Battle of Waterloo

Every year on the site of the original battle of 1815, just 11 miles south of Brussels, the sound of gunfire can again be heard as thousands of troops clash on the battlefield. This is the annual re-enactment of the battle of Waterloo.

Hundreds of people flock to see the battle and to witness the skills of the generals as the story unfolds right in front of your eyes. Adrenalin seeking nostalgia addicts will love this but then so will their kids. If you like historya and grand battles then this is probably as good as it gets without actually being shot at for real. 

For more photographs of the re-enactment of Waterloo & Brussels click here or view on You Tube

Brussels

Brussels is best known for its influence as the capital of the European Union. This is a vibrant modern city which always seems to have major building projects taking place simultaneously at any one time. It is also a very European and multi-cultural city. Brussels is one of the best places to eat in Europe. With around 1,800 restaurants and a host of quality bars, cafes and brasseries the city is a culinary delight for any food connoisseur. There are also many places to buy fine chocolate and the local hot waffles are delicious.

Essentially an old fortress town it is now the largest metropolitan area in Belgium. The city has grown enormously since the Second World War and is home to NATO, the EU Parliament and a number of international government organisations and institutions. About one third of residents in Brussels are not native to the city. English is spoken widely along with Dutch and French and a host of other languages.

For over 1000 years countries have fought over this city. There are plenty of things to see and do. Visit the 'Petite Rue des Bouchers' ( Street of Butchers ) with its small restaurants and food outlets. Take a stroll through the market square the Grand Place in the centre of Brussels with its 15th century Town Hall. Be careful that you don't get wet from the statue of the pissing boy ( Manneken Pis ) as you walk by on your way to the cathedral of St Michel.

For those interested in science and structures the Atomium is situated in the park of the Heysel on the outskirts of the city where a huge building of 9 spheres dominates the skyline. There are plenty of art museums and the Natural History Museum is definitely worth a call.

For more photographs of Brussels click here or view on You Tube

Bruge

Bruges is a Belgium city which is often the stop over point for coaches en route through Belgium or to and from Holland. It's not hard to spot its appeal. The picturesque little medieval streets, the excellent cafe bars and restaurants and the cleanliness and general beauty of the town make it a popular tourist spot.

The city centre is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. The historic buildings and narrow roads, fine churches and landscaped gardens all explain why it is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'. As far as European towns go it is not large in scale with a population of just 117,000 but it is an important port and an established business centre in its own right.

For more photographs of Bruges in Belgium click here or view on You Tube