| BRUSSELS, BELGIUM DECEMBER 2001 |
| Knowing that this was probably going to be my last year living in Switzerland, I opted to stay in Europe over the Christmas break and travel. The first full week of the vacation I headed to Brussels. I had a burning desire to visit there, but I don't know why. Even after visiting I couldn't give you a solid reason. I did love being there. Here are the pictures. There aren't any of me! I don't trust other people with my camera. It's just weird to use! |
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| The Christmas decorations in the streets were lovely! These bells weren't far from the hostel. |
| The Santas hanging on the house to the left were on the corner near the Mannekin-Pis. I was so caught up in the house that I didn't even see the statue! I searched for the statue a couple of days later and started laughing when I realized I took the picture of this house while standing next to the statue! What a dork! |
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| TA-DA!!!! Here he is....the Mannekin-Pis all dressed up for Christmas. He wears costumes year-round. In the museum at the Grande Place they have an exhibit with all his costumes. He's been everything from a Boy Scout to a Samurai Warrior. I find it rather humorous! |
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| To the left is the Grande Place. The picture doesn't do it justice. There are many historical sites and lots of shopping near here. |
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| Belgium is known for its lace. While in Brussels, I visited a Lace Museum. The museum itself wasn't very impressive, but some of the lace samples they had were gorgeous. (I bought lace while I was in Brussels, too.) To the left are bobbins. I can't imagine making lace with those, but they still do it! How do they keep their place and not get lost amonst the bobbins? |
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| Before I left on my trip I read about the Atomium. (For more information, go to www.atomium.be.) I decided it was a must see. I was worried that when I got off the train I wouldn't know which way to go. That wasn't a problem!! I could see it from the train and from the train station. The entrance fee wasn't very much, and it was cool to be up in it. There is supposed to be an incredible view of Brussels, but as you can see from the picture it wasn't exactly a clear day. :-( |