I chose Brussels as my first excursion outside of the UK since I was told by an acquaintance that it is was a two hour train ride on the Eurostar. I figured it could be an easy daytrip. A few more suggestions and I added Bruge to the mix. This plan now included an overnight to cover both Brussels and Bruge. I booked my Eurostar ticket and used my Orbitz points to reserve a room near the Grand Place (or in Dutch – De Grote Markt). To everyone interested, Belgium should be a definite stop if ever there is an extended amount of time spent in Europe. It is relatively easy to navigate once there on the Metro or the Brussels train.
Brussels – 18 February 2017
My day started off early enough but when my Uber app which I had tested decided it did not want to use my Paypal account it threw off my schedule. I finally arrived at the International St. Pancras Station (London international train station) which is aesthetically pleasing. The train ride was at capacity so no room to stretch out but still enough space to get comfy. Once I arrived at Midi-Brussels (Brussel train station) I had to find my way to the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Atomium, have my fruity beer, chocolate, frites, Belgian waffles and the night life. I am not a huge fan of mussels or I would have sought them out too. That was my list of things to do in Belgium.
I decided to walk to town instead of taking the train to the Grand Central. The neighborhood surrounding the Brussel Midi train station is bustling on Saturday to say the least. History is everywhere you look. The buildings are very ornate, same as London, but different. 
I ran smack into the Manneken Pis. It is a lot smaller than I realized. It is a tiny statue behind a much larger gate. Since people have taken to swiping the pissing toddler they have had to replace it and now protect him. I was a bit surprised about all the hoopla but then again I was snapping photos and queued (lined) up too. Surrounding the display were stores selling souvenirs and such a potent smell of chocolate I believe they artificially scent the air with the aroma of cocoa. There are other complementary pissing statues around Brussel but I had no time to seek them out. http://www.amusingplanet.com/2014/12/the-peeing-statues-of-brussels.html
The Grand Place is visibly stunning and to realize that hundreds of years ago this was the center of everything is amazing. The details in each building is meticulous and copper patina statutes adds to the richness. They also keep the gold detail freshly painted. After many pictures I realized my cell battery was dying and needed to head to my hotel. It was safe and clean right in the middle of the action but very outdated. After charging my phone I ventured back out to the Grand Place and followed the streets surrounding it. There were hoards of people outside. There were a huge amounts of students in the square with their own pill box wifi speakers, some drinking and lingering. There were also a lot of students on the old stock exchange building stairs. There were street performers with large crowds gathered around. This was when I noticed a short, young guy was trying to look over my shoulder more than onece. I honestly believe he was trying to get my phone pin. So I had to be more discreet and I changed my pin immediately just in case. Solo travelers have to be on alert for people trying to exploit them. There are also people that are in front of restaurants that are really friendly but have a hard sales approach for getting you into the restaurant. They offer you a free drink with an overpriced meal. If you go just keep it moving there is better food and alcohol elsewhere.
I actually had the foods I wanted to experience in Belguim the first day.
The Atomium had to wait till Sunday, but I was so excited with myself for actually fitting it in. I took the local train where there were no English speakers. Interestingly many of the stations were decorated differently. I did not have time to tour the Atomium but for Brussels “answer” to the Eiffel Tower it did not disappoint.
Bruges – 19 February 2017
I enjoyed the free breakfast at my hotel and off I went to the train station to head to Bruge. It was about an hour from Brussels. I really did not have much time to do research on Bruge since it was a diversion (UK English for detour) during my Belgium trip. I knew I wanted to see the canal, the Grand Place and the historic buildings. I grabbed a map and started out since I only had a short amount of time that I could spend. As I exited the train I knew it was a different environment than Brussels. It was definitely much cleaner, more tranquil and slower pace. I am directionally challenged but also wifi restricted so I decided to walk towards where all the people were coming from and it was a great choice. Once I got to a marked street I figured out the map.
My co-worker had warned that a lot of the shops would be closed. This was not an issue but if you want to shop you may not want to go on a Sunday. This was just my speed after Brussels. The food and souvenir shops are open on Sundays by the way.
I followed the map to St. Salvatorskerkhot which was on a quaint street of sho
ps that were mostly closed for Sunday. It was straight shot up Steenstraat to the Grand Place which was not as large as the Grand Place in Brussels but also a little more intimate. This Grand Place is dominated by a 83 meter high belfry and other colorful houses. There were tour vans collecting tourist, which was different from Brussel which did not appear to allow vehicle traffic. There were also more horse and carriages, and you could hear the echo of hooves which was so delightful for some reason. The museum had a restaurant that overlooked the Grand Place and did not require admission to the Historium Brugge. I went to the second level outside terrace and enjoyed a couple of fruity beers. I was able to absorb the sights and sounds of the Grand Place below. I was cold so after awhile I had to make sure hypothermia did not set in, plus I was on a time schedule (or scale as the Londoners like to say).
The rest of my sightseeing was scenic and mind clearing. This is definitely a place to view for self-reflection. There were several references to romantic areas. Well being alone and I did not find it that romantic but I could relate to the possibility. I absolutely fell in love with Bruge!!!
Go, Going, Gone Grandyose 