Cobblestone, Canals, and French Fries: The Old City of Bruges

I arrived in Bruges in the early evening after a long day of missed connections and train station food. My body was tired, but the uneven cobblestone sidewalks made it ache even more. But I couldn’t complain; the sun was setting and I was in probably the most picturesque medieval city I could imagine. The green patches of grass and vegetation complementing everything else brick and stone is eye candy for any traveler. I was particularly impressed at how the city seemed to remain largely untouched by modernization (in an architectural sense). I thought of it as a quieter, more scaled-down Amsterdam with a clear, and attractive, historical energy.


In most other cities I’ve visited thus far, infrastructural modernization and a progressive culture have clearly influenced the landscape, as well as affected the population's identity as a member of the landscape. Bruges, however, seems to have eluded many present changes that eradicate past culture. This is no more evident than in the old city and city center portion of the city. This ancient map shows how little the layout of the city center has changed over time. Not to say that there isn’t significant commercialization and touristic plans, but Bruges’s “magic” comes its ability to maintain a distinct Flemish identity in multiple ways.


The wealth that Bruges has accumulated over the past centuries is evident in the beauty, cleanliness, and sophistication of the old city. As the city’s own website explains, Bruges has a “long tradition of international port activity,” which leads to an influx of wealth and culture alike. The city most likely began as a Roman military fortification against invading Germanic tribes; gradually it became involved in trading with Scandinavian countries. Although it is not located on the coast itself, the canals that run throughout the medieval streets once allowed Bruges to be the trading capital of northwest Europe. The modern concept of Bruges, and rightfully so, is not a seaside urban landscape; Bruges's identity was eventually morphed with societal advances. Because of its cultural and architectural accomplishments, Bruges has mostly shed the image of being strictly a port city. The old city is a relic of the Flemish identity Bruges maintains.

There are strips of cobblestone that bear the mark of commercialism, but for the most part, Bruges has resisted instincts to completely rely on tourism for economic prosperity. The tourism aspect of Bruges is most evident during the day, but unlike other travel destinations, is relatively quiet at night. Bruges’s atmosphere is certainly not party-focused; the demographic of tourists it attracts seems to be an older crowd. Tourism will most likely increase in Bruges in the future, but for the time being, the city expertly balances its past identity with urges to modernize.

Bruges is as modernized as any other city, but sustains a uniquely historical ambiance. Importantly, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the historic city center of Bruges as a World Heritage Site. Bruges’s old brick infrastructure exemplifies “a considerable exchange of influences on the development of architecture,” among other criteria needed for a World Heritage Site. Although this may not be a well-known award to many, it nonetheless speaks to the importance citizens of Bruges place on maintaining the city’s historical integrity. Integration into a more European identity has taken place in Bruges, but not to the extent as other regions of Belgium, namely Brussels, where integration operations are centered. As part of the Flemish region of Belgium, Bruges most clearly symbolizes Flemish culture through its ability to maintain its history even when social, cultural, and economic forces work against it.

Bruges is the crossroads of everything that is Flemish. It has the old churches and monuments, traditional Flemish food, medieval architecture and a quiet and slow energy. I can’t say enough about how impressed I was with Bruges’s resistance to the fast-paced, heavy partying, gaudy atmosphere that has infested many other historical cities I have visited. Any traveler looking to experience a historical culture in the confines of a comfortable and relaxing city look no further than Bruges and its old city center.

The Touch of Holy Blood

Bruges is a picturesque city of cobblestone streets and pointed brick houses. Its beautiful and romantic canals carve the city. I picked Bruges as one of my destinations for its rich and assorted chocolates, refreshing cherry-flavored beers, and of course, its delicious waffles.

On the train ride to Bruges I read and made a list of possible sites to visit. One of sites on my list was the Basilica of Holy Blood that is tucked away in the upper-right-hand corner of Burg Square. Supposedly, this Catholic Church has a relic of Jesus Christ's blood. I say supposedly because there is no proof that the blood in the sanctuary upstairs is, for a fact, the blood of Jesus Christ. The blood is placed in an ornate, glass vile with gold on either side. The vile was placed on a purple velvet pillow about the size of a notebook.

According to tradition, Derrick of Alsare, Count of Flanders, brought the relic of blood to Bruges after the second crusade in 1150. He received the relic in the Holy Land by his brother-in-law, the King of Jerusalem, for his heroic performance during the crusade. After receiving this gift, Count Derrick and his wife placed the relic in the chapel he had created and built.

