Brussels | the famous Manneken Pis

We came to Brussels to watch him pee!!

The most famous boy statue located in Grand Place in Brussels, Manneken Pis with its history back during the WW2. Legend had it was on one night, the enemy was planning to blow the whole city down with explosive. They lighted the explosive and as the fire travelled through the city, one very young boy peed on the fire. He indirectly saved the city from been blown.

To commemorate him, a bronze statue was built. It was built in 1619 and the statue has over 360 costumes and usually he would be clothed. But that day whe  we were there, he was risquely naked.

And another statue, Jeanneke Pis was built in 1987 to form a counterpoint to Mannekin Pis. They weren't that far apart. Just one corner of a walkway to another walkway. She, too was in her birthday suit that day. I didn't think she has her own wardrobe, unlike Manneken.

Brussels | Sight-seeing in the Grand Place

Brussels' Grand Place is the focal point of the city; showcasing the timeless masterpiece of architecture. Flanked by rows of former guildhouses, it houses the economic and administrative hub of the city. Ideal place for markets, fairs and public events.

True enough, there was a function in the centre so a big stage was built when we visited the Grand Place. The structure blocked the view from the centre but then again, it did not stopped us from admiring the grand square We took few minutes toook some shots of the surrounding before proceeding to see the Mannekin Pis and bought some Belgium chocolate from the chocolate store.

Brussels | Atomium

From Bruges, we travelled to Brussels to visit the former 1958 World Exposite that is now called Atomium.  It is now a museum. The nine stainless steel clad spheres are connected to form a shape of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

One word from me. Hefty! Yes, what a hefty structure is this Atomium. But in an intriguing way. Made me very tiny at the side of Atomium.

We did not spent a long time in Atomium.  A group photo and some selfie and welfie and off we went to our next destination.  The grand place of Brussels.

Bruges | The Venice of the North

London and Paris were hot. Of course the temperature was cooler and windy during the wee hour and early morning but it was warm the whole day. As we travelled to the east, the weather was cooler.

From Paris, we travelled to Bruges, the capital and largest city in the Flemish region of Belgium on day 5. It took us about 3 hours plus (with a quick break in between as it is a compulsory requirement for all drivers to rest after every 2 hours drive) to reach Bruges.

Often referred to as "The Venice of the North", this well-preserved medieval city is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO and one must visit this beautiful city one day.

Don't the buildings look unbelivably rustic and fairytale-like?? Flanked by canals, you will see many swans and ducks swimming in them. For more exciting tour, one can take a horse carriage ride for €50, if I am not mistaken.

And I did felt like I were in Venice. Maybe the missing thing here is the gondola. The beautiful canals, medieval and gothic-like buildings, carriage. It was one of my favourite places to visit in Europe.

St John hospital, the surviving hospital building

Church of the lady where Michaelangelo's Madonna and child that kept here

Next destination is Brussels.