Brussels

Brussels was so nice. I had some difficulties getting there but I got there. Megan found this deal on Expedia so we stayed at the five star hotel, the Marriott Renaissance, for 20 Euros each. We had a king size bed (I won rock paper scissors so I got to sleep in it), a living room, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, 2 TVs, a pull out couch. We had a long week of getting up early for classes and going to sleep late from studying (lots of presentations and midterms) so we didn't want to leave the room, to say the least. But we mustered up some energy and took a bus to Grand Place.

We went in to some chocolate shops, bought Anne Marie some chocolate. I figured she'd be the only one I saw before it would melt. Got this yummy framboise desert. Then we went on the hunt for french fries and waffles. Our original plan was to eat fries and then walk over to the waffle place across the way, but the french fries were so delicious and filling. The french fries were the most amazing I've ever had and fries are my favorite food. They put ketchup, mayo, and onions. Delicious. Got to practice my French when I was there, too. For asking directions and ordering mostly.

We ran into two flea markets which were very chi-chi. They had nice silver out and vintage purses and jewelry. Old furniture and paintings. You could tell that Brussels was a wealthy town. I saw this cool black and gold ring from the 70s but I didn't have cash for it. We went back when the market was closing and I asked her if I could buy it for 10 (price tag said 15). She immediately said yes. I put down 7 and was digging around through my coin purse. She gave me back the 2 and said don't worry about it, have a drink on me. I was like score! Thank you! Megan said she seemed to like me because I was speaking to my friends in English but started speaking French to her. I don't know but it was nice of her. Vintage ring for 5 Euros!

Brussels is known to be a city that people move in and out of frequently because people are sent there to work for business. So a lot of wealthy business men and women around their 30s dominated the night scene. I didn't mind it but all 4 of us were so tired from the long week that we just drank at a bar and then retreated to our hotel sanctuary. Megan and I split a knickerbocker drink. It was white rum, orange juice, raspberry juice, lemon juice, and sugar. It tasted scrumptious and was strong enough for my standards. So overall, a lot of people there are not from Brussels. We heard so many different languages.

This morning we slept in in the beautiful, fluffy king size bed which we broke by the way. We decided it was a good idea to take a picture of us jumping onto it and broke the leg haha. Anyways we got us some Belgium Waffles. Mine had ice cream, strawberries, and powdered sugar. Then I got some fries to eat on the train. Now I'm back. It was a short trip but wonderful none the less.