The chapel is located in a sanctuary up spiraling, marble stairs that is separate from the church. Before I could even walk in the sanctuary, I was bombarded by a variety of people waiting in live to touch the vile and say a silent prayer. After waiting only five minutes, it was my turn to walk up six, white marble steps to the alter and make a donation. I stood across from a priest as I said my prayer for about twenty seconds before exiting.

The priest standing on the other side of the alter gave reassured me that my message was sent up above. For the past year and a half, I have been searching for a miracle that would heal my aunt of ovarian cancer. So for me, this church meant more to me than a tourist attraction, it was directly linked to my beliefs and affiliation with the Catholic Church. Some members of my traveling group decided not to visit this church because they needed proof or else the blood could have been anybody’s blood. However, I do not need to have proof or documentation to believe in the holiness of the relic. My proof is my faith, and therefore I would never question the credibility of the relic. I found this church to be spiritually moving and I would encourage anyone to visit. Touching Christ’s blood made me feel personally connected to him and unique for having the opportunity to see and touch his blood.

For more information on the Basilica of Holy Blood, you can visit their website at www.holyblood.com

The Church of Our Lady in Bruges

From the outside, this church seemed to be just another gothic church, but on the inside, it was spectacular. The mere enormity of the structure was mind boggling from the inside; it is a true architectural masterpiece. The first thing I noticed when I tiptoed inside was the massive alter with Jesus Christ on the Crucifix. it was graphic and detailed and evoked a sense of sadness within the onlookers.

From there I meandered about the rest of the church looking at some historical Catholic antiques, there were pairs of shoes that previous Popes had worn, a tabernacle that probably weighed 250 pounds and was made out of pure gold decorated with various gemstones from all across the world. These items were hidden behind a sort of gates that made it difficult to see unless you were tall. The fact that the church had decided to restrict the public from this territory made it obvious that these items were of great importance even if you did not know exactly what they were or what they were used for. There were some areas of the church where you could go sit in a nook of stained glass windows and kneel down to say a few prayers; it was very peaceful due to the strict “silence” policy that this church upholds.

Once we got all the way around, we realized that we had forgotten our main goal of coming to this church in the first place. The Church of Our Lady is the home of the “Madonna and Child” by Michelangelo. This statue transcends its own beauty through its own history; it was made by one of the most famous artists of all time and is more than 500 years old. The marble was still incredibly intact and was awe-inspiring. I was there when there was only one other person outside of our group, and they quickly moved along so we could take pictures and study this masterpiece. This piece embodied maternity and showed something that almost anyone can relate to. To me this piece of course was about the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, but it also symbolized a bond that I took as symbolic of the church, I thought it showed that the Catholic Church really is committed to its followers just as the Virgin Mary is committed to her son, Jesus Christ. The looseness of Mary’s grip on the child is symbolic that the Church is letting its believers go out into the world, but that it is still holding onto us in everything we take part in.

One thing that struck me as very odd was the fact that this sculpture is not behind glass or any protection at all. Almost every famous piece of art is protected in some way and this one was closed off by one velvet rope that easily could have been bypassed if one wanted to go closer. I took this openness of Church of Our Lady to mean that they trust the people of Bruges to protect this artifact and make the most of this monument that they are the proud owners of.

This is the only Michelangelo to be in Northwest Europe and I think it was worthwhile to stop and see the famous piece I had only read about in history classes.

Bruges

Bruges

The Benefits of being American in Europe

I was so excited to have my first weekend abroad on our own. We are students on a budget so spending money has to be done wisely. That is why this first weekend we split going to two places Amsterdam and Bruges so that we are seeing the most for our money. Something that I want everyone to know is that when people see that you are American they jump at the chance to help you and to ask you a million questions. I originally thought no one would like us and that we would have a really hard time finding our way around and understanding people. What I experienced was something completely the opposite.

Amsterdam was nice but Bruges by far was my favorite. First off I love the small town vibe that Bruges has with the cobblestone streets and little quaint cafes, my first impression of Bruges was that it was gorgeous. Our day started with viewing some amazing churches including one that had the sculpture by Michelangelo which was just breath taking. This is a must see when you go to Bruges because it so beautiful and to add in the money savior tip visiting churches is a free way to see some of the oldest parts of Europe history.

