Brussels

Brussels boasts some iconic photographic spots - the Atomium, Mannikin Pis and the space-age Atomium.

One of the lasting visits was the Atomium which looms 102m over Brussels like some space age alien from a bad sixties movie. 

We didn't go inside due to time restrictions, but I've been told that it houses nine separate studios showcasing art and creative displays.  The house-sized metallic balls are linked by steel tube-columns containing escalators and lifts. The balls look like a school chemistry set to represent iron atoms in their crystal lattice.It was built as a symbol of postwar progress for the 1958 World’s Fair ( Expo) and was scheduled to be destroyed but in a last minute bid, it got saved and turned into a world class art gallery and restaurant. 

We spent a day wandering the medieval streets and wandered the beautiful square, which was dressed especially for Christmas. 

Other attractions included the Mannikin Pis and the Janneke Pis ( which I will blog about separately) 

When in Brussels, one MUST eat the frittes.  They are soooo good. We lined up for about 10 mins at one of the most famous places to eat fries - and were not disappointed. Creamy inside and so crisp and deliciously fried on the outside - accompanied of course with creamy mayonnaise.  

We also ate waffles and had hot chocolates .. mmmm.what a piggy day - but so delightful. 

One of the must "dos" is a leisurely wander into the Les Galerie Royales Saint-Hubert. Its a famous 19th century shopping arcade, where chocolate shops carry more security that a jewelery shop and looks every bit as beautiful and precious.  I've read that over 6 million visitors walk up and down it a year. Judging from the prices of the food and chocolates, if everyone of them bought just one tiny piece, the owners are very happy people.

We indulged by visiting one shop and buying one ( yes - truly) 1 - piece of confectionary each. 

Below is a photo of Lilly choosing a traditional Belgium jellied fruit sweet. the one below is of me at the start of the long walkway.

The Cat on a bike is a sculpture was created by artist Alain Séchas for the city of Brussels in 2005. He reportabley was paid 100 000 €. yeah.. I am wondering too. Still, its one of THE things to go and look at and scratch your head about, so we did.. got the photo and are still wondering.

Manneken Pis. Probably the most overrated underwhelming tourist attraction

One of the most iconic statues is the Manneken Pis in Brussels. You have to know it.. You know.. The fountain of the little boy peeing ????

The incredible amount of tacky tasteless merchendising that surrounds it is embarrassing and for the most just plain disturbing. 

Regardless as to when you go, crowds mill about it, with endless tourist groups shoving thier way to get close to the railings. 

I've got to say, its one of  the most over rated underwhelming tourist attractions, only just being beaten by the Mona Lisa. 

Tiny... Dark... And wierd.

Today when we visited, it was dressed in football regalia. Apparently its dressers are so busy now, it has a schedual of costumes you can refer to and can visit its wardrobe in a museum - which has hundreds of outfits.. I know.. Disturbing.

So.. Here he is in all his tiny glory..

The Statue has origins from the 13 th century, though the one on display is from the mid 1900s.. Apparently, strangely, people keep stealing it..

There are a number of myths about its origins which mostly involve a small boy getting lost and then being found by townsfolk peeing in the corner of a street. One involves the boy saving the town by peeing on the fuse line of a set of explosives.

Anyway - you can decide for yourself which story best suits truth.. probably none of them. 

In the early 90s this statute was commissioned to raise awareness for cervical cancer. Its called Janneke Pis, and for security reasons.. she hides behind a metal cage.  I've heard there is a dog pissing fountain too, but my map wasn't picking it up on my phone, so we didn't pursue it.

Our wonderful Scottish HelpX Host - Conner

What a complete gem of a placement with helpx we have just had. We ae so so sorry to have left and wish we could not only return, but stay longer.

 I can unequivocally say in the 18 months we have been involved with HelpX, that this has been the most welcoming, enjoyable and brilliant placements we have experienced.

In the lowlands of Scotland, our placement was only an hour away from Edinburgh but still in the vast spaces of sheep country. Immediately we arrived we felt part of the family. 

This is the conservatory and below is a picture of me in the back yard.

Conner is warm, generous and kind. What an incredible talent, passion and patience he has with his baking! We were honoured to be part of the daily bread baking process and I have come away with so much knowledge not only about the process, but the chemical background of why certain ingredients react they way they do; I can’t wait to test these recipes out myself! Conners collection of recipe books is astounding. His cooking was first class and we were so spoilt every meal. Healthy, nutritional and wholesome meals which will become from family favourites of ours. I am used to taking the cooking tasks on when I go to a helpx role, so it was a real treat to cooked for.

Mary is witty and full of wonderful facts about her country. Her amusing sayings and folk wisdom had me laughing every day. She is now our beloved Scottish Grannie.

Iona is an inquisitive, delightful and caring child and one Lilly immedialty loved and called sister.

 We slotted into their lives and assisted in a number of tasks, enjoyed every moment we were there. I am so grateful for this experience and know we have lifelong friends coming away.

We were very sad to leave and truly wished we could have stayed much longer.

So - if you want a placement where you feel and are treated like family, want to be immersed with Scottish village life and come away with baking skills ( and weigh a few pounds more!) then don’t hesitate - apply now to be Conners next helpers.