On Christmas Eve we decided to go see Brussels. We took the train so that we didn’t have to worry about parking. Cal’s data wasn’t working when we got there so we hung out in the train station so that I could download the Brussels map on maps.me. It didn’t take long and we headed to the Grand Place. It is the central square in Brussels, surrounded by opulent guildhalls, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


After, we went in search of the Manneken Pis. Basically a fountain with a little peeing boy who, at Christmas time, was dressed up as Santa. Not really sure why it is famous other than it is from the early 1600s.

Afterwards, we walked to the famous instrument museum and old England building. Both are very cool:


Then we found the palace and walked through the Royal Gardens that has a lot of statues.

Then, we had Belgium waffles:

Walked through the Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

And randomly walked through the streets until we found the Christmas market where Rorie bought Churros.


And saw some more cool buildings and streets.


Before heading back to Oudenaarde.
December 25th, we had a small Christmas morning. Cal got a wood watch (that we bought in Ghent from a Greek booth), Rorie was outfitted in a toque and sweater and I got a sweater too!
The train to Ghent was pretty quick (again, parking is problematic hence the train). It was a bit of a rainy day and not much was open but it is a really pretty city.
Castle of the Counts:

Interesting streets and canals (which goes around the central city):




Then we stopped for mussels

There is a cool belfry

And, surprisingly, a Christmas market (I think you have seen enough photos)!
The church, Sint Baafsplein, is supposed to house what is thought to be the earliest oil painting but I couldn’t find the painting in the church.
Other cool buildings and streets:



Christmas dinner was made by Rorie!

December 26th, was a day trip to Bruges (via car).
The city centre is full of old buildings and a canal circles it so a lot of cute pedestrian bridges.


Swans everywhere

Entrance to monastery

Belfry

Basilica with a beautiful wood roof


Town hall

Lots of beer!

Our last night in Oudenaarde – we are off to the Netherlands!