After visiting the churches we decided to sit down and have a snack and a drink. Never would I have thought that it would be one of the best snacks I have ever experienced.You may be thinking that I am referring to the food but not at all. When we sat down we happened to sit down by an American couple that struck up a conversation with us. They could not have been nicer to us by giving us tips on places to eat and how again to save money.The couple worked for the government as diplomats and has been living in Brussels for three years. We were both sharing information about ourselves and talked to them for about forty minutes. During this forty minutes I remember thinking that if we hadn’t chose this outside café we would never have met such nice people. Advice to the next traveler that reads this blog remember to try new places and not to just stick to places that look American or ‘safe’ you have to venture out and try new places you normally would not pick.The couple was so nice and willing to answer any of our questions, it reassured me that we were in very nice place. It came time to get the check and the American couple had just gotten up and waiter says no check and points to the couple. The couple had paid for our bill so nonchalantly and wasn’t even going to stay so that we could thank them, but luckily we caught them just as they were leaving the restaurant to thank them profusely. It literally shocked me that someone would do such a thing to for us. The whole day I could not believe how nice of a gesture that was. It made me feel good to be an American in Europe.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges

After two days in the more modern canal city of Amsterdam we retired Saturday and Sunday to the slow paced canal city of Bruges with architecture reminiscent of, even often still intact from, it's glory days during medieval Europe. We grabbed a map geared towards backpackers and hostel travelers, though even these attractions were still relatively “grown up” museums etc. there was literally a museum for everything, yes we were guilty of visiting the Chocolate Museum to see the White Chocolate Madonna and the Barack Obama. We drew the line at the lamp museum. While the main town square the Markt was an amazing space I found the adjacent Burg square my favorite primarily because of the Heilig-Bloedbasiliek or Basilica of the Holy Blood.

While the majority of Belgians are considered Catholic they are mainly non practicing making it an increasingly cultural label. It's cultural and national importance is still seen through the pride displayed during the annual Precession of the Blood that draws 50,000 pilgrims to witness the remembrance of the arrival of the relic in the early 12^th century. The date of the appearance of the relic from the Holy land to Bruges falters between the legendary date of of 1150 AD and the more exact suspected date of around 1256 when it is first introduced to the historical record. While its history maybe contested there is certainly no question of the believers revere of the object. We found the churches Gothic architecture, with its detailed glass windows and ornate statues so beautiful and the aura so catching that we decided to go back Sunday morning for Mass followed by the veneration of the blood. For more information on the relic this is a helpful site:

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/belgium/bruges-basilica-of-holy-blood.htm

Upon taking our seats in the back of the Basilica it became clear our group was a generation, or two, separated from the rest of the patrons. Although the Mass was held in Dutch they made an effort to hand out prayer cards that included five different languages so I could attempt to follow along. Even though I could not fully understand the mass I could comprehend the service because of the symbols, surprisingly even the cadence of the Apostles' Creed was in step with the English version. One man in the row behind us continued to pray in his native language and followed his home practices even when they diverged from the group, such as kneeling and praying with his hands up and open during the Our Father, which I found a prime example of carrying your traditions and continuing them through your own practices.

However you could also see examples of their culture and demographic reflected in the service. I had never seen adult female alter servers, I could not decide if this was out of respect or necessity that they were serving. It was an worthwhile experience just to exchange the sign of peace because all though we were not speaking the same language we could all understand the expression. The most enchanting part of the Mass was the iridescent shimmer of the incense smoke colored purple from the stained glass. During the veneration most people elected to line up and kiss the relic, reaffirming their belief and continuing this connection to each other and the 'imagined community', while reaffirming the place of the Roman Catholic Religion in Bruges. Turns out the orb pulpit was in fact meant to symbolize spreading the word to the world, off a famous quote, our guess was incorporating Belgian chocolate into their design, so I guess not all symbols are as easy to spot as expected.

Bruges from the Belfry

The Belfry Tower is one of the most visited monuments in Bruges and the entire Bruges community treasures it. It is gothic in style and located in one of the city’s main plazas, Markt. This monument used to house the national treasury but it has since been moved. The belfry is a reminder to the people of Bruges about its history and prominence as a center for trade dating back to medieval times. From the ground, the summit is 366 steps away. My mission was to make it to the very top and see the panorama of beautiful Belgium.

The first flight of steps everyone in the group was doing great, even Kim and Amy who had their heavy backpacks with them. I think we counted about 50 steps when we had reached the first break in the stairs. We were so confident in our abilities that we pressed on without stopping. By the next break, I was embarrassed that I was panting and but so was the rest of the group. We stopped for a little while then decided to keep going. Along the way, we stopped at other breakpoints and one contained a clock mechanism that allowed the bell to ring at certain intervals. In medieval times, the bells were used to notify the people of Bruges for a multitude of reasons like fires, work hours, and social or religious occasions.

