On to Brussels

 An easy 2 hour train trip in first class found me in Brussels. Unfortunately I reached my B&B to find the doors locked - I know I was earlier than check in time but my hosts had been informed! It appears that the Booking.com message, on how to get key, arrived when I had no Wi-Fi!

I sat at a cafe opposite the B&B until my host arrived. This place is on quite an eclectic street - home decoration, art galleries, home renovation type shops abound! It's on a one way street which is not overly busy but I must say I was a little worried when I saw ear plugs left on the bedside table!!! My room is at the top of the house 50 stairs up and no lift!

I decided to trace the path I would take to get to Brussels Midi Station for the Eurostar later in the week. It was so much longer and through some pretty dodgy, smelly, rubbish strewn streets that I decided a taxi at 7:15 am would be a better bet! There seem to be many more beggars and homeless people here than in previous cities!

Breakfast here is delicious - fresh bread and croissants, including pane au chocolat, yogurt, fruit, scrambled eggs if you so wish, cheese and Jamon! Needless to say I'm down to two meals a day although the number of steps I walk must make up for something!

With a good day forecast I headed out on the train - first class for over 65's is very reasonable - for Bruges, an hour away! Bruges was so much quieter than Brussels and with it's canals and interesting buildings was a lovely way to spend the day. I did a boat tour and plenty of walking - new trainers are desperately needed and I will be glad to see the back of cobblestones!

The market was still on in the centre of the town - the fresh fruit and veg looked very good!

I tried a couple of small beers at the beer museum - the dark beer was very good and the fruit one wasn't bad!

Unfortunately the journey back to Brussels didn't go so well with the train running half an hour late! The ticket collectors are very tough when it comes to people sitting in first class who haven't paid for the privilege- they are quickly moved on their way!

 After a slightly cooler start the day turned out to be sunny and warm. I have spent the day wandering around Brussels. The locals tell you that a sight is just around the corner and wave their hands in a general direction but that doesn't mean that you find where you want to go! I always try to keep a couple of view points in mind for trying to find my way back. I had been trying to find the square where Allan, Kerry and I  sat one weekend in 1998! Suddenly I came across it - total fluke! It might have been the sight of lots of tourist taking selfies in front of this landmark - Manneken Pis -  that did it!

During my ' I'm lost' wandering I came across some street art.

Perhaps I need to get my steps up, trainers back on and head out to test a waffle - another Belgian delicacy  - not sure I could cope with theses one's though!