For one reason or another, Belgium is yet another country that I missed out on by going to all the neighboring countries. But who hates good chocolate and beer? When a friend suggested that we meet up in Brussels, I jumped at the chance.
Taking a beer and chocolate tour is a must when in Brussels. I recommend Hungry Mary’s beer and chocolate tour which takes you to the best places that locals enjoyed.
Nothing on this tour was touristy. You get to taste the chocolates that even locals call it the secret spots.
You might also want to throw in some waffles while you are at it. Like Daniel, our tour guide explained, there are a few kinds of what people generally called “Belgium waffle.” Liege waffle is probably the most commonly seen and eaten by foreigners. Because Liege waffle already has sugar in it, Belgians usually eat it by itself instead of with various syrups.
Snacks are absolute musts before tasting the Belgium beer. You might find yourself getting just a bit dizzy after just a few short drinks. The Trappist beers are famously strong as indicated by the not-accurate alcohol content markings and the occasional “forte” markings.
Of course, when you have had too much beer you need to use the bathroom. Some citizens, however, seem to have a dedicated place in terms of bathroom going. He even has new outfits every few days for going to pee! What a champ!
There is a certain charm to Europe at the beginning of the winter season. The forests turned into a world of gold, orange, and red. Unlike the early fall season, a thick layer of fallen leaves has covered the paths with the late fall fiery colors. Along with the hues on the trees, European parks transform themselves into the perfect picture on the impressionist painters’ canvas.
Equally painting worthy is the Venice of the North, Bruge. The signature stairs-shaped roofs lined the side of the canals. As with most European cities, churches are an important part of medieval city life and an even more important part of the modern-day tourist itinerary.
2 hours train ride away, the Notre Dame is still on the permanent scaffolding, first for maintenance, then to fix what the maintenance had broke(the fire). So here my short journey to Paris involved activities that more along the lines of:
- Drinking coffee
2. Drinking wine
3. Drinking more wine
4. Eating good food
5. Eating good Christmas food
6. Looking at the good food I am about to eat
Here are some nice pictures from the famous sights just to break things up.
Keeping with the theme of edibles, I jumped on another train just to drink some famous Champagne from the region.
Honestly, you should probably take those champagne tours in Reims. The tour guides were knowledgeable and patient. They survived my onslaught of questions so I am sure they would do just fine with your questions.
The most intriguing part of the Champagne tours is the visits to the Roman “crayères.” As with many Western European cities, Reims had a Roman history. You can tell by the Roman chalk quarry, the “crayères.” which now concerted into fine champagne storages and the old city gates.
I would also make sure to hit up the churches around. The capital of Champagne is also the official coronation place for the French kings starting from Clovis I who was baptized by St.Remy, making France a Catholic country. The cathedrals and churches associated with St.Remy’s presence all are some of the most decorated structures in France, not that they lack beautifully decorated buildings.