366 steps later, we reach the top of the tower. We heard that there was construction but was slightly disappointed by the amount of area blocked off at the top. The disappointment didn’t last long because the view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. I could see all the spots we had gone to on our short stay in Bruges.

First, I saw the Basilica of the Holy Blood where we had gone for Mass earlier that morning. The mass was really interesting to see but it was very hard to understand. Luckily, Catholic masses are the same in all places I was able to follow along pretty well. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is the home to the relic of the precious blood of Jesus. During the mass, they carried the vial to the alter and then after the mass they allowed people to come and pay their respects to it by touching and kissing the vial or praying in it’s presence.

Next, I looked down into the plaza below the tower. I could see the restaurant where we ordered the infamous Belgian waffles, the two battling French fry stands that are open for late night, as well as The Chocolate Museum that we had visited earlier that morning. The Chocolate Museum was very detailed in the origins of chocolate and all the different Belgian brands of chocolate like Leonidas, but my favorite part was getting to see and take pictures with the ornate chocolate sculptures of Barack Obama, the Madonna with Child, and many other sweet sculptures. The sculptures looked so real and they took a lot of precision. Chocolate has been a Belgian tradition since about the nineteenth century and has continued to prove to be a prospering industry. Also, Belgium is home to the creation of the Praline, which is enjoyed my many sweet tooths worldwide. In Bruges, I noticed the Belgian’s pride for their chocolate and they had chocolate shops on just about every street corner.

If I could have seen 360° view, I would have been able to see the other side of the city and I would have seen the Church of Our Lady, which is where Michelangelo’s Madonna with Child is displayed as well as the western Belgium coast. Bruges’ prosperity as a city was launched by its location and geography, a canal city right next to the North Sea. The port of Bruges (Zeebrugge) is the second largest port in Belgium and is a very important to European trade.

As I began my decent to the ground, I noticed the steepness of the steps as well as the insanely cramped-ness of the stairwell. It was nearly impossible to have two people going opposite directions at the same time. Bruges was a beautiful city from ground as well as from the top of the belfry.

Bubbles of Brussels

Exiting the train station, I was greeted with tall glass business buildings on scattered on street corners and bold graffiti on every underpass and column. This is Brussels. Also known as the capital of the EU and capital of Europe. (http://europa.eu/index_en.htm). Being

the center for executive decision and major power, this city only temporarily gives off that legislative vibe.

Our hostel (http://www.hotelsabina.be/) was located near the Embassies, Parliament, and Royal Palais, so we strolled the area and saw the well manicured buildings and grounds that were accessorized with security cameras. Since it was after business hours, the area was mostly vacant with the exception of joggers in the garden across the street. There was a distinct feeling of power, wealth, and influence in that area which faded as we walked else ware. This distinct territoriality seemed shaped through the function of the buildings and as a result and is easily seen through tourists and others that this is a purposeful space meant to host specific functions of the Belgian government and EU. As mentioned in a “Use-It” Guide, “The ‘eurocrats’ who work for the EU in Brussels are a community on their own, with their on habits, bars, restaurants,…” This reinforces the fact that this isolation is not a hidden concept.

The next day, while walking through the city we found an eclectic flea market (http://brussels.angloinfo.com/information/29/markets.asp) tucked into a square bordered with shops and cafes. People of all ages were rummaging through random treasures such as chandelier pieces and heaps of clothing; trying to find that perfect something. A small band was playing music to add a more vibrant energy as the shopping continued. This bubble of a bounded social space was seen as more of a local market, aimed at bringing local goods and selling them to other locals, not centered around tourists or government officials.

Heading to the cities most visited area; Grand Place in the heart of the city we ran into an unexpected surprise; a parade. As we approached we heard drums and people shouting. We decided to watch and see what they were celebrating. We could see the parade streets away and slowly meander through the city. As the parade advanced, the drums, cheering, and dancing escaladed. More passersby began to clog the street corners and frame the moving celebration. Children, tourists, and couples made up the very diverse demographic that was present. Finally, the parade was close enough to see the people. Their costumes were very abstract garments with everyday items such as cabbage, felt, cardboard, and saran wrap. This bizarre element was seen through the performance pieces, music, and dancing. This displayed the Belgian’s true appreciation for the arts in a very modern way; by moving through the heart of the Capital city in front of historic buildings; showing great pride in their country.

