So this is the end of my first day in Brussels (really my second, but I failed yesterday and slept ALL DAY after my overnight flight, whoops!) I just finished drinking a delicious beer at Le Coach in the Montgomery neighborhood where I am staying. I am not much of a drinker, but I enjoy a high quality beer at times.
Earlier today, famished, I went to a tourist trap because I was so hungry. Monk's in Philadelphia is a million times better than the place I went to today...bland fries and OK mussels. Unfortunately the mussels were covered in giant onions. I have a slight onion allergy, so I had to deal with the onion headache afterwards. 22 euros later, live and learn. Stay away from restaurants near Grand Place. Tourist traps=no good.
Whenever I have limited time to visit a city, I just walk as much as possible. The architecture here is stunning. I really wish the photos did it justice-it was so gray today, so the photos obviously look a bit drab.
This is near the Grand Place/Central Station. I also visited the Magritte Museum and art muesem-it was great to see some work I was unfamiliar with.
Looking for the museum, I asked for directions from a couple who had asked me take their photo. They asked where I was from, and I said, "Florida." They said they are now living in Naples, Florida...I was feeling really disconnected because of traveling alone (one of my best friends was supposed to come with me on this trip), and it was great to make a connection on the other side of the planet! Now I have some new friends to call when I return to paradise (ahem, home).
Well, tomorrow is another adventure, but I also must remember to practice and focus for the competition this weekend! I've never done an only trumpet competition-this should be an interesting new experience. And I am excited to see another new city (Antwerp).
