Bruges - Brussels

Bruges - Brussels

Back on the train again...

This time from Bruges to Brussels.

Had to get up early again as my train left Bruges at 10am.

If I had known what I know now, I  probably would have chosen to spend an extra day or two in Bruges, rather than move onto Brussels so quickly, but never mind, I'm here now so we make the most of it.

The train journey was fine. I was a little bit worried when the train pulled in because it was a double decker train with either upstairs or downstairs, but there just happened to be one set of seats that were on the level so I grabbed one while I could. There was another Aussie couple across the aisle so the journey was quite pleasant.

So, I arrived in Brussels at Gare Midi and my hotel is actually attached to this  station, so  no taxi required! The only drawback is that I need to catch the Metro into the city to get to where all the action is, but that's fine. I brought a 3 day ticket that gives me unlimited travel on the Metro system and I managed to get into town with not too many problems.

I arrived in Brussels about 11am (short trip from Bruges) and of course it was too early to check in (unless I wanted to pay another 30 Euros!) So I happily left my luggage in their store room and headed into town.

I have to admit, after spending a couple of idyllic days in Bruges, I found the centre of Brussels a little disappointing. Their Grand Place was nothing in comparison with Bruges. The taxi driver who took me to the station this morning in Bruges told me he didn't like Brussels at all. Can't remember his exact words but it was something along the lines of "tacky commercialism"....!!! And I have to agree.

Mind you, I haven't really explored totally yet and it might get better, but I'll put up my pics and you be the judge....

Brussels Grand Place

Grand Place

Grand Place

Grand Place

Grand Place

Grand Place

There was also a market going on, but it was pretty ordinary

Market in Brussels

But the one thing I did do was find the nearest Church and light my candle. Bargain rate here... they're only 0.50 Euro

Bit blurry, but another statue of  Our Lady of Mercy

There are Churches everywhere here... came across another one as well... Church of St Mary Magdalene

St Mary Magdalene

When I asked someone "Where was the Cathedral?" she was a little confused, because there are something like 14 Churches here in the  old town of Brussels.

Anyway, I came back to my  hotel and checked in. I'm on the 9th floor and have a lovely view of the Station. Here's a pic or 2 for Terry and Brian!

From my window

From my window 2

When I was in Bruges, luckily my breakfast was included because it cost 25 Euros.

Here, my breakfast is NOT included and the cheapest version is 19 Euros, and as you might remember I have brought my own Weetabix and Vegemite...

So.... there are multiple shops as part of this station including a mini grocery shop, so I've just been down and bought a mini tub of margarine, some milk, a little bread stick and a plastic container so I can eat my Weetbix and have bread and Vegemite, and seeing I'm staying here for 4 nights, I think I just  saved myself 100 Euros...

So.. again... I think I will eat in style at the Restaurant tonight and use all my saved breakfast money!!!!!

What a happy note to end on for tonight !!!!  :)