We utilize the metro today to save some walking. Metro systems all over the world are laid out the same way. Know your line’s colour code and end station. Decide where you are getting off and follow the signs. Works every time.
We test the theory and take the metro to the St. Catherine’s area to view some building artwork and where the old fish market used to be. The area is slightly run down but within a few blocks of walking, we find ourselves in the tourist zone of restaurants, shops and, of course, tourists.
There are so many chocolate shops! I want to buy a sample of each but my panniers will only hold so much, and I have to ride with the extra weight! Bah! I am telling myself that in Bruges, our last stop in Belgium, I am allowed to buy a small amount of this famous Belgium chocolate!
The Grand Place (main square) is surrounded by buildings with gold painted accents. On one side is the impressive Stadhuis. It’s hard to fathom that such ornate architecture was created in the early 1400s.
After lunch of a falafel wrap and fries, we hop on the metro again to go to the Atomium. It was built for Expo 58 and renovated in 2004 and 2006. It houses various exhibits, viewing galleries and a restaurant. Apparently, it is the most popular tourist site in Belgium. It is fun to walk up to it and under it, but we didn’t go in. We meet a couple of Austrian fellows who are bike touring and have non electric bikes also. They found it windy riding from Amsterdam south, just like we did so we compared notes of who rode in front and who got to draft.
The people in Brussels are very friendly. While stopped looking at our map, we have had a number of folks ask us if we need help. This unsolicited aid always reminds me that humans can be kind. French is used in Brussels so I understand parts of what folks say, but then have to say, “Sorry, I only speak English”.