Mussels in Brussels...and Bruges

Sadly, we somehow never got around to actually trying the mussels though! I did do a good job of sampling the local Belgian chocolate - and Peter did his part in sampling quite a bit of local beer! We also tried quite a few places for Belgian frites - surprisingly, we didn't come across any that we absolutely loved, but they were still good!

We actually stayed in Bruges for the Belgium portion of our trip and just did a day trip to Brussels. I'm glad we did because Bruges was so cute and quaint and very easy to walk around. We loved our B&B too - a nice sized and cozily appointed room at Absoluut Verhulst B&B with Frieda and Benno. They were the sweetest couple and loved Conley - and Conley loved their cat Vlacky! Benno even let Peter borrow a watch the first day since he forgot his. I would highly recommend staying there for any future visitors to Bruges!

Brussels ended up being Conley's word for whenever we went somewhere new in a train or taxi - he always seemed to think we were in "Brussels." It might have just been the easiest destination to pronounce...although he did get the hang off "Keukenhof" after our flower park visit which is no easy feat!

Our first Belgian frites on the Markt in Bruges

In front of the Bell Tower in the Markt

One of many "daddy beers!" overlooking Burg Square

Stealing some "ice" from mom's hot chocolate

In front of the beautiful City Hall in Burg Square

Admiring the selection at Dumon

Burg Square by night

Cruising the Grand Place in Brussels for
 tweet-tweets to chase

Flashback to last summer's Italy trip - Conley was quite the popular photo
subject!

Sadly, Conley was way past nap time for our
Manneken-Pis visit and missed his photo op

We stumbled upon this spot while looking for a lunch spot in the
St. Catherine neighborhood - it was quite a scene and all the restaurants
around it were almost empty

I still don't quite understand the fascination with croquettes, but these
were by far the best I had!

Conley found his own Mannekin-Pis since he
missed the real deal!

My little art student at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts

Bruges by night

Our authentic Belgian dinner night

Our first windmill visit - about a 5 minute walk from
our B&B

I couldn't get enough of these City Hall photo
ops - love this building!

After admiring all of the boats Conley finally got his canal cruise!

Didn't make it inside this one, but loved the window display!

Neighs everywhere - Conley finally got to hitch a ride!

Final shot of Burg Square