BRUSSELS: BELGIUM: 17 MAY 2011

17 May 2011: Brussels, despite all its name and fame, somehow failed to impress me much. Perhaps, trying to cram in s..o many sights within one day, compounded by long, long walks and much time wasted in locating the Mannekin Pis and the Tintin Museum induced an weariness that did not encourage proper enjoyment. Mannekin Pis continued to charm, even 30 years after I had first seen him and the Atomium, not seen before, was awesome. 

Hordes of "desi" visitors sheparded by Cox & Kings and Thomas Cook, gobbling food and yelling loudly to each other, also distracted us from our enjoyment of the Mannekin Pis. 

What was most frustrating, and at times downright infuriating, was that every time I set up the camera for a proper shot, a BABA or a BIBI or a BABU, would walk straight in front and block the view. I had to shout at these intruders a couple of times, to let me complete a shot. Wonder whether these moneyed compatriots of ours, with so much fancy clothing and all, leave their minimum etiquette at home when they travel in such herds! 

It took us more than an hour to locate the Tintin / Herge Museum - the locals always seemed NOT to know where it was or guided us invariably to the wrong place. Quite intriguing really! Finally, an American couple, obvious tourists, came to our aid and told us how and where exactly to go.

Team Tintin in Space and their Rocket

A balloon seller decked up as a Clown 
Clown

Amongst other attractions, some of the churches, particularly their interiors, were fabulous. And the Chocolates, as usual, were simply out of this world!!!!!