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Our Fantabulous Trip Around the Globe
Sunday morning after Oktoberfest, Joel and I set off on the slow train (12 hours) to Luxembourg whereas the Moogs set off on the fast train (5 hours). As we had visa issues to resolve, Joel and I were (eventually) going to Brussels but were going to stop in Luxembourg for the night. Our long and painful train trip was good practice for our Trans-Siberian trip that begins on October 14th. We figure we stopped in about 30 different towns along the way, if not more. Fun stuff.We were happy to arrive in Luxembourg, even though it was late. We had a lot of things to organize, so we didn't hit the hay until after 2am. And then we were up the next morning to catch an early train to Brussels. We were running late--surprise, surprise--so we had to run to catch the train. Oh, did I mention that we hadn't bought tickets yet? Luckily, the train was on the track closest to the station so we made it with at least 30 seconds to spare.Our first stop in Brussels was the Mongolian Embassy. We found it relatively quickly (hooray for Google directions) and walked up to the front gate, expecting an intercom. Nope, the gate doesn't even lock. That was welcoming! Then we walked up to the front door. It wasn't even closed. This was already looking a million times better than the Russian Embassy.We had brought every single document we thought they might ask for. So we walk in the door, mention that we need visas and pull out our file folder of info. The guy says that we need the application form (check), a photo (check) and our passports (check). We asked what else he needed. NOTHING. Can you imagine?! And then we asked the question about money. He said we had to transfer money into their account *gulp* We inquired about the closest bank and he clarified that we could bring back proof of payment when we collected our passports. What a brilliant idea! We tripped all over ourselves telling him how much nicer he was than the Russians. He didn't really respond to that :)Within two days we had our passports and were headed back to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg!But, of course, we couldn't leave Brussels without enjoying some of the local sights and tastes. We visited the Grand Place, the 'Pis" statues, the EU Parliament, a cool but creepy pub, and a few waffle stands.Grand Place has beautiful architecture and lots of people. There are also a few waffle stands nearby. We were in line to buy the one featured in our photo section when behind us I heard someone (with a distinctly American accent, as an aside) saying, "Wow, those thing must be really popular here. We've seen waffle places everywhere!" Groan. You're kidding, right? They're actually called BELGIAN waffles for a reason. I hope they were using a heavy dose of sarcasm.We thoroughly enjoyed our waffles and walking around Grand Place and area. One evening we went to a pub called Toone that Janine and Jason had told us about. Part of the pub turns into a puppet theatre every few nights. We missed a show, but they have their marionettes hung all around the pub, which was creepy enough for me. Over the door that leads to the theatre section of the pub, they actually have a row of doll heads. Yikes. But it was cool and we got to try some locally brewed beer (micro-brewery, not Hoegaarden).Joel quite enjoyed the Rue des Bouchers, where there are tons of seafood restaurants with neon shellfish lighting the way down the street. The rest of the street didn't impress him too much, but he was taken with the neon. I was appalled by the horrible spelling on all of the English menus, but that's a whole other blog topic, really.One of our unique stops was at the EU Parliament. We got to go on a tour, but first we had to sign in with the security. I whipped out my driver's license as ID and the guy wrote that I was from the US. Joel gently corrected him and said that we're from Canada. The other security guards started giving the guy a hard time because he didn't know that Ontario was in Canada. Then one of them spoke up and clarified saying that Ontario is actually in Quebec. hahahaha! We just smiled and didn't bother to correct him.The tour itself was just an audio guide and we only got to see the lobby and chamber. Overall, it was a bit dull and since we didn't have a guide I couldn't ask about the interpretation booths and how they work. There are over 20 languages used in the EU and each one gets its own little booth with at least one interpreter. But how does it actually work? Your guess is as good as mine. If anyone can figure it out, please let me know. Katey would appreciate knowing the information too :)Oh, and one more thing--could countries please stop using three stripes in their flags? It's overdone and no one can figure out which flag is which. Thanks, I'd appreciate it.:) m & j
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