Take A Bite out of Brussels

Brett. With Meat. 

Walking down one side of the Brussels Christmas Market

The market hosts two highly unusual and creative Merry-Go-Rounds

Inside the famous Belgian Chocolaterie - Leonidas

Three countries - Belgium, Spain, and Bulgaria - in twenty four hours is tiring, but it helps to be propelled by the right food. Like those Wheaties commercials back in the day, except SO MUCH BETTER. 

The Brussels Christmas Market is ranked #1 of European markets for foodies, and strolling down its aisles, we could see why. On a five minute walk through the square, a hungry visitor might sample: French doughnuts sprinkled in powdered sugar, churros with a thick chocolate sauce for dipping, enormous sausages with sauerkraut on crusty baguette chunks, vats of scalloped potatoes with cheese oozing from every crevice, fresh mussels, gluhwein, hot waffles with white or dark chocolate, French fries with mayonnaise, fresh breads and pastries, cured meats of every shape and color, Belgian chocolates, candied apples, and fancy fruit jellies. 

We arrived in Brussels before the sun came up and found our way into town to one of its most popular bakeries. Energized by breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien ("The Daily Bread") and sampling throughout the market, we took the tram to Cirque de Soleil (where Brett made his fabulous international circus debut) and then met Brett's friend Julia  - whom he took his CELTA course with this summer - and her family. We really enjoyed spending the evening with Julia and James and their daughters Lucy and Molly, talking to them about the educational system in Belgium and James' incredible running career, and enjoying yet another delightful meal at a Belgian brasserie.  We spent a lovely night at their house. After seeing the sun rise in the woods behind their house in the morning, we headed for Valencia, Spain.

More on that to come.