Guildhalls and Trappists

9/26/2013 - Brussels, Belgium

Through Brussels, we walked from the EU area, past the Royal Palace, and into the medieval Grand Place. It brought out the contrast: the EU's buildings are sleek and sterile compared to the variety of architecture and tiny detail in the Grand Place. At the EU, each country is represented by a flag or star in some places, but the guildhalls were more poetic. The Archers hall has a she-wolf and the Brewers have a golden tree. 

We took advantage of our last chance to visit Belgian pubs in Brussels, and our home base (Antwerp). Not only is the beer some of the best on the planet, but the pubs also had great personality. The first, in Brussels, was hidden in an alley behind some more modern shops. The second, in Antwerp, has vines of hops long ago grown and decayed in the bar, with Baroque music playing and a cast of Belgians and stray cats walking in and out of the bar. We couldn't have asked for better ambience when enjoying the world renown Trappist ales.

Pictured: The Grand Place in Brussels