My experience in Brussels
Its fun to visit new places and to experience the difference of cultures we have. There is something special about every place but to experience it in person is a blessing. I recently had the opportunity to visit Brussels.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium; it’s also called the Capital of Europe. Its known so because it has the administrative hub of the European Union. One day for visiting the place is clearly insufficient as there are numerous things to explore. Being a tourist attraction it generally is crowded. Brussels is also a hub for architecture variety that would range from the medieval times to the modern era like from Museums and forts to the European Parliament. I’m sharing about the few places I saw and some interesting experiences I had.
We went to the nearest market to the station called Grand Palace, it was originally a fort that was built in the 10th century and from then has been a notable market place. It’s a beautiful place to shop and there are so many things to see. Specialties here are the very attractive handmade lace work and home made chocolates.
Another beautiful experience was the Atomium, the centerpiece of the 1958 World Expo. This is 102 meters high and 2,400 tons weight. The Atomium is a structure that describes the "Atom". It actually is a symbolic structure made for the 9 Belgian provinces. In the evening the structure is lit up and its a true vision to see the magnificent creation made by human hands. There are many museums that take you back in time enriched with its art and history.
Speaking of history, it’s impossible for one to tour entire Europe and experience its richness. To diminish your plight of missing the experience Brussels has a park called Mini-Europe. Its a theme park harboring 300 replicas in miniature forms like the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palace and Big Ben. It’s a fun way to learn and still see most of Europe.
Belgium is known world wide for its homemade chocolates and after visiting the place I know why. There is another specialty here, waffles. The waffles here are famous and the variety it comes in is pretty interesting. If you are visiting any part of Belgium, the chocolates and waffles are something you must try.
It’s always good to be informed before going to a new place. You can always visit these sites for more information: www.virtualtourist.com and www.tripadvisor.com.There are reviews from people who have visited the place that always comes in handy plus they have the city maps too.
The noise of crowds would always be there and for someone living in Brussels it’s not uncommon. There is a well defined bus and metro system that would help you to go to the places you want to. On arriving at the station, my husband was looking for some directions; needless to say that the map and directions we had from the internet was not entirely sufficient. We were just shuffling through the map when an elderly lady came up showing her senior citizenship Id approached us and asked "You seem confused, can I help you?" I really was grateful that even though the city was bustling with tourists, she took out the time to help us out. Moreover she was gesturing her authenticity by providing her Id so that we might not have the feeling to being misleaded.
Similarly, while going to the Automium, we had to board a metro from Station 6 which was pretty far from where we were. We were struggling to find out how to do so while another young man who was hurrying to his station offered to help. He took us to the metro map and explained how to switch trains and suggested we purchase combo-saver tickets from the kiosk available. He finally asked if we were ok and said "Ï would have helped you further but I have to catch my train, so all the best" which was very kind of him.
I've been to so many other places in our own country where I can narrate many experiences about people being cold and arrogant to strangers, where there is a constant fear in your mind that you might be taken advantage of. It was good to know that there people who are ready to help. It also made me ponder on the plight any tourist would face while visiting our homeland when people aren’t ready to help. I realized that the small gestures like basic courtesy and kindness make you respect place, culture and country… It will give you another reason to cherish the memory of a place you’ve visited.
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