Round The World and other travels
A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries
December 2012: Brussels
For several years now I have enjoyed making a December visit to a European Christmas market - a phenomenon most readily associated with Germany. Although there were many German markets still on my 'to do' list, I decided to be different in 2012 and visit Brussels instead. It was as good an excuse as any to renew my acquaintance with a European capital which, despite its relative proximity, had not been visited by me for over 7 years. The weather was anything but stable, alternating between bright winter sunshine and pouring rain.
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The markets
I had no idea where to find the Christmas markets in Brussels and kept my eyes peeled for the characteristic wooden chalets so familiar in Germany and Austria. I found a small cluster around the stock exchange, but the main site by far was the Place Ste. Catherine.
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By night
The 2012 Christmas tree in the Grand' Place caused much controversy due to its abstract design, which appeared to take cubism to a whole new level. It came into its own at night, forming the centrepiece of some startling illuminations.
Base: Le Méridien