To be honest, I wasn't planning to visit Belgium anytime soon, especially during the winter weather.
I'm more of a beach person which means summer time is my favorite season of the year.
But I'm really glad I did.
But how did we end up visiting this country?
Maria and I planned during the summer to reencounter with each other in another country.
We chose our destination because of the cheap plane ticket we availed.
After buying the tickets and booking our hostel a month before, we only planned our itinerary days before the trip. That's how life works - unexpected and rapid.
I'll be sharing to you our itinerary/diary of what was done, seen and heard during the trip.
Please keep reading, more pretty photos ahead.
Day 1: BARCELONA - BRUSSELS
I had an early flight. I departed at 6:20AM and arrived at the airport at 8:30AM. I felt like travelling alone the whole day since Maria arrived almost midnight.
I took the public transportation to the city/hostel. I bought the 1 day pass (7.50€) at the airport which took me to my hostel.
I left may bags at decided to walk and get lost around the city center.
I decided to take the bus/tram to the city but I think I got lost more. I didn't realize that the distance from my hostel to the city center was just 15 minutes walking.
Brussels tourist area is really small that I accidentally spotted must see places without even trying.
I didn't have breakfast yet so I decided to have brunch on a ramen resto instead of waffles or any other Belgium classic food since cold weather was really tempting me.
After lunch, of course, your girl needs to do some siesta. I went back to the hostel for check-in and then took 3 hours nap.
Upon waking up, I decided to see Brussels at night so I went to visit this ferris wheel where you can also enjoy a romantic city view.
DAY 2: BRUGES & GHENT DAY TOUR
We booked a tour with Buen Dia tours which cost us 45€ each (transportation and guide).
Tour started at 9:30 until almost 19:30.
Our first stop is Bruges. Its around 2 hours away from Brussels.
I easily fell in love with this old mystic plac.
This is post card worthy photo.
If I have the chance, I would have my wedding reception here, but during the summer of course!
This area is historical as well. This is also the place where the first "feminism wave" started.
Also, up to now they still have curfew here.
This photo looks like from a horror movie though.
Bruges is also known as the best chocolate makers in the whole country. Watch out for this signage and you'll know you're in the heaven gates of chocolate kingdom.
In this bridge, they also say that if you pass it with 15 steps you'll surely go back with the same partner that you have. If not, then oh oh ...
I was busy taking picture so I didn't count. haha
This place reminded me more of Amsterdam because of the buildings behind me.
Next stop: Ghent
Even the picture can make you feel the coldness, right?
This city was more of gothic, Notre dame movie feels for me.
This also reminded me of Venice with a touch of Amsterdam.
This river and buildings had an important value to the economy/barter of wheat.
I didn't have too much photos in Ghent due to cold weather.
I tell you, this is when I realize how much I love Barcelona's weather.
DAY 3: BRUSSELS CITY TOUR
Call time was at 10:30am and the duration of the tour was around 2h 30 minutes. We booked a free walking tour in which later depending on your satisfaction with the guide you give him X amount of tip.
We ended up in the guide's recommendation for our lunch stop. We had this delicious lunch at Fin de Siècle. We had our beef stew with beer.
Note: Lots of establishments don't accept card, so better bring cash with you all time.
After our lunch we had some beers in the famous place called Delirium.
We also had our classic Belgian waffles in Maison Dandoy. Then went back to the hostel to pack up and I travelled back to Barcelona while Maria travelled back to Madrid.
I forgot to mention, chocolate can be smelled all of the city center.
BREAK DOWN OF EXPENSES:
Airfare (BCN-BRU-BCN): 61€
Hostel: 53€
Tours: 43€(Bruges & Ghent) + 2€ (free walking tour)
Food: 20€ ramen + 3,90 fries + 7 gofre and coffee + 7,60 beers + 5,25 waffles + 20 lunch in Fin de Siecle.
Others: Taxi: 13,50€
TOTAL: 234,25€
*Note: Amounts might not be exact since it's been more than a week after i decided to finish this blog. So let's say 300 budget is enough.
Hope you enjoy this simple blog.
More travels for you and me. Cheers!
PS: Vlog to follow depending on my level of laziness...
