New Year 2010 - Begins in Bruxelles (Brussels)

Despite of me wanting to visit either Athens or Disney Land Paris, my hubby booked tickets to Brussels promising a good travel and an enjoyable new years eve. Well, with all havoc in Eurostar lines due to extreme weather conditions we were almost in the verge of cancelling the trip. However the train services resumed normal and helped us reach Brussels on 31^st night.

This is my first ever journey in Eutostar, maiden visit to Brussels and first stay in Sheraton group of hotels. “Sheraton Screams Luxury” is an understatement. Be it a spacious room in seventh floor with city views, swimming pool and gym in 30^thfloor or a stylish bar in ground floor; Sheraton vouches for extravagance and elegance.

Our new year began with a bang showcasing spectacular fireworks in Grand Place. The square gradually fills people from 11 o’clock and by midnight you find self amidst mammoth gathering of cute families, dancing middle aged folks and drunken youngsters whose primary mission was to burst firecrackers in the middle of enormous crowd (Surely this act dropped some jaws and popped quite a few eyes out). Speaking about fireworks, this was the second best I have ever witnessed. London new year fireworks still occupies the numero uno slot in my book.

For me the audacity of Brussels lies in its layout and architectural bravura. Some of the highlight attractions are:

St Michael St Gudula Cathedral: This Roman Catholic cathedral was the first architectural extravaganza we visited in Brussels. My hubby and I were awed by the impeccable designs in stained glass interior windows. We were also surprised to witness renovations happening within this historical site. We did pay respect to GOD by lighting candles on the first day of the year.

Hotel de Ville: The hotel with ornate carvings occupies prominent space in the square surrounded by shops. By night the laser light show with refreshing music entertains the dancing tourists in the square.

Restaurants on the Rue des Bouchers (by Grand Place): For people who love sea food, this is the Mecca. Circa 20-30 restaurants in one street, in one row evoking phenomenal competition amongst the eat-outs, forces them to have sales personnel outside each restaurant to sell their product to the tourists. My hubby and I were lured into one restaurant with a free drink promise. 

Besides above Mannekin Pis, Mini Europa and Royal Palace are worth a stop.

It would be unfair if I do not point out some disappointments here.

Atomium: Huge disappointment. 335feet tall nine sphere shape iron crystal, is arguably the magnificent structure from outside. Having said that, visiting the only open 5 spheres inside, after paying 9 Euros per head, is a waste of time and money. The potential of using space in each sphere is undoubtedly ruined and the interior maintenance is awkwardly done. The only worth sphere to enter is the topmost one, which provides vision feast with aerial view of Brussels.

Language Barrier: Again if one loiters inside Brussels, with no travel agency group, exploring city on own gets tough without being either French or Flemish. English did not help us much inside city. 

Our return journey in Eurostar luxury class drove all our 3 days exhaustion away. The food and hospitality was remarkable. On the whole, it was a cheerful start for New Year 2010 and my hubby did keep up his promise on making this voyage a delightful one.

On the whole, my verdict – visit Brussels and travel in Eurostar. Because, we are worth it ;-)

Copyright © Sivi 05-Jan-2010 

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