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When Belgium beckons
Every year, actor and comedian Ssumier Pasricha makes a trip to Europe. This year, he chose Amsterdam, Holland and Brussels. “I hate to repeat vacation spots and I enjoy experimenting with places. I took the Euro rail from London to Brussels. Thankfully, despite the heavy traffic, I could make it to the station and managed to get on board in time,” he says.
Whenever Ssumier visits a new place, his first step is to buy the local map and a list of to-do things. “I always choose a centrally located hotel, which makes commuting easy and Brussels is a comparatively smaller place. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and is a great blend of modern and traditional offerings. The architecture o just about everything there i magnificent. The city has a mix of concrete buildings and regal 19th-century architecture. From the Grand Place and Saint-Michel Cathedral to the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts and The Atomium, every attraction is breathtaking.”
There was usually a drizzle, and Ssumier adds that the city is calm and easy-going. “I prefer sampling local foods when in a foreign country. And, Brussels is known for its beer, chocolate waffles and meat. I sampled all of the above during my visit. The breweries are interesting with a variety of flavours and the staff at each place is polite enough to help you pick the right one. I tried the Lambic, which is a brewed native beer.”
The city has a vibrant nightlife. However, locals are sceptical of mingling with strangers and especially nonnatives. “I had to return to my hotel after a few hours, as I had no one to speak to. The locals are hesitant to strike a conversation with outsiders. They are not rude or mean. Also, if you don’t know the local language, it gets difficult,” adds Ssumier.
He also made a stop at the famous Belgian Chocolate Village, before taking a trip to Bruges, which is an hour-anda-half from Brussels. “It is a small city which can be entirely covered in a few hours. To sum it all, the weather is pleasant, food is great and tourist spots are amazing. It’s a one-time visit destination,” he concludes.