Sunday, November 04, 2007
Thursday 13th September
We travel to Belgium taking a slight detour to travel over the storm flood gates stretching over 1 ¾ miles connecting the three small peninsulas in Zeeland. They were originally going to close off the sea but due to demands from the populace who depended on fishing in the inland estuaries the design was changed to allow the normal ebb and flow of the North Sea. If stormy conditions threaten the gates can be closed and therefore protect the surrounding lowlands from flooding.
On arrival at the campsite we realise I have left the boys towels behind in the Netherlands, doh!
Jon picks up Dad from the airport whereupon he is greeted with the delights of shopping. Saturday we head for a town north of Brussels called Mechelen, it is famous for bell ringing and has 197 carillon bells, however, we do not see these and instead go to the toy museum, this was quite good and there were enough hands on stuff for the children to remain entertained.
Sunday we go to the Atomium, this is probably what most people associate with Brussels. It is an impressive structure representing a iron atom magnified something like 60 million times. It is definitely worth a look but the inside is not worth the entrance fee.
After the Atomium we headed into Brussels centre and had a look at the Mannequin de pis, which is a small statue of a boy in a certain pose, I’m sure you can guess what. He is currently clothed in a Chinese dragon costume, this is a tradition for visiting dignitaries and there is a museum where you can see all the costumes that have been donated through the ages. The street leading to the Mannequin is swamped with chocolate shops with chocolate fountains displayed in the window and a wonderful waffle shop. Whilst enjoying our waffles we were entertained by a group of Bolivian dancers who gyrated their way down the street in front of us.
In the opposite direction is the Grand Place housing the Hotel de Ville, a very ornate and large building facing onto a square with many other ornate and grand buildings dating from the late 1600’s. The architect who designed the Town Hall committed suicide when he realised there had been a mistake in the plans resulting in the tower and main entrance being off set, consequently the building was no longer symmetrical. We arrived in the square to be greeted by marching bands and other musicians from around the world with stalls selling their local crafts. After a time enjoying these delights we made our way through the crowds to the Park next to the Palace. There is a large play park here to entertain the kids and you also get a view of the Palace, this is similar and as interesting as Buckingham Palace.
Monday I successfully manage to break the glass worktop that covers the sink and it explodes everywhere. After a clean up session we head off to Waterloo and the Butte de Lion, as it is the best day weather wise. So in the wind and rain we trudge up the 126 steps to reach the top of the monument built in 1824 to commemorate all the men that died in the infamous battle in 1815. From here you have a view of the battlefield with a small display showing where the troops were positioned.
