Carolyn and I came to Brussels from Paris on the 3rd. Navigated Gare du Nord in Paris, Brussels-Midi, and the Brussels metro to arrive about 3 at Stephanie Hardy’s house. Stephanie is sister to Daniel who is married to Monika of my book group. Stephanie generously offered that we could stay in her house since she is almost full time in England these days. Her lovely housekeeper, Minerva, met us and showed us around the house and appliances and alarm system. Very nice woman.

We walked a few blocks to a shopping area and purchased some basics. We then looked for dinner and did not find much. It was about 5:30 or 6. The English pub was open and busy – and smelly. We decided not to eat there. Eventually we ate a burger and fries at a fast food place. Then, walking home about 7:30 we passed 2 very attractive restaurants that we had not even noticed before. They do not open until 6:45. So, we made a note of them for the future.

The next day (Oct 4th) we took metro to town and did Rick Steves Grand Place walk. In the beautiful shopping arcade, Galeries Royale St.Hubert, we passed a nice hat shop and each bought a cashmere beret. We tried all the colors and – both bought black. It was a chilly day and we wore them out the door – after a photo.

Further along we sampled chocolates and then went on to see the Manneken-Pis. The small statue of a boy taking a …

In another part of town we went to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts – a group of 3: Old Masters, Fin-de-Siecle, and Magritte. We toured the first before meeting Bernadette who was flying up from Marseilles.

Carolyn had been waiting to have mussels since we were in Paris so we three went to Chez Leon. A Rick Steves recommendation for buckets of the shellfish. We had a very nice dinner and then home.

So good to see Bernadette again. She is in a new job that she loves. Great!