Once
again, I decided to make game of this crazy world and venture off into the
unknown by myself.  I had the best time going by myself to a hostel, so I
should have just as much fun same this time, right?  Nope.

My trip to Brugges was almost cancelled because there was an accident
at Gare du Nord (my take off station).  Luckily, an old Frenchman took me
under his wings and helped me get to another Metro where I was able to make
it to my train with only 5 minutes to spare.  When I got to Brugges, I went
to the “Johnny Rockets” hostel, because the description and name seemed fun
enough.  I took the taxi and walked inside the bar and asked the bartender
for a room.  It seemed pretty noisy, but I’m sure that I would enjoy myself. 
After the paperwork and credit card, I hear the words that will forever ring
in my ear as The signal that you’re getting a bad room.  “You’re
in Room…1.”  Not knowing better at that time, I took the key and walked
upstairs to the unlit, stair hallway and blindly felt myself though the door
way.  I finally opened up a door and the motion detector lights came on. 
And true enough, I was the ONLY soul there.  I found my room, opened it up
and plopped my stuff down and went off for a restaurant.  Dinner was pretty
good.  I then explored Brugges and found that it’s a really romantic city at night with
the nicely lit buildings and waterways.  Tired and full, I went back “home”
and crawled in bed…going to sleep took a lot longer because I could hear
the music downstairs going strong.

The next day, (Unfortunately, a rainy day, but that did not douse any spirits.) 
I packed everything up and took a bus tour of Brugges and was quite impressed. 
Regrettably, I did not see it; however, in one of their buildings, they have
in a metal container, the “Blood of Christ.”  They also have a beautiful area with a statue of Neptune in the middle.  The city is surrounded by many canals, which split up the city wonderfully. 

Points of interests in Brugges:  The main attraction is the Tower. 
(I forget the name.)  Every 4th store is a Lace store since it is a huge
tradition in their town.  And inside every other lace store is a tapestry
store.  If I remember correctly, there are 20 tapestry factories in Europe
and 9 are in Brugges.  So, if you’re going to get lace and tapestries, go
to Brugges.

After enough touring, I decided to make a change in plans and go to Brussles. 
Home of the EU (European Union) and my favorite tourist place so far:  Mini Europe! 
(The leaning tower IS leaning, but the picture was taken the wrong way.) 
When I got into Brussles, I was completely lost (AGAIN!).  I quickly found
an Ibis hotel (4 stars and in the Nortel travel recommended hotels list)
and plopped my weary arms and legs in bed.

The next morning, I had some Belgium Waffles (very good with some chocolate syrup.); visited the Grand Market; did some window shopping; and enjoyed some of the local artwork.  Afterwards, I took a bus tour to the Atomium (A
100+ meter monument built for the 1950 Olympics) and then the neatest place
so far:  Mini Europe.  As it’s name suggests, all of the monuments of Europe
are shrunked and placed in this decent sized area.  There’s the Eiffel Tower, Sienna, off shore rigs, Brugges, Brussles, Arc du Triumph, Venice, The Berlin Wall, Greece (?), an oil repository on fire, and a lot of other places I have not been to yet.  It was; however, a really great feeling to see some of the places which I have already been to and places I have yet to see.  I then hopped on the tour bus again and went to see some Chinese houses which were imported to Brussles as monuments.  (Most impressive.)  It made me realize that Asia is the next place I want to visit.

No journey to Brussles can be complete without seeing the “Manneken Pis“. 
Legend has it that when Brussles was under attack, the king’s son releaved
himself on one of the attacking cannons, thus saving Belgium.  A statue was
created of the boy, of course…peeing.  Who knew that urine could also be
used to save lives?  Also, the boy is dressed up in various costumes throughtout
the year.  (Long live the King.)

At first, I thought that I would not enjoy myself as much in Belgium,
since I had this thought that it was a boring country.  However, Europe has
not let me down yet.  I continue to explore new places and enjoy myself each
time I venture out into the unknown.  Next weekend will be great because
“Father Falgout” (aka Dad) is coming to visit for 2 weeks and we shall paint
Europe red!

Cheers!

P.S.  Here’s the link to the entire album.  There are lots more pictures from Mini Europe.