Sunday is a quiet day in Belgium. Most shops and places close for the day. That, and the rainy weather we woke up to, made it an ideal day for us to take it easy and transport the Sunday Brunch tradition over to Belgium. After a leisurely breakfast of hot chocolate and bread with chocolate spread (notice a theme?), we dug out our umbrellas and rain jackets for a walk around the neighbourhood. We headed to a boulangerie for some fresh bread, and then walked up to the Chapelle de Marie-la-Miserable. (Marie, of course, had to pose in front of it, looking suitably miserable). From there, we saw an old flour mill, and then we walked up to a beautiful park and walked around the lake, looking at ducks and houses and other interesting buildings. It was a bit chilly but the weather was clearing up, so the walk was nice.
We headed back for a quick bite of lunch and then decided to head out to explore a castle. The Gaasbeek Castle is located in Pajottenland, just southwest of Brussles. It dates back to the 13th century, but was remodeled in the late 19th century by a Marquise who turned it into a centre for artists and intellectuals. The castle was having an exhibit on knights throughout history, which was complete with a fake dragon, some suits of armour, and an entire room modeled after Sir Arthur, even containing its very own Round Table. The castle itself was gorgeous, but all things considered, I think I prefer apartment-living: castles seem drafty, impractically located, and quite high-maintenance.
On the way back into Brussels, we made a quick stop at the Atomium. This unsightly landmark was built for Expo ’58, and the surrounding complex currently houses a museum and a rather unique venue for corporate events. It may not be exactly charming or historical, but it’s definitely unique and a must-see in Brussels.
Since Marie and Yannic both have to work in the morning, we made it a quiet evening in, chatting over dinner, wine and a fun game of Carcassonne. After all, it wouldn’t be a true Sunday Brunch without at least one board game.
More to come from Brussels tomorrow!