Getting Lost in Brussels...

From the time I landed in Brussels, I am in love with this city, and Europe in general. The weather is so awesome, the streets, well not so clean, the people so friendly....and the chicks!!! For the past three days, I have been roaming around Brussels, mostly on foot, and its been an amazing experience. We saw the Palais de Royale (Royal Palace), Grote Plce (Grand Place), Victory Gate/Triumphal Arch (which is right beside where we stay BTW), and the most impresive, the Atomium and Mini Europe. To the exchange students who wish to visit Brussels, here is an Itinerary i woud suggest,

• After getting down at Brussels Central Station (Gare Du Centraal), take the metro line 1A to Heyzel from Centraal Station. Atomium and Mini Europe are right by the Heyzel station. One trip ticket on the Metro costs 1/70. Mini Europe entry fee is 12/36 per peson, but do not miss it cuz of the high cost, its awesome. Atomium is impressive only from the outside. It is a relic of the 1958 world fair, and do not spend 9/00 going inside.
• Opposite the Atomium is the Belgique Congres (Seat of the Belgian Government). Its an impressive building with beautiful gardens.
• From there, take the metro back to Centraal Station, get out towards Hotel Le Meridien, cross the underpass, turn right and you are in the Grote Place MArket. Explore this area on foot. The De Villa Place (A pentagon surrounded by medieval buldings) is the most impressive sight here. Look for the Manneken Pis (Brussels' Icon), which is pretty small and hence tough to find. It is on the crossing between Rue de l'Étuve & Eikstraat. If you cant figure out, ask, everyone is more than willing to help out.
  
• On the diaonally opposite side of the grand place is the Jeanekke Pis, the female equivalent of Manneken Pis. Its tougher to find as it is less famous. It is on a blind alley to the north of Rue De Bouchers.
• The Palais Du Royale is a 20-25 minutes on foot from the Grand Place. It is the earstwhile residence of the Belgian Royal Family.
  
• After you are satisfied exploring the Grand Place, take the metro to Merode (this is where we stay). Immediately outside the station is the Triumphal Arch (very similar to the Bradenburg Gate in Berlin), also called Parc du Cinquantenaire. It is surrounded by the beautiful Jubilee Parc, and a couple of meuseums incuding Autoworld, Military Meuseum, Temple of Human Passions Etc.

And of course, do not forget to taste some of the famous Belgian Beer, waffles and of course the Pralines (Belgian Chocolates).
Am waiting for more people to fall in love with this beautiful city's character, where even the poshmost of cars stop and signal you to cross the road before they drive on!!!