December 24, 2014

Seasons Greetings

Best wishes to all ! Happy holidays 

December 17, 2014

rue Blaesstraat Brussels

 As announced, here is the report of my field trip to rue Blaes.  Most stores are open on Sunday. If you are in Brussels and feel like some real or window shopping, do not miss this area, also known as Les Marolles with also has a daily awesome open air market.
"A constant whirl of activity, the popular Rue Haute and Rue Blaes are thronged with the most unexpected bric-a-brac and decoration shops, carefully interspersed with typical and welcoming cafés and restaurants. Lovingly-prepared dishes are served alongside soups and soft cheese sandwiches. The “zwanze” is a must: once you’ve heard an absurd, incredible or surreal story told in the good old brusseleir accent, you’ll have reached the roots of the Marolles. All of this local tradition is further enhanced by the fantastic bric-abrac: the flea market that’s been held every morning for more than a century on Place du Jeu de Balle!"
http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/walk/372/from-the-sablon-to-the-marolles.do

December 10, 2014

Change of tires




I do not really understand the difference between winter tires, all season tires, summer tires... fact is, like everyone else in my 'hood, I spent hours waiting while  the shop switched my summer tires for winter tires. It was so extremely frustrating, and being unable to relax or work like the above examples, all I could do to pass time was  iphone-shot snapping in the little waiting area.

December 07, 2014

Favorite Sunday spot

 I have shown Place Flagey, the ponds and the Sunday market before, its bars and restaurants, life entertainment, gorgeous architecture ... No matter the season or the weather, it is always beautiful, a wonderful green haven near Brussels' busy center and probably my favourite spot in the city. 

December 06, 2014

Happy Saint Nicholas to all children, young and old!


I was so lucky to run into Saint Nicholas in the grocery store. 
Wishing you a happy day and hope the good man has been generous to all of you.

December 03, 2014

Two sides of the same street in Brussels

Rue Blaes-straat in Brussels is an intriguing street. I am planning on showing  a few 'window' and 'real' shopping opportunities in the next post. 
In my opinion, a rue Blaes trip should definitely go on your to do list for your next visit to Belgium or Brussels.

December 02, 2014

Looking at the Palace of Justice

 
The Palace of Justice in Brussels hidden behind eternal scaffolding on a dreary, rainy, grey day in the beginning of December.