Brussels

Brussels Working through our jet lag, and enjoying Belgium National Day

Our first day in Brussels, walking around, trying to stay awake. This is the central square in Brussels - Grande Place		It was scorching hot. In the background is the "manekin pis", a very overrated statue


Lots of military presence on the street.		Our first meal


We were pretty tired		One of the first indoor "malls" or arcades in the world - Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert


		On the first day, Peter was practically falling asleeep on his feet


The socialist party headquarters		The hallway at our apartment.


Aaahh...screen time back at our apartment		One of the many EU buildings in Brussels


At the Square du Petit Sablon.


		Dinner at Brasserie Ploegmans


At the very impressive Parc du Cinquantenaire		Kenny and Eric really enjoyed the Royal Museum of History. It was old fashioned, and almost deserted.


		A World War II display of a bunker, with a triple bunk bed


		We were lucky enough to be in Brussels for the Belgium National Day. There were massive celebrations, with lots of events for children - mainly run by the military, it seems. Kenny had fun on this device. We got there early, so he had the first ride of the day


		The kids get camouflague face paints put on


Finding mines		Peter gets a fake wound painted on his arm. The look of it creeped him out, and bothered him so much that he rubbed it off soon after, to the dismay of some on-lookers who thought we were washing off a real wound.


Kenny got one too. He also couldn't stand it more than a few hours		It was pretty authentic looking


Carrying a stretcher


Prepping to go up the climbing wall


And rappelling down		A blindfolded obstacle course challenge.


I gave directions over the radio - step left, move forward, etc.		In a fighter jet cockpit


A mountain bike jumping competition in Brussels Park		There were big bins of free plastic water bags - easier than setting up fountains? Hard to drink from, though.


We didn't stick around for the parade - it would have been hours and hours of standing in the sun		There were a tremendous amound of soldiers, in addition to big trucks blocking all access to the main festival area. I guess they're thinking of the events in Nice.


		In front of the Palace of Justice


		These urinals were everywhere.


As the festival drew to a close and stalls were shutting down, the kids were given these massive balloons