Brussels: Where the Attraction is the Cuisine

I'll give ten dollars to anyone who can (without looking) name 10 things to see in Brussels. Five? One? If you're having trouble naming any Belgian attractions, then you're probably right on par with the rest of the world.

As a newly initiated Belgian tourist, I can safely say there are two worthwhile attractions: 1) The Atonium and 2) the Mannekan Pis.

The first is a giant atom shaped sculpture built in the fifties for their giant world expo. These days, it just looks like aliens are invading the city via ball and stick models. There is a thoroughfare running underneath it and everything. Its pretty much the coolest thing in Belgium.

Despite the language barrier, I think the name of the second attraction pretty much says it all: Mannekan Pis: the pissing boy. Its really odd. People from across the world flock to this small 12 inch peeing baby to take pictures of it. But it doesn't end there, on every street corner and in every shop, there are statues of this peeing baby, postcards adorned with his little wee wee...he can't seem to get any privacy. The do have the decency to dress him in patronizing outfits on occasion, so maybe that makes them feel better for spending so much time staring at naked peeing babies...but idk.

Although Belgium may be replete with attractions for its tourists, they make up for it in cuisine.

1) Chocolate: delicious but expensive. Chocolate stores on every street willing to sell you small little chocolates for 5 euros each.

2) Beer: smooth, crisp, flavorful, and potent!

3) Waffles: these things are the shit. In America, Belgian waffles are made with pancake mix, but in Belgium, they taste more like a doughnut. I had one with chocolate sauce and another with whipped cream and chocolate sauce...diabetes here I come.

Paris here I come!