Post by Kim on Dec 29, 2001 11:01:05 GMT -5
29 December
Brussells, Belguim
Hello everyone,
First, this keyboard is arranged quite differently than those I am used to, so expect crazy typos and hope you can figure them out! I'll do my best to catch as many as I can. <br>
Left Edinburgh on the six a.m. train to London on the 26th. Managed to get from Kings Cross to Waterloo station with no trouble. Thankfully I have that tube system pretty well figured out! The crowds were amazing, every seat on the train was reserved/taken. Got to the Eurostar terminal to find it delayed and what a mob there as well. But finally arrived in Brussells about six that evening, tired and hungry. Searched out the TI for basic info and help finding a place to stay (standard services in UK) and WOW.....welcome to Belguim.
I said hello, asked if they did accomodations and...I got no further. No, just no and she slapped a map of the town on the desk and began helping the next person, ahem, who happened to speak French.
Walked outside, it's dark and raining and I find myself in a most unsavory looking part of town. Just down the street I see an Ibis hotel, so headed over there. Quite a bit more than I wanted to pay, but still within some sort of reason so I checked in. Got settled then went back down to have a walkabout and search out something to eat. The gentleman at reception, who was quite nice BTW, quickly advised me against it. Turns out it really is not a great part of town. In the daytime it is okay, but not so in the evenings. So had a bite at the hotel bar and went to bed.
Next morning, up and out first light. Headed into town center to begin my explorations. Found the Grand Place easily enough, about 30 minutes walk. This is the old city center and it is stunning! It is surrounded on three sides by the 16th century Guild Halls, and on the fourth by the City Hall. Each building is more elaborate and ornate than the next and I was enchanted indeed. The main TI is there so I strolled around till it opened at nine. Went in and asked for some information on the town, things to be certain not to miss, info on public transportation. Again, got handed a city map, a transport map, and a brochure for town tours running this time of year. No conversation at all. Which places would you advise me to be sure not to miss seeing, I asked. Madame, I certainly can not tell you what to see was the reply, followed by 'next'.
This is never going to be a fav place of mine, although I will admit to some of it being my own fault. I just did not give enough consideration to the language barrier I suppose. However, I've traveled a good deal in Europe thus far and
have never encountered this. <br>
So, why do I detest Brussels? Let me name the reasons. But let me say first, it is a beautiful city with gorgeous public buildings, wide sweeping boulevards, a chaming city center full of wonderful 17 and 18 century buildings, and glorious parks. But, it is not visitor friendly in that it is all quite spread out, barely walkable and while they do have a great public transport system it is difficult to manage and understand.
I had four occasions yesterday to reach into my pocket to pay for something and I was shortchanged, or attempted to be shortchanged three of the four times! I may be slow managing the coins and don't do the conversions quickly yet, but even with that I know that 1000 less 690 is 310, not 110 no matter if it is franks! The only time today I paid I was done in again, just did not catch it quick enough.
There is graffiti everywhere! Including 'f#ck religion' charmingly painted on the front of St. Michaels, their most beautiful church. Like all Europeans they love their dogs and take them most everywhere. Unlike most Europeans however they seem to feel no need to clean up after said dogs! The amount of dog crap on the street is beyond belief. You have two options, keep eyes firmly on the ground and never see any of the city but sidewalks or close your mind to it and just trudge along ignoring the squishy step now and then.
Tomorrow I am off to Brugges as planned with nothing but a sigh of relief to be out of here! <br>
Sorry for the less than cheerful note friends! I had a real need this morning to blow off some steam!
Next note will be better I am sure.....
GINGER
Brussells, Belguim
Hello everyone,
First, this keyboard is arranged quite differently than those I am used to, so expect crazy typos and hope you can figure them out! I'll do my best to catch as many as I can. <br>
Left Edinburgh on the six a.m. train to London on the 26th. Managed to get from Kings Cross to Waterloo station with no trouble. Thankfully I have that tube system pretty well figured out! The crowds were amazing, every seat on the train was reserved/taken. Got to the Eurostar terminal to find it delayed and what a mob there as well. But finally arrived in Brussells about six that evening, tired and hungry. Searched out the TI for basic info and help finding a place to stay (standard services in UK) and WOW.....welcome to Belguim.
I said hello, asked if they did accomodations and...I got no further. No, just no and she slapped a map of the town on the desk and began helping the next person, ahem, who happened to speak French.
Walked outside, it's dark and raining and I find myself in a most unsavory looking part of town. Just down the street I see an Ibis hotel, so headed over there. Quite a bit more than I wanted to pay, but still within some sort of reason so I checked in. Got settled then went back down to have a walkabout and search out something to eat. The gentleman at reception, who was quite nice BTW, quickly advised me against it. Turns out it really is not a great part of town. In the daytime it is okay, but not so in the evenings. So had a bite at the hotel bar and went to bed.
Next morning, up and out first light. Headed into town center to begin my explorations. Found the Grand Place easily enough, about 30 minutes walk. This is the old city center and it is stunning! It is surrounded on three sides by the 16th century Guild Halls, and on the fourth by the City Hall. Each building is more elaborate and ornate than the next and I was enchanted indeed. The main TI is there so I strolled around till it opened at nine. Went in and asked for some information on the town, things to be certain not to miss, info on public transportation. Again, got handed a city map, a transport map, and a brochure for town tours running this time of year. No conversation at all. Which places would you advise me to be sure not to miss seeing, I asked. Madame, I certainly can not tell you what to see was the reply, followed by 'next'.
This is never going to be a fav place of mine, although I will admit to some of it being my own fault. I just did not give enough consideration to the language barrier I suppose. However, I've traveled a good deal in Europe thus far and
have never encountered this. <br>
So, why do I detest Brussels? Let me name the reasons. But let me say first, it is a beautiful city with gorgeous public buildings, wide sweeping boulevards, a chaming city center full of wonderful 17 and 18 century buildings, and glorious parks. But, it is not visitor friendly in that it is all quite spread out, barely walkable and while they do have a great public transport system it is difficult to manage and understand.
I had four occasions yesterday to reach into my pocket to pay for something and I was shortchanged, or attempted to be shortchanged three of the four times! I may be slow managing the coins and don't do the conversions quickly yet, but even with that I know that 1000 less 690 is 310, not 110 no matter if it is franks! The only time today I paid I was done in again, just did not catch it quick enough.
There is graffiti everywhere! Including 'f#ck religion' charmingly painted on the front of St. Michaels, their most beautiful church. Like all Europeans they love their dogs and take them most everywhere. Unlike most Europeans however they seem to feel no need to clean up after said dogs! The amount of dog crap on the street is beyond belief. You have two options, keep eyes firmly on the ground and never see any of the city but sidewalks or close your mind to it and just trudge along ignoring the squishy step now and then.
Tomorrow I am off to Brugges as planned with nothing but a sigh of relief to be out of here! <br>
Sorry for the less than cheerful note friends! I had a real need this morning to blow off some steam!
Next note will be better I am sure.....
GINGER