The Nanny Diaries: Bruxelles

I got back late last night from my weekend in Brussels, Belgium. Despite the FREEZING cold, I had such a fun weekend in the land of chocolate and waffles. The six of us left Killavullen around 2:45 PM on Friday afternoon- since Gillian's class had put on their nativity play that morning (cutest thing I think I have EVER seen), she had a half day and was able to let me get off early. We drove to Shannon and then flew over to Brussels.

Once landing in Belgium, I realized this was the first non-English speaking country I had ever visited. Luckily we had a French girl in our culturally diverse group and she was able to get us where we needed to go. We bought bus tickets to the city and then attempted to figure out the best way to make it to our hostel. We eventually hailed a taxi van that could fit us all and take us to our hostel for a mere 20 euros (not bad split six ways). We had our own room in the hostel which is always nice! It definitely wasn't a five star establishment but it worked.

The next morning we walked (the "scenic route") to the Christmas market. We didn't have a map, so we had to use Nathalie (the French girl) to ask directions. After a lot of walking, we spotted green and red tents! I immediately bought a new hat and a second pair of gloves because the -10 degree Celcius temperatures (about 14 degrees Farenheit) were unbearable.

When we went to lunch, I was surprised at how the wait staff did not know any English. In such a big city, I would expect them to know some English. I asked for tea and the waitress looked at me like I was from another planet... so I got Nathalie to ask for me!! We also stopped for some mulled wine, which I had never had before. It was very good and warmed us up right away!

Three of us went ice skating and toured the "Christmas monster" (basically like a Christmas haunted house- probably one of the highlights of the trip!). Then--exhausted--we headed back to the hostel for the night.

We woke up to heavy snow the next morning. We checked out of the hostel and headed back towards the Christmas market. After lots of slipping and sliding (Elisa fell to the ground nine times), we made it. We spent most of the day walking around and stopping every chance we got (to get out of the FREEZING cold). The second I would step outside, I wouldn't be able to feel my toes. After a comedy of errors, we made it to the airport and caught our flight to Shannon. Shannon (at 2 degrees Celcius) felt almost warm.

I had a very good weekend. I missed good ole Ireland, so I am happy to be back. It was nice to get away for awhile though. The Christmas market, the snow, and the ice skating has definitely put me in the Christmas spirit!