A little bit of Belgium

 
A little bit of Belgium
 
;End of october. Autumn. In London, it expectedly rains cats and dogs. No matter how cloudy it is in the sky above, the mood is still good, because it's time to go to the long-awaited trip. For this journey I’ve chosen Belgium’s capital.
;Reviews for fancy hats in the window of the Magritte Museum, for parks with installations and sculptures and for the architecture of Brussels took their toll. Tickets are purchased. Brussels can be conveniently reached by train in just 2 hours. The Channel Tunnel was passed unnoticed. At the Brussels Midi station pointers habitually directed me to the city center. Travelling from Midi Zuid station by underground took me half an hour. The weather was extremely cool but it didn’t stop me from walking around the Belgian capital. I took several photos of Brussels streets and sights before going to the main place in the city - the Grand Place which is known for it’s rich architecture and  history.  Having eaten in one of the restaurants on the Rue de Bouges I continued my journey and visited several sights on foot. They included Magritte Museum and Musical Instrument Museum. Well, I’m glad that ROYAL WINDSOR HOTEL GRAND PLACE located in the very center of the Belgian capital was booked in advance.  In walking distance - the Central square, the chocolate museum, restaurants, souvenir shops and famous Mannequin Pis, which true dimensions are inflated to unbelievable proportions in press and guidebooks. Then, gifts were supplemented by chocolate sets of belgian origin. I want to mention chocolate collection, created based on the popular children's cartoons, including The Smurfs. Funny pumpkins and witches (it was exactly the end of October before the Halloween) are also in the wish list.
 
;Leaving a backpack in the room, I thought how to manage the time I had (weekend) with maximum efficiency. After short internal discussion, I decided to combine a visit to classic sights with places persistently advised by friends, who visited the Belgian capital for several times. Being creative professionals, they drew my attention to designer shops and galleries. Without any doubt, art lovers will find classic art pieces as well as fresh photo and drawing experiments in Brussels. A nearby streets with small design galleries offer wide range of interior ideas. Following the advice of fellow fashionistas, I went to the famous Boulevard de Waterloo. Luxury boutiques like Burberry, Armani or Gucci are linked here with democratic brands, so shopping lovers will not be disappointed. Belgian designers are original and unique. At the same time, their style combines the classic of a successful cut from quality fabrics and fancy clothes, suitable for unusual personalities. Strolling around the shops I found a nearby beauty salon, where I saw a new line of Kerastase hair care line and decided to supplement the miraculous collection of shampoos and conditioners. Also, not far from the Boulevard de Waterloo one shouldn't miss famous St.Mary's Church in Brussels which you can visit through the lift behind and see the Belgium capital from above. The height of panoramic views of Brussels and rain only intensified cinema effect of this spectacle.
;Having walked around the city centre, I headed toward the hotel. It was a very long day and finally I checked in The Royal Windsor. Leisurely strolling tourists, excursion groups and families with children, young companies and lots of souvenir shops - these all  reminds me of the autumn in Brussels...
 
 
 
Useful notes
 
Where to eat:
 
Restaurant street Rue de Bouge
 
What to visit:
 
Musical Instrument Museum
Hofberg 2 Montagne de la Cour
+32 2 545 01 30
Musee Magritte Museum
Rue de la R;gence 3
+32 2 508 32 11
Atomium
Square de l’Atomium
B-1020 Brussels
+32 (0)2 475 47 75
 
Godiva Factory Outlet
Jetteselaan 4
02-422-1-98
 
YellowCorner Gallery
rue Lebeau 69
+32 25408576
galerie.bruxelles@yellowkorner.com
 
The Brussels park
Rue Royale, Rue de la Loi, Rue Ducale, Place des Palais
Open: from 1 April till 30 September: 6 am till 10 pm. From 1 October till 31 March: 7 am till 9 pm.
 
Shops:
Giorgio Armani
Boulevard de Vaterloo 28/29
0032 2 5137981
 
Burberry
Brussels
Boulevard de Waterloo 16
+32 (0) 2 402 44 00
 
Gucci
Boulevard de waterloo 49
+32.2.511.11.82
 
Where to stay:
 
Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place
Rue Duquesnoy 5
+32 2 505 55 55
info.royalwindsor@warwickhotels.com