Going in to Brussels, we had no idea what to expect. Naturally, I had done my research via Food Network and Travel Channel, so I knew to expect french fries, chocolate, Belgian waffles, and beer. As soon as our overnight train arrived and we took the metro over to the stop closest to our hostel, we realized that Brussels might be a city to take seriously. Giant monumental buildings surrounded us on all sides. Parliament, the European Union building, city hall, they were all unbelievable. We walked to our hostel, and were actually able to get a two bed private room with our own full bathroom for only 27 Euros a night. Our first order of business: frites (fries). We walked a good mile before we hit Grand Place, which we heard was the main sightseeing area in Brussels (this was a massive understatement). The plaza was completely surrounded by the most magnificent buildings we have seen yet. What's more: the entire area is surrounded by locally owned frites and waffle vendors. First American vs. Belgian discrepancy: frites in Belgium are always served with some type of sauce. The locals go straight mayo (which is not very good fyi, unless you really like mayo). We went with a white garlic sauce, which was phenomenal. Afterwards, we referenced our "Let's Go to Europe" book for the best waffles in town, which apparently were located in the plaza right next to Grand Place. We started off slow, with one waffle a piece topped with belgian chocolate. Second American vs. Belgian discrepancy: traditional belgian waffles are not square, they're in almost an oval shape, and have sugar cooked directly into the waffle. It made the waffle a little crispy on the outside, and extremely fluffy on the inside, which evidently equates to the best waffle you will ever have in your life. Not to mention the chocolate. We ran in to one of the locals on our way out (who actually spoke english) and told us about a bar called Delirium that we needed to try that night.
After doing a little research on this bar, we realized Belgium may not be the calm portion of the trip. It was more than a bar, it was a series of bars, each of which sold one type of alcohol at great length. For example, the beer bar had over 2,050 types of beer to order (not too shabby). They also had a tequila bar, rum bar, vodka bar, and absinthe bar. Shockingly enough, Joe pushed the absinthe bar, so that was the first one we went to. Third American vs Belgian discrepancy: alcohol is taken much more seriously in Belgium than in America. For example: when you order a draft beer, it is poured in a glass made specifically for that type of beer, poured until it is overflowing, and then the head is scraped off the top of the glass with a knife. After this, the glass is dunked in a half filled bucket of cold water, the bottom is dried and the beer served. When we ordered absinthe, we were forced to melt the sugar over the shot glass (for exactly 5-7 seconds), drop the sugar in, dissolve it and drink. That much effort doesn't go in to choosing which college to go to in America, much less ordering a beer.
The second day in Brussels was packed with museum visits (seriously). The first was called the Museo de Cacao (belgian for "the chocolate museum"). We got to see an actual belgian chocolatier working her magic, and more importantly, sample it. We learned about the processes of harvesting cacao plants and making edible chocolate, which was extensive. Afterwards we were a bit parched, and decided to hit the second museum of the day; the belgian beer museum. This gave us the reasoning behind our beers being served with such detail the night before, and also helped us quench a serious chocolate thirst with some beer samples. After a long museum day, the only thing that seemed like it would hit the spot was some frites and a waffle (which, in case you were wondering, hit the spot with perfection).
All in all, Brussels probably ranks number one on my list as "favorite city visited;" so far at least. The scenery was unbelievable, people friendly, food and beer phenomenal…what more could you ask for? Delirium is also the most unique nightlife spot we've been to. Having 2,050 beers to choose from is cool…having almost every belgian produced beer on tap isn't too bad either. After planning on going in to Amsterdam rested and rejuvenated, we somehow meandered off that path (who would've thunk?).
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