Bloke hits Brussels & Luxembourg

  
Brussels: Slideshow Pics Luxembourg: Slideshow Pics

Having dropped Juzzy, Mark and Sally at the train station, Simon, Jamie and I headed into Brussels central for a mosey around. The order is a little vague, but we checked out some comic murals, split half a chook (& at the same place called their Orval bluff - wasn't even dark), checked Mannekin Pis and the pub of same name, and generally just wandered around when we weren't sitting in a pub.

Early evening (late arvo?) we stumbled upon a free outdoor concert with, amongst others, the popular Belgian band été 67 (only 2 years off) - check them out, not too bad, can have a muttering singalong ala 99 luft balloons style. Was a fun little interlude though.

Once we'd tired of that, there was more wandering 'til hunger became desperate. We settled on a little Italian cafe (before the tragic Italy/Oz game). The meal was ok, the after dinner entertainment, excellent. The only other people in the place were a family celebrating the happy couple's 47(?)th wedding anniversary. They may have been friend's of the owner cause things went into party mode when the cake came out. We were welcomed into the fold with glasses of champagne and the wild clapping and dancing frenzy that broke out.

The next day (after a later than planned start) we sated Simon's desire for an additional country and undertook a day trip to Luxembourg. First for Jamie and I also. We had forewarned Simon that sadly there wouldn't be an extra stamp in the passport for our efforts - we did get a nice welcome to Luxembourg photo though.

Again, more wandering ensued. Shops were closed, but I was impressed by the number of photos of the Luxembourg royal family in shop windows. Difficult to imagine, particularly with Howard's painfully long reign, having such regard for your rulers.

Had dinner at a 'this will do' restaurant. Other diners included a lady with a small dog sitting on her lap while she ate her meal. Mmmmm.... After the after dinner wander, made the long drive home, made even longer by the helpful gps.