Whenever I go out and about, I always end up people-watching! I can sit for hours just watching everyone go about their business. In Brussels, at the end of 2019, the streets were bustling with people enjoying the new year celebrations.
For more street life on the other side of the world.
Love and peace to everyone! 🙂
One of the things I love while exploring somewhere is coming across street art. It brightens up window shutters, walls, garage doors and run down buildings. I’d say it’s a welcome addition to any city!
Searching for street art (and finding it) makes me happy and it’s something different to do!
For more street art, check out these posts. Love and peace 🙂
Follow me around Brussels as I take in the sights and find interesting things to see around the city
First up, a pretty Christmas tree and the statue of Charles Rogier – twice Prime Minister of Belgium in the 19th century – sit in Place de la Liberte on Rue du Congress.
At the end of Rue du Congress, you’ll find the Congress Column with its statue of Belgium’s first monarch, King Leopold I at the top.
Onwards towards the city centre, you may come across this statue of St Michael killing the devil.
Then, the impressive western, northern and eastern facades that make up the beautiful St Michael & St Gudula Cathedral.
Then, a last look back at the cathedral from Rue de la Montagne.
In the centre, you’ll find loads of lovely buildings – typically Belgian with crow-stepped gables.
Head north and you’ll come across The Bourse – the Brussels Stock Exchange – housed in this grand building.
If you fancy a break, go to Halles Saint-Gery – a beautiful little place which used to be market halls in the 19th century, but now an exhibition centre, cafe and bar – a welcome pitstop from your sightseeing!
A short walk away is St Catherine’s Place with St Catherine’s church at one end. It’s a great place for eating and drinking or simply wandering around.
Just around the corner, there is the belltower of the old St Catherine’s Church.
Last on this little tour is the small chapel of Mary Magdalene on Rue de la Madeleine.
If you would like to follow in my footsteps. here is the route I followed, more or less:
I hope you enjoyed the walk!
If you like architecture, Brussels has plenty of interesting buildings to see. But, it’s easy to miss some of the smaller details – all as stunning as the main counterpart!
See the decorative exterior windows of St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral – built in the Brabantine Gothic style.
Most people flock to see the Manneqin Pis – a statue of a small boy peeing. But, take in the stone niche in a rockery style surrounding the small statue – originally designed by Jerome Duquesnoy the Elder in the 17th century.
Look up to see the impressive Congress Column at the end of Rue de Congres, but look down to see the two bronze lions guarding the column – by Eugene Simons – a 19th century Belgian sculptor.
Look for the gargoyles on the northern facade of St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral.
In the corner of the Grand Place, see the stunning facade of the Maison du Renard complete with bas reliefs and statues.
You can’t really miss the tympanum over the main portal of the Town Hall depicting St. Christopher carrying the baby Jesus, St. Michael the archangel standing on the devil and St. George slaying a dragon. Around the portal are statues of prophets.
Whilst the Bourse is beautiful in its own right, there are equally beautiful statues surrounding it – like this statue of a man and lion.
It’s worth taking the time to look for the smaller details – it can be big on surprises!
One thing you learn when you live in a city is how to get around it. I lived in Bangkok – one of the busiest and seemingly chaotic cities in the world and, when I first moved there, I thought it would be impossible to find my way around. But, with a little determination and persistence, I ended up knowing it like the back of my hand. Here are my tips for being able to navigate a city like a boss!
If you plan to get to know a city, the first thing you may want to do is to find out what there is to see and do there. For me, I have a nice collection of “Rough Guides” and I will add to this if I know I am going to a particular destination. There are plenty of resources online too – you can buy a tourist map or look at things to do. You might also find newsagents or souvenir shops that sell maps once you have arrived. Once you know what you want to see and do, you can then plan your day (s).
Most cities are huge and it would be impossible to see everything in one day, so don’t even try! Bangkok has over 50 districts, London has 32 boroughs, New York has 62 counties – you get my point! Choose one area depending on time allowing, what you want to do, and how you will get there and back. Then, really get to know that area before moving on to the next one.
It might be easier to take a taxi, I did this myself before I moved to Bangkok, but it’s not the best way to navigate a city. The best way to ‘get your bearings’ is to make use of other modes of transport – I’m talking buses or metros or subways! I was introduced to Bangkok’s BTS (Skytrain) – the city’s elevated train system – and the MRT – Bangkok’s underground trains. Both perfect and easy ways to traverse the city. If you’ve done your research and know where things are, trains have maps in the carriages, so all you have to do is get off at the correct station.
The alternative to public transport is to take to your own feet and walk. For me, this has to be the ultimate way to navigate a city. Over the years, I walked all over Bangkok and that’s why I got to know where everything was, knew exactly how to get there, and what there was to do once I got there. I make a point of walking wherever I go, it’s a great way to find your bearings. Plus, if you have no sense of direction, walking will definitely change that.
If you are not restricted to time, another good way to navigate a city is to get lost – on purpose! Take a taxi and get dropped off anywhere and then make your way back. Hop on the bus, metro or subway and get off at a random station. Walk (without following a map) taking random left or right turns and see where you end up!
As one who prefers paper maps, for a long time I refused to use Google maps when I was out and about. But, even I have to admit, it’s a handy resource to use when you are navigating your way around. Most attractions are listed as well as bars and restaurants (for that all important break from navigating) and you will know how long it takes to get to your destination. I defy you to try and beat Google’s time! Me and Chris can do it 2 minutes quicker! (just for fun!)
