B is for Beer in Brussels

If it's Wednesday, it must be Brussels. As big Belgian beer enthusiasts, we plan a day getaway to sample the best the Belgians can offer. For Pierce, this means an opportunity to travel via the high speed rail again. It's a quick 1 hour and 20 minute trip to deliver you directly to Brussels.

Up and out early from the apt, Pierce marvels at the trains lined up and ready to go at Gare du Nord. He entertains fellow passengers with his ongoing commentary on how the train works and what we are seeing out the window. Later, we'll meet some of these fellow passengers out and about in Brussels and they'll comment on his 'extensive' train knowledge. I guess that Thomas video is paying off ;)

Some initial confusion on the Brussels metro is quickly rectified and we venture towards the Grand Place. A central square in Brussels, and the tourist hot spot. While strolling towards our destination, we pass a great deal many furniture stores. Wow! This city has some serious interior design style. Some of the most interesting and cool pieces we've seen.

We stop for lunch at "The Golden Boot" directly on the Grand Place. It's an old school place with a classic atmosphere and seasoned waiters. Mussels are in order for Mitch and we sample our first new beers of the day.

Pierce runs ragged in the square after lunch and he is snoozing within a bit after we wrangle him in the stroller. It's a lovely day out and we hit up an outdoor cafe to continue the beer sampling. Some really amazing flavors. I am particularly fond of a white beer, similar in style to a Blue Moon, only significantly better.

Following nap time, we shop around a bit and Mitch finds nirvana at the Beer Temple store. A paradise of all things beer. Likely close to 1000 different beers line the shelfs. Glasses to match line an entire wall of the store. After some careful selections we leave to purchase the other thing Belgians are famous for, Chocolate :) We decide on these beautiful little squares of florentine on top with milk chocolate and white chocolate layering. They taste as good as they look.

It's back to the train after the debauchery.

We hit the 'bar' car section of the train on the way home to mix things up a bit. Another great advantage of train travel is the ability to move about during the journey. And, who can argue when the beers available include Duval and Leffe.

An early trip to the market awaits and we are off to bed.