OIDFA Trip - Day 2 Brussels Since I'm still suffering time zone adjustment, I woke up early, so wrote the next episode in my saga.
It had rained, and the sky was icky gray, windy. However, this was Tour Brussels day. It was a day for my warmest clothes, raincoat and umbrella. Breakfast was provided in the hotel. Belgium breakfast was cold cereal, hard roll, cheese, hot drink, orange juice. Since I was on the south edge of town, near the train station, the hotel provided a Metro map for getting around. There was an entrance at the train station and also a block from the hotel. I bought a one day ticket and soon found myself in the center of town. I found out that Metro stations often have several exits, on different streets. It took some time, and a couple questions, to find my location on the city map and get started to the main square, Grand Place, where the tourist bureau was located. There I found out that the money machine was just around the corner. A lace friend who recently returned from Europe had sold me her leftover Euros, so I had funds for the first day but knew I needed more. A cash machine visit was necessary every 2-3 days. The buildings, streets, and squares were very interesting to this western traveler. Slowly I made my way towards the Costume and Lace Museum. Took many wrong turns and accidently found the Manikinpis statue in the process. It did not have any clothes on that day. The Museum collection had very good quality things in it. It was primarily clothing since 1940. The top floor had a room with lace. The collection is not huge but is worth seeing. They close for the lunch hour but said I could come back. The collection was small enough that I saw it all before noon closing time. Bought a long, skinny turkey sandwich 'take away' and ate it on the porch of the Opera House, watching some maintenance men replace a window in the 3rd floor of a building across the street. This glass was at least 5' x 6' in size and took a crane-hoist to raise it in place. The storm seemed to be getting worse so I returned to my hotel and had a nap while it rained hard. When the sun came out, I took a walk and had dinner. Being a lady, and traveling alone, I did not go out at night. Still suffering some jet lag, I went to bed early. Thus ended Day 2. Lace collection two and lots of walking & stairs. Alice in Oregon -- where it's hot and sunny - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