These three very distinct areas strongly connect to the theme of territory and nationalism. Each space was made for certain people whether it be government officials, locals, or tourists. Their purpose was represented through forms of nationalism; whether to influence the country politically or to embrace the country socially. One thing that is quite true of Brussels, is that there are definite sectors of the city, but also sections that combine the extremes of regulation with imagination for a great show of public pride for outsiders to enjoy.

Bruges from the Canals

Bruges, locally known as Brugge, is located in Belgium and often referred to as “The Venice of the north.” It is a medieval city filled with beautiful buildings and winding canals.

There are a series of canals that meander throughout the city. Historically, canals play an important role in Bruges. According to the Belgium Travel Network, Bruges lies inland and its canals are believed to be formed from floods of the North Sea. “The Flemish name 'Brugge' is probably derived from the Latin word 'Rogia' (which was the Latin name of the 'Reie' the river which flowed through Bruges), and the Scandinavian word 'Bryggia', which meant 'mooring place'” (http://www.trabel.com/brugge/bruges-canals.htm). Canals allowed for trade in the Middle Ages and explains why much of the city is built up around the waterways.

Today, the canals are more of a tourist attraction instead of means for transportation. The tranquil stream of the blue waters and arched bridges add to the ambiance of Bruges. For about 5 Euro, one can embark on a thirty minute boat tour through the canals. Walking over the stone bridges is one thing, but gliding under them is a whole other experience! I would recommend this to others who plan on visiting, as the tour of the city from the canals was quite memorable.

After walking around all morning with my overfilled backpack and bags of souvenirs, it was a relief just to sit down for half an hour. The sun began to beat down on us, but the boat went fast enough where I could feel the wind in my hair and I wasn’t constantly thinking about how hot I was. We were packed on the boat like sardines, but the close proximity of everyone permitted some small talk with others from around the globe.



There were several highlights of the boat tour. We had a nice view of the Church of Our Lady where Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture is housed. This church was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries. Its soaring spire can easily be spotted and is representative of Gothic architecture.



As seen in the pictures, there are many swans who bask in the canals. They gravitate towards one particular part of the canal called Minnewater, which is actually a canalized lake.

To learn more about Minnewater and the legend of the swan in Bruges, visit this website:
http://www.trabel.com/brugge/bruges-minnewater.html

Our tour guide was also a major part of the experience as he was entertaining with his witty remarks. All jokes aside, his passion for his hometown and country was evident. It was easy to share his energy and enthusiasm for the city of Bruges. He was very proud of Bruges’ history, current state, and people.

My absolute favorite part of the canal tour was seeing this:



If you are lucky, you will get a chance to see this precious pup, only visible from the canal. Most days he can be found basking in the sun. According to our tour guide, he is adorned by all who lay eyes on him. Everyone on my boat tour “oohed” and “aahed” as the boat came to a stop so everyone could snap some pictures.

Bites from Brugge

After a whirlwind tour of Amsterdam and a couple hours traveling by train, I stepped out into the hot, cobblestone streets of Brugge with no knowledge of the city or expectations. I had “appetite” for learning about this new place, and in the short walk from the station to the hostel, I got a real “taste” of the history, culture, and tradition of this medieval city through the nationalism and pride the locals share in traditional foods.

Our first stop was at the grandiose Markt, which appeared to be the town’s center square. I took in all the new architecture, languages, and people, but more importantly the scents—a mixture of sea air and carnival food. One unusual sight was two fry stands right next to each other. It’s a famous rivalry between two fry companies which attract customers all throughout the day and even into morning, making their final sales at 7:00 AM. Fries, which Belgian’s claim to have invented, are served with all kinds of unusual concoctions which make our traditional ketchup seem plain. Some examples include hot sauce, curry mustard, and the most popular, mayonnaise. These two stands sit right beneath the 366 steps to the top of the city’s bell tower, which you may want to consider climbing after one of these not-so-good-for-you snacks. Tea rooms line the square and serve fresh Belgian waffles smothered in fresh fruit, strawberries and whipped cream, or banana and chocolate.

Walking under the archway, I approached another square called the Burg, which is home to more restaurants as well as churches. I stopped at a restaurant for dinner to sample some Belgian specialties here as well. These included mussels in white wine sauce as well as Flemish stew, and rabbit cooked in beer sauce—all of which were delicious. Brugge’s history and geography combine to provide an explanation for their famous cuisines. With a location on what used to be the Zwin River which provided a direct route to the North Sea, Brugge used to be a trade center. Its excellent location brought wealth and power to Brugge, making it a location of constant conflict. With occupations by the Germans and the French, the food integrates both traditions. The meat, potatoes, and beer from Germany—the waffles and tea rooms from France. The mussels are native to Belgium due to its location on the water.

