Brussels Day 1 // Manneken Zinneke Jeanneke Pis // Grand Place // St.Michael and St.Gudula Cathedral

We woke up early and made our way to Bruxelles Centraal. Our first task was to buy tickets for the Eurostar train to London and store our luggage. Once done, we embarked on a half-day city walk, eager to explore the sights and tastes of Brussels. Our journey led us to a bustling souvenir food street, where we delighted in sampling the famous local chocolate, renowned worldwide for its quality. Following our sweet indulgence, we couldn't resist trying the iconic fries at La Friterie. These fries, boasting a crispy exterior and soft interior, were accompanied by a variety of flavorful sauces, with the truffle mayonnaise standing out as a must-try. We also made sure to taste the rectangular Belgian waffles, another popular street food. Continuing down the street, we encountered the famous Manneken Pis, a quirky statue that attracts tourists from all over the world. Nearby, we went to Zinneke Pis, the main reason we make this short trip to Brussels, a lesser-known but equally charming statue depicting a dog, which was a delight for dog lovers. Amidst our exploration, we stumbled upon several vintage clothing stores, adding a touch of shopping to our itinerary. Unfortunately, our plans to visit Beurs were thwarted by ongoing construction, but undeterred, we pressed on to the Grand Place. This majestic square, adorned with gold elements on its buildings, exuded grandeur and historical significance. At Mary's shop, we couldn't resist sampling chocolates that were once crafted for royalty, indulging in their decadent flavors. Had our lunch at La Terrasse, while moules frites was recommended, we sadly decided not to try because both of us do not love mussels. We opted for escargots, shrimp croquettes, and grilled salmon instead, satisfying our appetites with these delectable choices. Not to mention their escargots is the best I tried in our whole honeymoon trip! Beside the restaurant is the last of the trio urinating statue, Jeanneke Pis. She is the sister of the first statue Manneken Pis. Not as well-known as Manneken Pis but we managed to visit all the statue in Brussels. Continuing our journey, we passed through the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a shopping center adorned with an arched glass roof, before reaching our final destination: St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. This ancient cathedral, with its breathtaking stained glass windows and intricately carved statues depicting biblical stories, left us in awe of its beauty and historical significance. After a day filled with culinary delights, cultural exploration, and architectural marvels, we bid farewell to Brussels and boarded the train back to London, cherishing the memories of our unforgettable adventure.