Now I can say that I have tried every mode of transportation there is. On my first international solo travel, I wanted to experience a ton of things out, but also do it in a way that would not impact me as much financially. So, after listing down all the possible routes I can make, I have decided to try out land travel, since I was granted extra days off prior to my holiday. In Europe, where the borders are easily crossed by car, people have an option to drive to another country for holidays instead of being stuck in the cabin, this is why I reckon, it is a lot cheaper to travel within the continent. In the era of AI capable devices, one thing that still fascinated me is the possibility of subterranean travel. The UK may be seen as an isolated country from the rest of mainland Europe, if you look at it geographically, until 1994 when the Eurotunnel is made accessible. What made me appreciate it even more, is the fact that you can travel from London to Brussels for as low as £14, just a little over my daily travel expense using the London Underground.

I left London Victoria coach station at 10:00, in the quiet and comfortable coach which also had an unlimited WIFI access, washroom and built-in charging plugs on each seat. I just conditioned my mind to think that this will just be one of those lazy days where I just sit around the house, watch a movie, listen to music or sleep and it wasn’t too bad, I mean it is not even as long as my longest flight. Its midday when I reached the stopover in Kent, where they get passports checked and also took an hour for Lunch. I haven’t even flinched on the seat as I was asleep for most of the time when I was 250ft below sea level in the English Channel. After an hour or so, the tires start rolling again in Calais, Northern France. It was 16:00 when I reached Lille and transferred to another coach heading to Brussels. Three hours after, I finally step foot in Gare Du Midi in another country.

I wasn’t even tired, as I was sitting all day in the coach so I decided to take a stroll. It is still hours away from breakfast, but the smell of waffles got my stomach rumbling, while my eyes marvel at the night time glow of the Grand Place du Bruxelas. It is just wonder in every corner, and with my first bite of the Belgian Waffle, my Valentines night went suddenly romantic, even without a love one in tow. One of the first things I noticed, as I went speaking to people around is that, compared to French, Belgians speak impeccable English, while also fluent in French and Dutch language as they have once been under the rule of their Northern and Southern neighbours, at different periods.

As soon as the sun comes up the next day, I headed out to explore Brussels on my own. I was so excited as this is the city that first saw me as a solo traveller, outside of the UK or the Philippines. Like most of the cities in Europe, it is such a breeze to get around Brussels by its train and tram networks. But what sets it apart from the rest, is its cleanliness which is the best I’ve I have observed out of all the places I’ve been to. I started the day in the Atomium, the monument built in Brussels when it hosted the Expo in 1958 and is just designed to stand for 6 months. However, because of its popularity, it became one of Belgium’s national symbols and still stood where it was 50 years after. It depicts the successes of the atomic age where the world saw many great inventions and innovations, and like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it offers a one of a kind dining experience in its topmost sphere where you can view all of Brussels.

I continued my tour around the city in the Notre Dame du Sablon, which is quite similar to Notre Dame in Paris, built in Gothic Architecture. It features a detailed façade between two towers, stained glass windows, and symmetrical naves in its interior. But unlike the other cathedrals that strikes such beauty, this one is a lot less crowded, simpler and definitely peaceful.

Before midday, I found myself standing in front of the Palais Royal de Bruxelles. It is one of the longest facades I have ever seen, longer than that of the Buckingham Palace. It also has that grandiose details of the European palaces with its walls that have witnessed much of Belgium’s history taking place. Although this palace isn’t currently purposed as a residence for the Belgian monarchs, its design and grandiosity is absolutely fit for royalty.

After a sumptuous lunch, I unintendedly got out of the tram when I saw the view in Mont des Arts and took the route by foot instead. It is one of the most amazing views of Brussels. No wonder it was the centre of arts and literature in the city, housing museums and libraries in every corner, much like the Vienna’s ring road. It is a walk that I had happily taken, because of the sights and sounds that caught my attention, the buskers lining up the streets performing their best piece, the trees with their fresh spring leaves, and the skateboarders doing their tricks.

I walked downhill to again see the beautiful Grand Place, have my fill of Belgian waffles and take a little window shopping in Galeries Royales Saint Hubert. Its elegance makes it worthy of a meeting place for artistic geniuses like Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and Edgar Quinet. It is easy to imagine that this is how a mall looks like back in the day. If you love chocolates, this might be the paradise you are looking for, because in Belgium, a chocolate is not just a sweet treat, but also an art in itself. Marvel at the different kinds, shapes, colours and flavours of chocolate they make in the countless shops along the gallery.

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A few steps away, I ended my day trip in Brussels in front of one of the most visited statues in Belgium, the Manneken Pis. This statue is initially purposed as a water fountain for the citizens. But, the humour behind the statue made it an icon and also a representation of the Belgian people. Although after a multiple theft incidents which led the authorities to display a replica behind metal fences, the little statue is still popular. Up to this day, the citizens dress the Manneken boy in different costumes as an act of national expression. It’s also worth knowing that on certain holidays, instead of water, beer flows from its willy. One of my friends also told me about Jeanneke Pis, a different statue that according to a story, is the mother of the Manneken Pis, but I wasn’t able to see it on my visit.

Tips:

Brussels has become one of the cities I would definitelyrevisit. Its laid-back mood, accessibility, cleanliness and the hospitality ofthe people are just one of the few things aside from its world-class chocolatemade it one of the best city breaks in Europe. However, it’s probably best tosee it as well as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent alongside for a full Belgianexperience. At the time of my visit, I made it as somewhat a side trip, so Iwas trapped in a time constraint.

It is almost effortless to get around Brussels, aside from the people being fluent English speakers, most of restaurants and shops are also adopted to contactless payments, which takes out the stress of needing cash in your tour. Additionally, there are cheap accommodations not far from the centre, and transport is superb.

Compared to other European capitals, Brussels is underratedto tourists, making it less crowded, but equally beautiful. You won’t evennotice that Brussels houses the European Parliament.

If ever you have found yourself in a long layover in Brussels, I definitely recommend you spend it out of the airport. There are luggage stores in the main train stations where you can drop your bags. A day ticket on the metro is fairly cheap too and just by visiting the centre, you would almost cover the must see places in town.