Next came the strip of stores we took back to our hostel. It seemed like every other store was a chocolate store—which was fine by me. Belgium is known for its chocolate (most famous for pralines). There is even an entire museum dedicated to it, including a life-size chocolate statue of Barack Obama. Brugge’s location made it accessible to trade with all countries, including Spain which brought cacao beans—hence the chocolate.

Although Brugge seemed like an older crowd, there was a strong dedication to beer. Among the various bars, there were stores selling the over 700 types of beer brewed in Belgium. A few paces ahead you’ll see the monumental “Wall of Beer” which encases the Belgian beers and their matching glasses, all of which you can purchase at the specialty store called “The Bottle Shop”. North Belgium is relatively flat with a milder climate, but its location near the coast lends to a heavy precipitation. This is great for growing its major crops of barley, hops and wheat used to produce beer. The popular types are strong Trappist beers which are native to monasteries, their fruit-flavored lambics, and their wheat beers.

After having a traditional dinner, and grabbing some Belgian drinks, we quickly reached our hostel in time to explore the night life. In this short walk down the alleys and canals of Brugge, I had satisfied by hunger for knowledge about the region, its history and its culture, all through its great national pride in its specialty cuisine.

Brussels: One Ctiy, Two Worlds

Brussels, Belgium – 8PM Friday, May 21

My heart started racing as we turned the street corner on to Rue Ducale. It wasn’t the Grand Place with the intricately designed guild houses or the sheik and modern Atomium, but rather a road lined with foreign embassies and consulates. My friends continued to nonchalantly walk towards the foreboding Royal Palace as if these buildings along the street were no big deal, but I, being the diplomacy major and political fanatic that I am, whipped out my camera and started taking pictures.

Ever since I spent my first summer abroad I have been fascinated with foreign countries and international relations. This road was where it all happened. This street was the hub of international politics, the middle ground between one country and another. Each intricately decorates white building had political meaning – each was a piece of a territory, big or small, that existed somewhere in the world. The bright colors of the flags that could be seen from far off not only identified the building, but also were public displays of nationalism and pride for the home country.

As I strolled down the quiet street on Friday evening I began thinking about and comparing the scene to my recent trip to Washington DC. The image of men in dapper black suits sprinting into the Capitol Building, and guards with heavy machine guns standing outside crossed my mind. The scene here, however, was much different. As I stared down the street, what I saw looked like a ghost town – perhaps because it was a Friday evening or perhaps because Europeans aren’t workaholics – but either way, it was nearly deserted. No men with briefcases or women in fitted dresses, just a few citizens taking a leisurely bike ride.

When I think of Brussels I think of it being the center of Europe – the capital of the EU and the capital of Belgium. It is strategically situated close to important ports of Europe in Rotterdam and Antwerp, but also not far from the industrial center of Germany. The EU is the intricate balance of 27 different countries that all have the goal of a stable and peaceful Europe. With the current situation in Greece and the amount of power and responsibility that the EU holds, however, I expected more people frantically scurrying throughout the city every hour, day and night, just like the US Capitol Building. Clearly I was wrong.

As we continued to walk I noticed, a few blocks down, a whole different side of Brussels. In the distance, three small pubs were situated on a quiet plaza. The green, white, and orange chairs from the three separate restaurants were visible from for off and as the chairs sprinkled with people became more visible, it was clear that Brussels is not just a city of diplomats and dignitaries, but instead a city with two different worlds.

We discovered this even more as we explored the city the next day. We traipsed over 30 minutes with everything on our backs to an outdoor flee marked before making our way to Mannekin Pis, the statue of the small peeing boy. As I stood and stared at the boy clad in a maroon and green outfit, I noticed the flags of other countries hanging over the waffle stands and tourists pushing their way down the crowded street. Watching this certainly wouldn’t make you feel as if you were standing in the center of one of the most important and influential cities in the world, but the flags hanging overhead serve as a constant reminder of the significance of the city.



Must See Places in Brussels

-Mannekin Pis – You can’t leave Brussels without seeing the statue of this small peeing boy. If you get lucky, you might get to see him wearing one of his many custom-made costumes. Different countries and groups have made traditional costumes for the little boy. This past Saturday he was donning an outfit from the Companions of Saint-Laurent.

