Enter Brussels, Belgium

After Paris we rode the Thalys train first class (great by the way) to Brussels to meet Crystal and Gregg. They got in from the States in the morning and were sleeping while we de-boarded the train only to realize we did not plan our route to the hotel. We realized we were in the wrong train station because I remember on the map the hotel being outside the train station and when we walked outside I knew it wasn't right. We asked someone and they said to go to the train upstairs, we went up but then realized we needed tickets so we went downstairs to buy them. When we found what we thought was the right platform, me being paranoid, asked a girl sitting on the ground if we were in the right place saying we were trying to get to Central station. She says we need the metro down the stairs and just follow the big M signs. Ok...we go down and look for signs for Central. There are none. I have this gut feeling we were in right place before. Coby at this point is tired, and if you know Coby, you know what I mean. We walk in a few circles before Coby throws his hands in the air and says "That's it, I'm calling a cab!" I retract. I'm done too. We go outside only to find another journey is near.

We finally get a cab and tell him where we are headed and right as we are going to turn down the street toward our place we get rear ended. Check (what stories are made of). He just gets out looks at it and tells the guy no problem. He heads out, and starts talking about how the world would be a better place if more people were in like him. He's talking and laughing and I'm half understanding him, just nodding and praying we get there safely.

At the hotel we unload and call Crystal and Gregg for their wake-up call. They answer in the I just flew way too long, didn't get enough sleep, and where am I voice. Been there. My reply, "ready to party!"
"Let me call you right back," says Crystal.

We wait, get ice, beer and preparations for the welcome party and head down to their room after the I'm showered and ready call.

Of course what ensued is a trip down the street to check out the local shops, eateries, and then we run smack dab into the bar Gregg dreamed of going... Delirium. Enough said.

We found a restaurant where Coby and I shared a paella dish with mussels in it. Not as good as Jadzia's in Ireland, but the mussels in Brussels was what we were after. It was filling and good though. Then Crystal and I found a little place to have Belgium waffles with strawberries, chocolate, and whipped cream. Heaven.

Now we were off to Delirium where they have hundreds of beers on selection and a good number on tap. We tried a few, went to another section, had another, went outside, had another and headed to the Grand Place that was lit up to music. I need to post video of this. A definite must see. Coby ironed on some  patches to his backpack of all the countries we went to.

I must say, going back to the plaza to have another drink was a major mistake. The next morning I paid dearly. I missed our second day in Brussels because I had the Brussels hunch, which is much like the Phoenix hunch, except it takes place in Brussels and involves a green trash can along the street. We made friends. Muahhhahaha. Then I smelled waffles again. HAD TO GO. Plain this time. Stomach is fragile. After a nap, I rally for dinner where the concierge (our new friend Phillipe) recommended this Italian restaurant, Paradisio, and Coby was instructed to ask for Santino and tell him "Phillipe sent you," PERFECTO! I must say, one of our best meals, the lasagna was fantastico! The pizza magnifico!

Thank you Brussels. Amsterdam here we come.