Brussels, with a water tap or two....

Brussels must have been a small place in early medieval times, as its name is derived from "Broekzele", which means something like "Farm -in- the- Moors". Doña B. and I love to visit Brussels during a summer weekend. Apart from the touristic Grand Place and its surroundings, the town is empty, because most of the Brusselians spend their weekend at the coast. The perfect moment to explore this very interesting city.
One of loveliest places is the Leopold park, just behind the European Parliament Mall. We crossed it on our way to find some decent breakfast, and when passing the Mall itself we noticed a water tap on a very prominent place at the entrance of the building.

European Parliament with a tap

Before going back home, we decided to see Manneken Pis -for some reason we always pay him a visit before leaving Brussels- , mostly because watching the crowd of tourist around him is great fun. The "Manneken" himself is nada.
As he was disguised as a kind of fantasy warrior, complete with mask and all, and only his most famous anatomical part visible to the public, we saw a bunch of very disappointed Russian ladies and one Spanish tourist who got acquainted with a better version of the little fellow.
I couldn't help noticing Manneken Pis and the European Parliament do have something in common. They are both the proud owners of a decent water tap!

Happy Spanish tourist

Disappointed Russians

Naturaleza muerta galega.

There are many magnificent old buildings in Galicia, and I'm always happy when I see highly skilled anicetos restoring and renovating those jewels of the past. Even in times of crisis there seems to be money to preserve Spain's architectural heritage.

However, many houses and monuments are still waiting to find back their former splendor. We can only hope that they will not be replaced by characterless concrete.

anicetos: The anicetos of Galicia

Port of Caión

Gaucho in Avila.

This is far away from Galicia, but Saint Theresa is considered to be the inventor of the french fries. Being a good Belgian I had to visit Avila to check out for myself. And indeed, french fries in Avila are as good as those in Belgium.

anicetos: Frieten, patatas fritas, chips, frites...or french fries?

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Old Beams, port of Ferrol

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Westvleteren trappist: certainly the best beer in the world!

Doña B. and a Trappist Blonde!

The Saint-Sixtus abbey is world famous for its Trappist beer. Considered by specialists as the best beer in the world it's very difficult to obtain, due to the rather small production. And it's the only Trappist beer that's still produced by the monks themselves.
Today, Doña B., Don J. and I decided to find out if it was possible to enjoy a good Trappist at the abbey. The abbey itself is not open to the public, but they have, within a stone's throw, a lovely place where that heavenly treat is served. 
More about the abbey and its brewery
anicetos: Bruges, brewery " De Halve Maan "

 

Nieuwpoort, where the Spanish and the Dutch fought a fierce battle!