-The Royal Palace – This huge structure makes the White House look like a doll house. While you are unlikely to see the Royal Family as they usually reside in a different palace, it is worth going just to see the beautiful gardens and intricate freezes on the façade of the building. Make sure to stroll through the park across the street towards the embassies and the Parliament Building.

Thinking about visiting? Check out these sites before you head to Brussels.

Brussels Official Tourism Website
http://www.brusselsinternational.be/wabxlint/en/visitor/brussels-tourism-visit.act

Official Website of the European Union
http://europa.eu/index_en.htm

More Information about Mannekin Pis
http://www.trabel.com/brussel/brussel-manneken.htm

You are American Right?

Belgium is a wonderful country with lots of rich history. They are currently the capital of the European Union and they are famous for having one of the best breakfast items in the world. There is a lot that would make American tourist come to Belgium. I decided to see the city of Brussels with all of the wonderful architecture and international dealings. I stayed in the North end of the city which was very close by the embassies of the different nations and the Palace of Justice.

http://www.trabel.com/brussel/brussels-palace_of_justice.htm . This building shows the massive power that the Brussels held for its country. It is a very impressive structure that would make anyone who had to walking into it very intimidated about the Belgium government they were about to face. We took an afternoon stroll down through monuments and palaces just like many of the tourist around us. As we crossed in front of the Palace of Peace at one time being one of the largest buildings in Europe we were passed by middle aged Belgium couple. They ask one of my fellow travelers “You guys are American right?” We nodded yes and he replied “I figured, I spotted you from across the square” , this outstand us, How could this man pick us out of all of the other tourist around this massive and insanely popular monument? We then figured what gave us way was that we were carrying 3 bags each , had our coats tied around our waist, not too mention one of us had our camera around her neck. As Americans we do not see these things as abnormal for a person to carry around but for the Europeans tourist to travel all day with large amounts of goods on your back.

This was not the first time we were made out as Americans. Just after we got off the tram in Rotterdam we were viscously pointed and laughed at. At this point in the weekend since it was the last few days we did look ridiculous. We have 7 bags, looked worn out, had the white sneakers on, and were just trying to make to a place to set down all of our ridiculous belongings. We could not walk anywhere with out our nationality being pointed out to us. At restaurants we were never given menus in anything but English. At one time we actually were asked if we were British but that was short lived because as soon as we opened our mouths were known as American.

The main thing that I believed pointed us out to the natives that we were epically American tourist is that we fit the quintessential look of one. We were trying to see everything that we could in one day and if that meant running around the city hauling 15 pound book bags so we could make it to the train on time then that was what we did. Europeans take pride in their monuments and rich history that they have. They want tourist to take time to learn about their country and respect their monuments. They don’t want the tourist ( American or not) to just run around smacking into people with their large bags and not really paying attention to the meaning or reasons behind the large building with the horse in front of it.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood: A Quiet, Yet Astonishing Site

I have to admit, when we decided to go to Bruges in Belgium, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve briefly heard of Bruges in European travel books, but that was as deep as my knowledge had gone. Even after looking in my Europe guidebook, it contained only about 2 paragraphs on the entire city. A group of eight of us arrived on Saturday, May 22^nd straight from our trip to Amsterdam. As soon as we walked out of the train station, the sun was shining and people were buzzing. This was surely a foreshadowing to our first travel explorations in Belgium. We started our journey to the center of the town, and within a couple hundred feet of the train station, we had already encountered the cobblestone roads and the dated buildings. The once our bags were settled in the hotel, we started a blind adventure around the city. We quickly noted the vast amounts of people and the proportion of tourists. Like us, the tourists were unmistakable by their maps, cameras, and purses slung cautiously across their bodies. We stumbled across a beautiful plaza soon after our arrival. After some quick Internet browsing, I found that this plaza in particular was called the Burg Square, which contained many structures with antique architectural designs. Each of these buildings were very unique in their design, yet fit together in a beautiful way. The view from standing in this square was almost incomprehensible.

Looking around, we saw an immense building that resembled a church and decided to take a look inside. When we walked in, it was obvious that this was not a church. We courageously asked a woman where a church was, and she politely replied in broken English, “No, no church. Next door.” Although we were confused, we eagerly followed her instructions. To our surprise, there was a small “religious-looking” building to the right of where we were. All of the churches we have seen in Europe thus far have been enormous, towering into the sky, so this one in particular took us by surprise. The signs right when we walked in told us that this was the infamous Basilica of the Holy Blood. I had heard of this site before, but never connected the relation to Bruges. Furthermore, we learned that Joseph of Arimathea collected Christ’s blood and this is where it is housed.

