Brussels, Belgium

Breaking it down in Brussels. I really loved the city architecture but I was suprised at the absence of personality. For a city that created Tin Tin and French fries and produces some of the best chocolate in the world - you really didn't see anyone with strong national pride or a sense of their own culture. Maybe it was because it was such a small city - with loads of immigrants and tourists - who diluted the originial culture to have a new culture. However, it seems like no one keeps up or locals (concierges, taxi drivers) don't want to share with tourists where real hot spots are in case we dilute the last remnants of their culture. Sally and I had many issues with the concierge who directed us to a restaurant of 80 year olds for our nice Saturday night meal. Thankfully we found a beautiful garden restaurant after some significant wandering. However, there were great things to see in Brussels. 1- The atonomium. I need to go back to go up it. 2 - Grande Place. 3 - Royal Palace. 4 - Marcolinis - best choco shop in the city. 5. La Romantiqos - a bonifade latin dancing place in st. catherine palace. It was good feeling and actual locals.

Cohabitation with pigeons

I'm in awe about the large amount of pigeons in the city. Initially, I was blind to the multiple amounts around the city. Perhaps it is because I was in famous areas and the city has set up 'birds of prey'in main tourist spots to keep the pigeons at bay. The most famous spot is at Trafalgar Square. At the base of the statue, a man will hold a hawk and make itself known to the pigeons. They leave pretty quickly, seeking shelter at Green Park. However, as my travels now send me to local dives - I've found a variety of pigeons creeping inside. The largest flock I saw was yesterday in the Victoria Station. I think the smell of McDonalds drove them in. There were about 15 all inside the station - wandering freely. I know that the station is relatively open as the trains can't have their own door. But I was suprised that the noise of the trains didn't keep the pigeons at bay. Perhaps they are aware that we are nothing like the 'bird of prey'.

Brussels, Belgium

I'm finally getting excited about heading over to Brussels. Sally and I are taking a 'city break' to eat loads of chocolate, visit the atonimum and grande place, and take in the canal. However, we are headed out in the, soon to be defunct, Waterloo station. Kings Cross will take over on 14 November and be the station for international rail. I'm a little disappointed that I can't hang out in the world's longest champagne bar prior to my train's departure. Also, the French said it was the way a train station should be. I'll just have to take the train to Paris later to see what all the fuss is about.

Enter Guy Fawkes

Hallowe'en was a bust in jolly ole England. Minimal costumes and children asking for pennies for guy rather than sugared treats. However, Guy Fawkes was a weekend-long celebration. Fireworks started on Friday night and went all the way through to Monday. It was a bit crazy. Most of the fireworks were not scheduled events except Saturday night. Sally and I made it down to the gates of Battersea to listen to the music and watch half an hour of fireworks. It reminded me a lot of Symphony of Lights in Vancouver. There was just as many people and it was just one event across the city. It's interesting that people get so into this holiday, but it's definitely not commercialized. You don't see little Guy Fawkes dolls being sold at Debenhams. Or little V for Vendetta costumes or masks on fireworks attendees. It's actually much nicer. A little bit more laid back and on a crisp cold night - fireworks are just fantastic because the smoke they leave clears up quickly. I'm ready to jump on this holiday bandwagon. But maybe next year, I'll have my own hallowe'en party - I don't think I can give it up yet. Even if it's just for the chocolate.