6-8^th January 2017

So, how did this happen. I’ve been home all of five seconds and I immediately booked my weekends up with flights and trains away. Good work settling down in London, I know. But this is fun. That’s the point, right. That’s the only point. Enjoy what you’re doing, find small moments of joy and have a legitimate way to pay for it all. And if you enjoy how you can pay for it all then you’re winning at life. That’s how I felt in this very moment as I looked out the window. This was my Friday evening.

Here are my highlights….

The Grand Place

It had just been renovated, the gold leaf decoration around the buildings was glistening in the hazy sun. The Christmas tree was still up and in the night we were treated to a most lovely lights and music show where we danced around on the square.

The American Friends

In my hostel, it just so happened that a group of Americans from near Washington DC were on their summer break. I joined them on the walking tour, to the museums (where we tried heroically to sneak in for the final hour) and for a pub crawl. It’s only the best beers around (no lagers) and only ever served in a glass. No bottles allowed. At a Euro a bottle. #Winning.

Mini Europe and the Atom

Expo 58 by Jonathan Coe is one of the few books that stayed with me long after I read it. Little did I remember, that it was partially based in reality and that reality was one that I was about to encounter. The atom still looks fittingly modern. After all: “These are modern times! It’s 1958!” as one of the characters said.

The atom was joined by mini-europe, a 1:25 scale of all the major attractions in Europe, a fantastic starter piece for someone as naïve as me to Europe.

The Food

I’ll be honest. The “Belgium” fries let me down. Sorry guys. However, the Belgium Waffle was a delight. Not the tourist ones but the Dandoy (local recommendation) was a treat. As were the chocolates and Mary’s (another piece of local advice) certainly didn’t disappoint.

On my way back I found myself in a small little restaurant called Panorama. Happily making myself a plentiful amount of minutes late for my train back with takeaway food. Totally worth the risk.

The Odd Humour

Even statues take the piss. He. He. He.