I snuck off for a little R&R to fortify myself for the onslaught of Christmas. One of the great things about London is, it only takes 2 hours 20 minutes to get to Brussels by Eurostar.
Christmas on the continent, especially in the northern countries is particularly delightful, at Christmas time. There must had been at least a Christmas market at every major square. The larger ones even had ice rinks set-up, but all of them had gluhwen.
Gluhwein is a deceptively potent blend of alcohol and spices. It was so cold in Brugge that I could feel the gluhwein making it's way to my tummy. Minutes later, I was warmer and convinced that I was fluent in Flemish and making eyes at these fellows.
Brugge is a lovely city, full of lace and chocolate shops. Naturally, given my recent lace obsession, I was in heaven. The Mendling museum was just the perfect touch, small enough to enjoy with many treasures to see.
Brussels was flooded with tourists (mostly British ones), so we went off the beaten track. The Museé de Bande Dessin was an interesting way to spend the morning. I must admit that the building was fantastic and whilst the comic exhibition was nice, it's interesting to note that aside from Tintin, the Smurfs and Spirou, most of the Belgian strips were unknown to me.
Of course, there were the waffles.
A visit to Waterloo, would of course be a requisite for any history buff.
Waterloo was one of the pivotal point for the formation of modern Europe. I climbed 226 steps up the Butte de Lion, the memorial comerating the battle and where the Prince of Orange was wounded. It was a lot of steps to see this.
I did take photo of the layout of the battle, just in case you wanted proof that I did the climb
The highlight of the trip was having diiner at Chez Leon with Stéphanie and I got to enjoy my stoemp (an interesting pureé of root vegetables) and drink at Mort Subite, a fine drinking establishment with atmosphere and nicotine stained ceiling. All in all, a fabulous trip, even if I didn't find a single wool shop.
(Check the handknits ...Stéphanie's wearing her beautiful hat and scarf... and I'm wearing the KSH Puzzle Shawl from Rowanette Judith and my Easy Cardigan, aren't we the stylish pair. OK Stéphanie is stylish and I'm stylish by association).
Ooo you managed to take a picture of "my house". It's the one with the lovely red leaves on in the picture of the canal.
I went on a trip to Bruges with school years ago. I fell in love with that house and decided I was going to live there. My friend was going to get the one next door.
Love the European photos! Really great!
Posted by: Valerie at December 11, 2004 11:18 AMGreat photos. I feel like I was on the trip with you. I love your clever writing to go along with the photos. Were those waffles as delicious as they look? BTW, I LOVED the Waterloo battle plan. That's right up my alley. Great post - happy knitting!
Posted by: Jennifer at December 11, 2004 11:15 AMAn elderly lady came to live nextdoor to us when I was a child. She had been a Nanny/Governess to the son of a diplomat in Ostende and then, in her old age, came to live here in Australia. I loved her dearly. She was the most exquisite knitter and lace maker I have ever known. She spent all her days creating the most extraordinary items, many of which I still have. Thank you for sharing your trip and showing me a little of where she lived. It has brought back some wonderful memories of a dear soul.
Posted by: Julie at December 10, 2004 08:01 PMWHAT A WONDERFUL TRIP! Thank you for sharing it all I felt like I was right there...what a nice break from sunny southern CA! Your very blessed to be able to see such sights!
Posted by: PJ at December 10, 2004 04:29 PMYou lucky thing! I went to visit Waterloo years ago. Not much to see, but nice to say you've been. I love Christmas markets, too.
Posted by: Anne at December 9, 2004 06:30 PMSo coool! I love my country and I love my city: Brussel of course. And Brugge is simply gorgeous. I'm so happy to see those picture and that you enjoy your trip.
Thanks for creating the Kiri pattern
ooh, that looks so good. Proximity to the rest of europe is definitely a plus point for living in London - it takes ages and costs a fortune to get places from Scotland !
Posted by: Heather at December 8, 2004 06:51 PMGluwein is great! We had it at the Christmas markets in Munich and we ended up keeping the ceramic cup as a sovenier (I know that's not the right spelling). I'm sad we missing our New Year's Eve trip to London this year - I was hoping to meet up with some Rowanettes!
Posted by: Susie at December 8, 2004 05:37 PMThat looks like a fabulous trip. Beautiful pictures!
Posted by: Eilene at December 8, 2004 05:14 PMEnjoyed the armchair travel and most especially the great name of that bar "Sudden Death"! Wow, you do a lot of sites when you're sightseeing. Love the gloom & fog and that shot of 'Venice'. Perfect weather for gluwein, frites, moules and gaufres. And parading in your handknits. xoxoxo Kay
Posted by: Kay at December 8, 2004 03:29 PMyou both look a little cold!! :) sounds like a great time! i'm hoping to go see stephanie maybe in the spring myself!
Posted by: carolyn at December 8, 2004 02:34 PMfunny, the title of your entry is all blurry...can't read it, won't read it ;-).
Posted by: Stéphanie at December 8, 2004 07:56 AMVery nice pictures, if only i wouldn't spoil the last one. Did you meet an alien in Brussel ;-)? I am glad you had a good time in Brussel. I was very pleased to be able to spend an evening with you & dh and i hope to see you again soon.
Posted by: Stéphanie at December 8, 2004 07:45 AMI've been through Brussels once. We were lost trying to get to Calais for the ferry to Dover. After seeing your photos I think we need to hop on a train and make the trek from Germany when the boys are on Christmas break. Beautiful photos....
Posted by: Jean at December 8, 2004 07:39 AMPolly, what a nice trip!
I have been in Belgium about 15 years ago, as a young girl (!) and enjoyed it so much. Such a wonderful country.
Christmas time is in Germany also great, we have those little markets in every town!
Posted by: Marta at December 8, 2004 07:38 AMoh oh polly what a nice trip ..excellent and with stephanie you 'r lucky the both to enjoy
drink together at leon cafe , i love chips and mussels..i never been to brussel or brugges but one time i hope to visit this contry. thank for the pics it's very nice and i can touch the cold brrrr... about chirstmas markets yes i know that because i am native from Alsace in east of france and i suggest you to have a trip to strasbourg (big one) or colmar (small) at christmas time it is wonderfull...
good knitting