Our Van Trip - Belgium

Back into French speaking countries we felt a little more at home. The North of Belgium speak predominantly Flemish, however Brussels is mainly French. In the main square of Brussels we saw a sign for "L'Escargots" (remember the restaurant we went to in Paris?) and made a beeline for it!

Bit of a snail stew. Yum!

Random Van Fact # 43:

Highest peak attempted = 2,114m (Col du Tourmalet)

The main square of Brussels. If it were in Italy it would be called a Piazza. This one is commonly referred to as the "Grand Place". Wherever you looked there were amazing buildings and architecture. Peg loved the Avenue Louise. Peg has been here once before on business (stayed at poshest hotel in Brussels - Conrad Hilton!) but was really glad to relax and see the town.

Random Van Fact # 44:

Highest altitude achieved = 1,268m (Col du Tourmalet)

The most over-rated tourist site ever. The "Manneken Pis". Lonely Planet even states: "... never fails to disappoint visitors due to its diminuitive size". We wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Afterwards, we consulted the encyclopaedia that is Chris Luks, who told us the story. Apparently sometime ago, the king's son went missing. During the search, the frantic king stated that he would have a statue made of whatever his son was doing when he was found. No prizes for guessing what he was doing!

More of the beautiful Grand Place. Much to Drew's delight there was a critical mass of cyclists this day swarming the capital. Thousands! Peg was keeping her eyes peeled for Tour de France rider and Belgium's pin-up boy Tom Boonen. But she had to settle for Drew and some snails.

Random Van Fact # 54:

Bodies of water swam in = 3 (Atlantic, Mediterranean, Adriatic)

Engaging in our favourite pastime - updating the Blog of course! Drinking beer at the same time. Peg's favourite. Kriek - a Belgian Cherry beer. The country is mad for beer and chocolate. We are mad for the country!

Random Van Fact # 46:

Loads of washing done = 5