Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Belgium!

Sorry for taking so long to post this, I didn't get back until like, midnight on Sunday and I've been hardcore planning for my other upcoming trips! But I'm here now, and I'd love to share some moments from my trip to Belgium with you. 


This is a Brussels waffle. There are two (well, three if you include stroopwafels) different types of waffle in Belgium -  The Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle. The Brussels waffle is crispier and airier, and always rectangular. They're traditionally leavened with egg whites or yeast. The Liège waffles is denser and sweeter, almost like brioche. They have sugar inside and outside, which caramelizes as it bakes. I just sighed in happiness thinking about them!


 Me proudly touching the ugliest tree in Leuven. Glad I can find weirdo things like this, haha.



Whatwhatwhat. Belgian McDonalds has MACARONS. So classy! I had the pistachio one and it was actually quite good. I wish American McDonalds had macarons. 


 World War II Memorial in Mechelen. Mechelen was a transit camp during the war, and over 25,000 Jewish people/other minorities were deported to Auschwitz and the Heydebreck-Cosel labor camp from Mechelen. Only 1240 of those 25000 survived the war. In the room pictured above, a cacophony of voices reads out the names of the 25000. Being surrounded by all of that sound was incredibly moving.


On a lighter note, this is the Grand Place in Brussels.  Home to beautiful architecture and many delicious chocolate shops.


The Chocolate and Cacao Museum! This man gave a lesson in mostly French about how they make their chocolates. I loved learning more about the process, and getting to try all the different percentages of chocolate (on a side note, eating a small piece of cocoa butter is pleasantly weird).

So there's a small bit of my trip for you! Hope you enjoyed this glimpse. If any of you are traveling to any of the places I happen to go over the course of these months and want some more practical travel advice, I'd be happy to help!

2 comments:

  1. I saw Belgium and immediately thought chocolate. Try finding a chocolate course in your area, if you haven't done one already.

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    Replies
    1. I would LOVE to do a chocolate course! Someday...

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