Last Spring we had a quick stopover in Brussels on our way to Amsterdam.
At the time I declared Brussels Deserves an Overnighter.
A weekend in Germany visiting the Christmas markets was the perfect opportunity for another stopover.
Last Friday, we hopped on the Eurostar and took the 2 hour trip to Brussels.
Have I mentioned that I love traveling by train? It's so much more relaxing for me than flying.
Brussels at night did not disappoint!
(Although in the spirit of full-disclosure, TE and I did argue a bit.
Travel stress strikes again. But we got it all out on the first night, so it was a good thing.)
The city was in full Christmas mode.
The shop windows were bedecked with everything you can imagine.
Belgian chocolate by the truckloads!
We strolled over to visit the little man again and had a drink at our favorite pub in Brussels.
The main square in Brussels is massive and beautiful.
But as we got closer, we noticed something different and seemingly out of place.
This year the powers-that-be decided to forgo the
traditional Christmas tree in the center of the historical square.
Instead they opted for a massive, illuminated Abstract Christmas Tree.
There was an impressive light show set to Christmas music.
The tree and the surrounding buildings all danced with color and lights.
We noticed some protesters surrounded by TV crews after the light show. We didn't know what they were protesting until we read later that many were not happy with the new display in the center of their beautiful square.
We were tired from a long week, so after a few drinks we turned in for the night.
Our friends were arriving on a later train and we were all heading to Germany the next morning to visit the Christmas Markets! More to come on our weekend getaway.
The crazy tree did seem oddly out of place, although very pretty at night.
What do you think? New and exciting or tacky and out of place?
xoxo
Selena
I've never been to Brussels but I would have been unhappy about the tree! Gorgeous photos as usual Selena! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for more pictures of the trip to Germany. I don't cafre for the tree at all. So understand the protesters.
ReplyDeleteWe went to Brussels for three days last April and neither of us were too impressed- so funny how the same city can leave totally different impressions!! That said, I do have a deep longing for more of their chocolate and beer... plus they have Pim's biscuits, which have nothing to do with Pimm's drink, but are actually a raspberry version of Jaffa cakes, and I don't like orange, so they were GREAT! Ahem- let me wipe the drool off of my keyboard :)
ReplyDeleteI do like the tree, though, just as something different and modern. I can't say I'd put it in my house, but it's a sure change for a European city!
I've never been and now I want to! look at all the CHOCOLATE :)
ReplyDeleteYikes, I don't know about that tree! We took Finn to Brussels last Christmas for their market, and it was so fun! If you haven't been to Brugges or Antwerp I recommend them too :)
ReplyDeleteLooks spectacular these pictures are lovely. We must travel a little more around Europe once we have finished with the renovations !
ReplyDeleteLove Chrissi xo
www.christianaholt.blogspot.com
Brussels at Christmas time--never prettier! Not so sure about that Christmas tree though...
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