1. Stay tuned for Chapter 2, when I invade London with a bunch of rowdy, spanish-speaking hooligans.