Brussels

Working through our jet lag, and enjoying Belgium National Day

Our first day in Brussels, walking around, trying to stay awake. This is the central square in Brussels - Grande PlaceIt was scorching hot. In the background is the "manekin pis", a very overrated statue
Lots of military presence on the street.Our first meal
We were pretty tiredOne of the first indoor "malls" or arcades in the world - Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
On the first day, Peter was practically falling asleeep on his feet
The socialist party headquartersThe hallway at our apartment.
Aaahh...screen time back at our apartmentOne of the many EU buildings in Brussels
At the Square du Petit Sablon.
Dinner at Brasserie Ploegmans
At the very impressive Parc du CinquantenaireKenny and Eric really enjoyed the Royal Museum of History. It was old fashioned, and almost deserted.
A World War II display of a bunker, with a triple bunk bed
We were lucky enough to be in Brussels for the Belgium National Day. There were massive celebrations, with lots of events for children - mainly run by the military, it seems. Kenny had fun on this device. We got there early, so he had the first ride of the day
The kids get camouflague face paints put on
Finding minesPeter gets a fake wound painted on his arm. The look of it creeped him out, and bothered him so much that he rubbed it off soon after, to the dismay of some on-lookers who thought we were washing off a real wound.
Kenny got one too. He also couldn't stand it more than a few hoursIt was pretty authentic looking
Carrying a stretcher
Prepping to go up the climbing wall
And rappelling downA blindfolded obstacle course challenge.
I gave directions over the radio - step left, move forward, etc.In a fighter jet cockpit
A mountain bike jumping competition in Brussels ParkThere were big bins of free plastic water bags - easier than setting up fountains? Hard to drink from, though.
We didn't stick around for the parade - it would have been hours and hours of standing in the sunThere were a tremendous amound of soldiers, in addition to big trucks blocking all access to the main festival area. I guess they're thinking of the events in Nice.
In front of the Palace of Justice
These urinals were everywhere.
As the festival drew to a close and stalls were shutting down, the kids were given these massive balloons