Brussels Christmas Market

Christmas market, December 2011, Brussels
The festive season began with the big tree and the spectacular lights in Grand Place. The view was splendid. And the music...you should have been there to see how marvelous it was. The young, the old, lots of children...they all enjoyed the spectacle. 
Map & Directions

Forests in Brussels Part I - Foret de Soignes

Brussels is well known for its green areas. Sonian Forest or by its french name, Forêt de Soignes, is located at the south-east of the city. And the best part is that today it is open to the public, because for a log period of time it was the exclusive property of Brussels' elite which used to go hunting there.
Next weekend just go there for a long walk and to breath the fresh air. It is worth it!!

And don't forget to tell me whether you saw the 200 years old trees ;-)

Map & Directions

Graffiti in Ixelles

This is the charm of Ixelles: buildings decorated with graffiti. It all started decades ago, when some teenagers began decorating the walls, as a result of some pictures from the United States. And soon it became an art: street-art more precisely. 
If you look closer, you will notice some social or political messages carefully (or not) expressed by the artists. However the opinions are spread between people who appreciate this artistic work and public authorities that are against. 
What do you think? What is your opinion?

Chinese Pagoda

Have you ever been to Laeken? If yes, have you ever wondered what is that big red tower ? I am pretty sure you did. It's nothing else than the Chinese Pagoda. 

Like the buildings at the Mont des Art (see my post about MIM) the tower was built at the end of the 20th century at the request of king Leopold II, who had been attracted by similar buildings in Paris.

For the ones who would like to see this nice attraction, you can find it at approximately 1 km distance from Heysel stadium, on avenue van Praet. 

For access press here: Map & Directions to Chinese Pagoda, Laeken Park

Morning coffee at Fnac

For coffee addicted I recommend The Coffee Club in Fnac. They have a large variety of coffees with different flavors, from caramel machiato to vanilla espresso. In addition you can choose a croissant with butter or raisins, cheese cake or other delicious french pastry. 
If you go there around lunch, try the cream soup or the fresh sandwiches.

And what I like the most is that I can always take a book from Fnac and read some pages. What can be better than reading your favorite book while drinking your favorite coffee? 

Against coffee?? Then try a cup of tea :-)

Access: http://goo.gl/maps/4BNVq

Belgian cavalry

Once a month the Belgian cavalry  marches on the streets. You can see the parade early in the morning on Trone street.  The traffic is disturbed, but no one complaints about it. 

In order to keep it clean there is always a garbage truck behind them. So don't worry about the mess :-)

Autumn in Brussels

Autumn is magic !!! It's the perfect time to discover the beautiful colors of nature. A short walk through the VUB campus will help you relax after a long day of work. Just try it! It's such a relaxation for body and spirit :-)

Access: http://goo.gl/maps/hjdty

Parc de Woluwé

In sunny days you will notice people lying on the grass...everywhere....

It may seem strange when you see all of them (with less clothes than they usually wear) .. However, these people know how to enjoy every minute.

I invite you to take a walk to Woluwe Parc and you will understand what I am talking about. You will be able to admire the giant sequoias or the delicate swans.

And don't forget to take your picnic basket ;-)

Access: http://goo.gl/maps/pn14f

Museum of Musical Instruments at Mont des Arts

This beautiful photo is taken at Mont des Arts, a nice place near the Royal Palace, where you can find many institutions of art and culture. Some say it was King Leopold II dream to have his palace surrounded by a museum quarter.

The Musical Instruments Museum which you can see in the far right of the photo, brings 1500 remarkable instruments together in a surreal Art Nouveau edifice of metal volutes and glass. So don't forget to visit it. You can explore the history,while listening the beautiful sounds of the instruments using the infrared headphones they give you at the entrance.

On the top floor you can find a restaurant with a spectacular view of Brussels.

Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour, 2, 1000                                             
Access:  

        Metro - Central Station or Park     

        Tram (92, 93, 94- Royale)       

        Bus (27, 38, 60, 71, 95 - Royale) 
Access map: http://goo.gl/maps/odBkL