The interior was breathtaking to say the least. From ceiling to floor, the walls were filled with magnificent paintings and sculptures that relate to the history of Catholicism. After researching this infamous church, the lower level resembles a Romanesque architecture, while the upper level with the relic of blood is Gothic architecture. During our recent geography lecture, we learned that this Gothic style allowed for intricate stained glass windows to be displayed within the church. The stained glass windows were immaculate, to say the least. The amount of color and detail within these windows seems surreal, even in person.

Just like the ‘politics’ of the location of the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, this basilica was situated in an inconspicuous part of the city. Both of these buildings, however, represent a historical representation of important aspects of the cities in which they are situated. The fact that this basilica supposedly contains a vile of the Blood of Christ is a controversial topic within itself. It is up to one’s own beliefs and faith in the Catholic religion to interpret the symbolic meaning of this issue. We have learned that religion involves human relationships to what is regarded as holy or sacred. This is a prime example of the values of each individual and the meaning that this relic holds. I would strongly suggest making the Basilica of the Holy Blood one of many sites to see in Bruges, especially if Catholicism is of particular value and importance. The following link gives a brief but adequate overview of this sacred place, as well as pictures of the church from the inside and out.

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/belgium/bruges-basilica-of-holy-blood.htm

The Royal Palace- The Pride of Brussels, Belgium

As I caught my first glimpse of The Royal Palace in the heart of Brussels, Belgium, my hand spontaneously reached for my camera. As I searched through the overcrowded pocket of my backpack, I distinctly recall thinking that by snapping a few photos of the majestic palace, I would forever be able to preserve my memory of one of the largest residencies I have ever laid eyes on. My plan of preservation, however, went south in a ‘flash’ as I snapped a blurry picture from the moving tour bus. As the bus came to a screeching halt, I jerked forward and nearly dropped my camera over the side of the double-decker bus. To top off my mini spurt of bad luck, my camera battery died leaving me with mixed feelings of rage and fury, which were made apparent by the words I began to mutter under my breath. For the first time thus far in my European travels, I was at a loss of what to do. I felt as if I were drowning because I was in a foreign country with no sure way of communication and now without one of my two major lifelines, the one surviving being my iTouch.

As I began to listen to the history of the Royal Palace of Brussels, my mind began to get lost in the amazing facts being shouted through my cheaply made earphones that were included in the tour. “The Royal Palace of Belgium, located in the center of the nation’s capital, is the official palace of the King of the Belgians. Build under the request of King Leopold II, son of King Leopold I and first King of the Belgians, the Royal Palace boasts over 300 rooms and is often the host of balls and galas thrown by the royal family.” While you may be skeptical of those details I recall hearing from a tour bus, it never ceases to amaze me how well the mind will work when there is a lack of technology. The following link is a great mini explanation of the history of The Royal Palace: http://www.trabel.com/brussel/brussels-royal_palace.htm

Staring at the palace as if in a trance, I couldn’t believe the magnitude of the castle of a nation I thought inferior to my own. In comparing the Royal Palace to the White House, the showpiece of our leader, it was easily triple the size of one of America’s most cherished monuments. If the size wasn’t enough to impress me, the architecture and landscaping surrounding the castle definitely was. As the bus began to creakily resume the tour of Brussels, I imagined the pride the Belgians must feel when they gaze at the Royal Palace. As a national monument, the Royal Palace symbolizes the history as well as the economic prosperity Brussels has achieved. The following picture is a professional shot of the palace at night- Not even the professionals can encompass the entire palace!

When looking at a map of Europe, it is easy to see how the Belgians have come to prosper mainly through trade. Their location in Europe is ideal to allow exports, being situated on the English Channel that can serve as a gateway to the North Sea. As I continued to listen to the facts that were being obnoxiously shouted through my earphones, I heard that Ford and Audi assemble their cars in Belgium and then transport them around the world. This made my appreciate the country even more knowing that the car I drive in the United States inevitably

passed through Belgium at some point. As the bus tour passed other sites important. I couldn’t help but think about the Royal Palace, which had a profound impact on my trip to Brussels. The palace not only made me realize how prosperous and economically savvy the Belgian people are, but also how their location geographically has helped boost their economic status. Moreover, the palace serves as a showplace of pride for the Belgians who can looks at The Royal Palace which symbolizes more than just the home of their king; it is a reminder of their history and prosperity achieved through hard work- and who couldn’t be proud of that?