arielsara

I was there with my Mom on her 30th birthday. Even though I was 6, the great wall tends to make an impression.

I don’t remember it that well, I was 14 and self-involved.

I have just returned from living in Paris for 3 months and it was wonderful. Don’t miss anything, try everything, walk along the Seine after dark and learn how to use your camera without a flash.

When I moved here in 99 I fully expected to hate it here, but I have really grown to love this crazy place and all it’s much crazier residents.

Living in Paris gives the advantage of being close to everything, so Tuesday we hopped a train and headed off to Bruxelles. It was so beautiful! We had no idea what to expect, and only outdated guide books to lead the way, but the whole experience was perfect. First of all, the food in Bruxelles is incredible, quite like comfort food really. While you’re there it’s best to stuff yourself on fish, as north sea fish is really their mainstay. To go with your fish don’t forget about the beer- we tried some of the local brews and I especially liked Leffe Brune. But while you’re not eating or drinking there’s still plenty to see and plenty of shopping to do. I actually think I prefer the shopping there to Paris, it has more edge and humor- not as serious and routine. The people are also incredibly nice, and they must be intelligent since there are two official languages there that everyone must learn and most know English as well. Just be prepared for some small differences in the French language if you’ve learned traditional or Canadian French.

As for the sights, don’t miss the buildings of the Grand Place and the ever popular Mannekin Pis. We also especially enjoyed the Comic Walk- it sounds kind of strange when you read about it, but they’re very enjoyable in person. I would gladly go back to this city, and if you’re looking for a short vacation this is the spot.

You can only climb to the second floor- about 700 steps- but the view is lovely and it’s a nice challenge.

I’ve run by it a hundred times at least, but I would really like to climb to the top.