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Leaving Paris behind so am awaiting my train at Paris still admiring the station and people watching (everyone does it admit it ). There is a white piano behind a plinth in middle of station. A group of students loiter near by it and one plucks the courage up to use it. One song they play is "knees up mother Brown " so people dancing round. Another one played les Marseilles so obviously all the French people loved it.
My train has now arrived. It is a thalys train. A beautiful huge red train. Reminds me of the intercity 125 in England. The train is spacious and clean and quiet. Every train I am on I have a pre booked seat. Worth a couple of euro's to reserve but well worth it if on long journeys.
We are now leaving Paris behind. A passenger next to me was reading a book. I wanted to be friendly and start a conversation but she was reading a German book then answered phone in German. My German is as good as my French ( both poor) so didn't bother trying to chat.
Leaving the station it took a while to clear all the buildings and industrial parts behind then we were in the expansive countryside. Lush and green with sunshine beaming in distance. Started reading my kindle book- the sword of the Albion- it's about horatio Nelson (British naval legend). Helps bide the time after endless views of countryside.
Anyway I digress (yes I know again). We arrive at Brussels. Word of advice oon train journeys. When you are approaching your destination get ready about ten minutes before. They only stop for a couple minutes then leave. Luckily I was fine but had one scary moment later on in Vienna which I will show later.
As I left Brussels station (midi) there are many stations there, I walked along the rue des Strasbourg to find my two star hotel. Throughout my journey I never used public transport except between countries as wanted to admire everywhere I have been ( bit difficult with rucksack and trolley holdall) . In hotel it's another interesting experience. The lift/elevator surprises me. Open the outer door, go in and there is not inner door. So every floor you go up you can feel and see the floor and between floor part so can easily hurt yourself (health and safety in England would have a field day ).
Dumped the bags, camera and satchel ready with fold up maps and off to explore Brussels. Walking along narrow streets that at first were empty mid afternoon, I turned down a road towards the famous mannequin pis (boy peeing into water). The reputation makes you think it is massive. But expectations were not met. It was a statue about a foot long hidden on a street corner with iron gate in front. You can get decent photos but with all the tourists there you have to negotiate (fight- told you umbrella has other uses) your way through.
Afterwards I found a little cafe selling Belgian waffles. Basically a waffle with any of your favourite toppings. I chose chocolate (obviously) and used the tiniest fork they can give you. Walking along the cobbled streets with long buildings either side of the narrow streets I headed towards the Grande place. And believe me the name alone doesn't do it justice. This square was filled with exquisite building in all its slender and glamour that fills you with pride and memories from movies and photos of the place.
Horse drawn carriages are spread around the square taking people around the city. Street artists selling there drawing and sketches of Brussels. Wonderful restaurants all round. As I strolled around I found a nice restaurant in the corner and tried the Belgian special (casserole dunked in beer). Gorgeous food. Bottle of local beer too. Took more photos and just admired the surroundings whilst eating outside in the sunshine. Heaven.
Then walked further north easterly direction and found a huge church( I think it's called st Catherine's I could be wrong). Inside was many statues and figures and pictures of Christian themes and angels and arch angels. No service on today so just respectfully visited it. Lit candles of course. Then slow walk back to hotel room ( getting snack in the way ) to plan my next days adventure.......
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