Car Free, Care Free and Happy in Brussels
When I can, I like visiting a city without using Google Maps. This is simply exploring with only a couple of things I want to see and do, but otherwise being open to the unexpected. Brussels didn’t disappoint. Here a few highlights from wandering around the city.
Note that this post contains language that may not be suitable for California. Readers are advised that this may contain NSFW content that is perfectly acceptable in Europe.
Waffles, Banana Hammocks and G-Strings
Belgian waffles are something truly special. Whenever I’m in Belgium or near Belgium, a waffle is top on my list. When exploring today, I came across a display of waffles that looked so tasty I had to stop. Once I entered the small shop I noticed it sold waffles, banana hammocks and g-strings. The restaurant’s name: The Happy Dick. And it is not named for Richard.
This is perhaps the strangest waffle place I’ve seen. The waffle was delicious, and it appeared to cater to everyone other than children. I chose the caramel waffle, without cream as this seemed a bit too risky. When I was there, a couple of older ladies stopped by for waffles as well. They didn’t seem to notice the odd logo or underwear being sold alongside the assortment of waffles.
Siren Songs
My hotel is on a major street, next to a metro station and close to a train station. I am constantly hearing sirens going back and forth. Ambulances seem to be frequenting one particular building down the street. It is either the most accident prone office in the city or a hospital. I’m still trying to figure out which. In the meantime, the sirens continue day and night.
Car Free Sunday
Brussels has a car-free Sunday where most cars are prohibited in the city. Public transit is free and the streets have a festive atmosphere. Bikes are everywhere.
This morning, the quiet streets surprised me. I could hear more birds and trains than anything else. The songs of the church bells sounded crisp. People were outside, walking down the streets and enjoying themselves.
As the day progressed, the atmosphere in the city turned festive. There was music everywhere. Restaurants were open and, in the old part of the city where I was, it quickly became packed with people. This is when I try to avoid touristy areas. Pickpockets can be bad and there are a lot of Americans who are doing American tourist things like not looking where they are going. Also, tour groups are super obvious and it is hard to get around them.
When I got closer to my hotel, the street was blocked by a parade or a protest – I’m not sure which. At one point there was a flag that translated to “White Fury” with a bunch of white people walking down the street. The biggest groups by far were the Free Palestine folks who were chanting and lighting smoke flares in Palestine colors. This got loud and it was difficult to understand what they were saying. Everyone watched and gave them space.
