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Brussels: Belgian Splendor and Grace!

Belgium, about the size of Maryland in the US, is a hidden gem. Being the capital of the European Union has made Belgium a multi-cultural wonderland. Belgians pride themselves on their appetites, claiming they eat as much as the Germans and as well as the French. Chocolate is a favorite craving. Beer is the beverage of choice. One city in particular, Brussels, is a eclectic symphony of sights and sounds. The headquarters of NATO has a notably genteel feel. The citizens speak primarily French, and the city prides itself on its rich diversity. Brussels is the place to go for enjoying the finer things in life-excellent restaurants, wonderful sidewalk cafes, top-rate museums, and splendid architecture, all within a relatively small area. Take some time to explore the back streets. Each turn in the corner reveals another hidden treasure.

For a great kickoff to this wonderful city, find a spot and take in the wonders around the Grand Place, Brussels' main square. This is the heart and soul of old town Brussels and one of the best sights for people watching in the city. At any time of day or night the square is usually filled with impromptu concerts, flower vendors, and light shows. The square is lined with cafes and restaurants. In August, the Festival of Flowers brings flower sellers from all over the world and fills the square with more than 600,000 flowers.

Belgium's affinity for chocolate and beer can be seen at two museums that sit on the square. The Brewery Museum highlights Belgium's history with this potent potable. Both old and new methods of brewing are discussed and the museum offers samples to accentuate the displays. Next door, the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate gives a small but intricate demonstration on the wonders of chocolate making. Incidentally, the Grand Place is a great location for sampling some of the country's favorite chocolatiers. Godiva, Neuhaus, Galler, and Leonidas all have shops within a stone's throw from the museum.

In Upper Town, The Ancient and Modern Art Museums offer displays of artists from various periods. The Ancient Museum has a wonderful collection of Belgian art from the 14th to the 18th centuries, with an emphasis on the works by masters such as Weyden, Breughel, Bosch, and Rubens. The Museum of Modern Art concentrates on the 19th and 20th centuries and features works by Gauguin, Seurat, Magritte, and Delvaux.

Also in Upper Town, the Musical Instruments Museum houses one of Europe's best musical museums. The 1500 piece collection is filled with instruments from around the world. Folk instruments, Egyptian harps, medieval lutes, string instruments, pianos, guitars, and horn instruments are all represented in this six-story facility. Upon entering, you are given headphones that play music as you approach different displays.

For a respite in the city center, visit the Parc de Bruxelles. This park which was designed with Versailles in mind, has manicured gardens and is surrounded by the Belgian Parliament building and fronted by the Royal Palace. The park was the site of an uprising in 1830 that gave Belgium its independence.

A truly awe inspiring feat of architecture can be seen at the Palace of Justice. The building is a veritable mountain of marble topped by a dome that is bigger than St. Peter's in Rome. Layer upon layer of Greek columns front this magnificent structure, that is as big as a baseball stadium. Built in the time of Leopold II, the palace epitomizes the grandeur of the era.

Brussels is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. The best way to see it is to stroll along the streets and take in the wonder of the buildings and monuments that give the city its stature as one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. When you are tired of walking, find a street side café and enjoy some of the local brew, or have a waffle as you watch the Belgian day go by. Brussels is wonderful vacation destination that will leave you with magical memories of a refined world.