If you think you know where you are going or not, it’s always useful to know a little of the language. You never know when you might need the help of a local resident. Many times in the past, I have had to ask someone the way and it’s so much easier if you can do this in a language they understand. I say understand, my Thai was never that good, but I always got my question answered – amid lots of laughs and banter! If nothing else, you’ll have a smile on your face as you carry on!
What tips do you have for navigating a city like a boss?
Enjoy exploring wherever you may end up! Peace and love to all 🙂
At the end of 2019, I took a trip to celebrate the new year in the lovely city of Brussels.
On New Year’s Eve, I took the Eurostar and arrived at Brussels Gare-du-Midi station mid-afternoon. I caught the metro to Madou and walked the short distance to my hotel on Rue du Nord.
Hotel Sabina wasn’t the most attractive place I have ever stayed, but the owners were friendly, my attic-room was comfortable and there was a free breakfast every day. In any case, I wasn’t there to stay in my room the whole time.
I checked in, dumped my bags and went off to explore the city.
The city centre is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and there is lots to see on the way. As this was December, there were lots of Christmas trees to see – although artificial, I thought this one looked pretty in the tree-lined square..
Walking along Rue du Congres, you will see the Congress Column..
..with its statue of Belgium’s first monarch, King Leopold I at the top..
Next, a quick hoof around St Michael & St Gudula Cathedral..
I love the traditional Belgian buildings..
There are so many pretty little squares in Brussels – like Agoraplein..
The streets are busy which makes for a lively atmosphere..
Finally, at one of Brussels top sights – the Grand Place with its spectacular buildings..
The courtyard of the Gothic town hall is also beautiful..
There is a lot of street art in the city like this staircase on Rue de I’Etuve..
One of Brussels top attractions is the Mannekin Pis – a 17th century bronze statue of a little boy peeing!
Onwards through the streets getting busier by the minute – don’t forget it’s New Year’s Eve..
Lovely buildings around every corner..
I came across this long line of people eager to try some delicious, traditional Belgian fries at Fritland..
In December, Brussels hosts its very own Christmas market with stalls full of traditional food and drinks, crafts and souvenirs..
The Bourse – the Brussels Stock Exchange – housed in this grand building located in the second-most important square after the Grand Place..
Exploring some more, I found Halles Saint-Gery a cute building which used to be the old market hall, but now used as a bar/restaurant and events venue..
There is an animal counterpart of the Mannekin Pis – the Het Zinneke or The Mutt..
There is also a female version – Jeanneke Pis..
I decide to walk away from the city centre to see the only canal that runs through Brussels – the Brussels Canal which separates the city from the district of Molenbeek. The streets grew relatively quieter the further I walked..
Back in the city, I head to Place Saint-Catherine which was buzzing with people enjoying the market stalls and getting ready for the evening’s celebrations..
After exploring for a few hours, I went in search of food before settling in a bar with a bottle of red..
I was more than happy sitting outside on the street people watching, but it was bloody freezing. I went inside to warm up and got chatting to the owner. After a while, everyone had left and I was the only customer. The guy had already told me that it wasn’t that safe at night and that I had to be careful on the way back! That was just before he pulled the shutters down and I was alone with this guy and his brother. I started to feel really uncomfortable. He then started ranting about politics – that’s all you need on New Year’s Eve – so I made my excuses and walked quickly back to my hotel.
I don’t think I stayed up to see the New Year in, but I was happy that I was safe and warm again!
That little incident didn’t mar my trip to Brussels, it really is a lovely city and the best thing about it, I was spending the next day with my friend Chris!
I’ve been revisiting my trip to Italy which I took with my parents in 2018. We took a day trip to Florence – a photographer’s dream – so many cute little streets to explore and the architecture is amazing.
I hope you enjoy this photo walk around this beautiful city in Italy!
For more of Florence, check out these posts!
Florence is definitely a place I will return to. I loved every minute of it! Peace and love to all.
Following on from my post about Art on Soi Nana, here are some more photographs of this – off the beaten track – little street in Bangkok. It’s small but full of character.
Just a stone’s throw from Hua Lamphong, Soi Nana has somes of tiny, quirky bars – Tep Bar, 23 Bar and Gallery and Teens of Thailand – all with great atmospheres! El Chiringuito is the place to eat delicious tapas while Wallflowers cafe sells coffee and cake which you can enjoy on the small roof terrace.
Soi Nana makes for a different, more traditional experience of Bangkok. I, for one, will be making a beeline for it again as soon as I can!
Just for fun, a few memories of good times in Bangkok and the people (and animals) I came across on a day in Soi Nana.
I love looking at these old photos! I’ve got some great memories of living in Bangkok! Much peace and love to you all!
Soi Nana was one of my favourite places to go when I lived in Bangkok.
It’s a small street lined with old shophouses, some of which have been converted into funky little bars, restaurants and even art galleries.
There are lots of little alleyways behind the main street to explore and Soi Nana is also host to its very own Chinatown Fair – music blaring and lots of people make for a lively atmosphere.
One day, Chris and I headed over to Soi Nana to set up my exhibition – On the Trail of Bangkok’s European Heritage – at Bar 23.
Being a trendy kind of area, there is always some form of art to see, so once we had finished setting up, we went in search of it.
Art really does look after your mental health. It’s relaxing if you create something yourself or if you go in search of it like we did, it’s fun and gets you out of the house for a bit!
