Brussels, Belgium

The next morning at Amsterdam, I tried my best to wake up as early as possible, to catch the 545am train from Amsterdam to Brussels, Belgium. I struggled to find the motivation to pull myself out of bed. Being alone, I need all the discipline I could muster to pull myself out of bed. Anticipating that this would happen, I set the alarm at 430am and let it ring for several times before dragging myself outta bed. God is good, and I wouldnt have gotten outta bed without Him. The Chinese receptionist greeted me with the most energetic and warmest of goodbyes. "Jiu ze yang?" I said to him. "Jiu ze yang" he smiled. This helped to start my day and motivated me to walk and walk towards the train station. 18 euro was well spent in the hostel. Warm shower, and a good upper deck bed. The only thing not so comfortable - I shared the room with 5 other backpackers. Hence, during the night, I tied my backpack and belongings to myself in case any of them is up to no good. At this time, the sky was bright. Summer nights are short and I appreciate that. Missing the 545am train to Brussels isnt the end of the world. They are scheduled to depart half-hourly. But I didnt want to freeze out for 30mins in the cold, esp when every shops are closed - no shelter for warmth. Praise be to God, with 2 mins left, I caught it. And that also means I didnt have to freeze out in the train station for too long. To brussels.
Along the way to Brussels, I saw more and more brothels by the main road. Early in the bright day, prostitutes display themselves in lingerie and wink at passer-bys. These are really hardcore prostitutes. At 6am in the morning? Im surprised. By the time I realised I could snap shots of them without being spotted, it was too late. Ah. The morning brain still wants to daze.

At Brussels. The Brussels train station is big. Walking around, looking for the train to Brugges. But it was no good. I couldnt even find a baggage deposit place, nor an information counter. It was confusing. Underground or above ground? People walk fast and dont speak English. Getting to Paris on time was also a constant worry. The best help I found were the road sweepers who gave me some tips. Finally, I stumbled upon a baggage deposit store and happily deposited my bag. Berlin was a stinging lesson for me. Not gonna drag my baggage through the city for half-a-day anymore.

I needed a toilet desperately. A free one. Not gonna pay 2 sgd for the one in the tran station.

Trying to get to "the Grand Place" in Brussels, I followed some signs and reached a modern, beautifully lit passage way that reminded me of Singapore. I walked through it and reached a beautiful complex. Following through it, I reached an intersection where the most famous of Brussels tourism are.

Brussels have some cool architecture. Its a little different from Amsterdam, it prefers plainer colours, a less exciting feel, but calms you down.

 Doesnt this remind you of the Milan Arcade? The moment I walked it, I went "Oo Milan?!" This is Brussel's arcade. Similarly, its their posh shopping area. On a closer look, clothes and fashion isnt their thing as compared to Milan. So whats are the theme of this posh shopping area?
Chocolates and sweets! That's Belgium's thing. 

The really really famous and extraordinary Neuhaus chocolates and sweets!

 Dont you just wanna eat it straight off the image!

I would be really really happy, if I could go home to a kitchen like this everyday! (:

Next, I walked into this chocolate place, which looked even more yummy than Neuhaus.
And this is why..

  Tell me you just wanna dig your whole face in. Cos I really wanna do that.
For a moment, I thought that I was in heaven, only to realise I had to pay. Then I wondered if heaven would really look like this, with good and free chocolates everywhere - and I was greeted with a grin from God.

 Yes I couldnt resist and bought some. Belgium, you just want to eat up all its chocolates (the swiss would content to that haha)

Shortly after, I needed a toilet urgently and set foot to look for one all around. 30 mins later, I found nothing and was about to pee on the road, when I decided to go back to this shop and ask the ladyboss. She said there's no toilet around (WTH), but decided illegally, to open her backdoor and said "I shouldnt be doing this, but there's a toilet down the steps at the basement." COOL.

The door at the back, is the back door.

Walking down this path, I find this basement kinda strange. Why is there "Welcome" in so many different languages? And soft music playing in the background? Curtains? I looks like a maze where. After I did my nature job, curiosity got the better of me and I decided to explore. And should I get caught for trespassing, I would just act blur and act like I am a cannot speak english asians, and act lost. Heh.

Exploring the area, I soon suspect that its a underground museum, or educational bombshelter (a significant old time bombshelter that has been transformed into a museum)
Its really kinda cool, with some cool displays, and I was the only one inside the maze! haha.

This is one of the cool displays, that tells a story about Brussels and Belgium's history.

Some of the displays are way cool. For example, if you see this one, you realise that it shows pigs transforming into man, or the other way round.

It has something to do with the age when the Belgians are rearing lotsa pigs and slaughtering them for meat. Man, it seems, in their quest for dominance, have also lost their moral and sense and are no different from pigs. Cool eh.

After that interesting historical display, I ended up in this section. So many mini Manneken Pis fountain (little boy taking a leak into a pool) !!! But they are really cute! See below!

Cute right! Even comes with a bin (instead of a pool) to collect the pee.


After walking through the whole museum, I realised that the only way out, was back up the back door. Looking at my watch, oh no! I actually spent almost an hour in the museum already! What if the ladyboss ask? Would I say I actually spent 1 hour in the toilet? (absurd! haha) Or just say I got lost finding the way out and hope she doesnt think that I was attending the museum for free. I found out later, that you need a ticket to visit the museum. And it costs 6 euros! Yeah!

After the museum and chocolate shop, I went out of the shopping area, to the alleys - the Rue des Bouchers - which was within the area itself. The alleys are, again, famous for its food. Its seafood. (sounds spanish?). Well. I have to check it out.

The lobster house.

Seafood Seafood and more seafood!

But dine elsewhere, I was warned.


After the Rue des Bouchers, it was fitting for main attraction of Brussels. Here, I learnt the meaning of grand. As the Brussel's arcade reminded me of Milan, the Grand place reminded me of Venice's San Marco.

I like its many many many statues on the building! The detail and work that goes into it. I pondered a while at its process. Its amazing.

Inside this bulding, on the underground is the beer museum. Introducing the famous belgium beer, its history, the process of making it and a taste of it that's the most important.

The bar. I went there early. Without an entry ticket, I went into the bar, and saw these 2 chatting in a foreign language. I didnt want to pay for the museum. But I wanna try to beer. So I struck up a conversation with him, asking him about the beer. He decided to give me a taste of the beer, for free. Deal for sure.

Belgian beer rocks. Really.

After the free beer, I decided to walk around the streets, and look for the peeing fountain. 2 things that caught my eye on this street. First, it was the "person" on a stick begging for money, the other was the picture on the wall, the painted stairs.

This was the first one. From far, it looked kinda convincing. I walked nearer and realised it was a hoax. "Vincent Van Vogh" it says. And a box that asks people for money beside. Its amazing how lazy some people are, and try to get money in this way. I took a peep into the box and there's really some people who fall for it. Gosh. In this rich, touristy country.

Next was this painted wall. Ah, Tin tin again. I love it when a comic and cartoon has such a live and culture of its own. This country itself brings the comic to life. Hopefully, I could see a Marvel or DC world somewherein this world. And maybe a bleach (:

I conclude that this town is indeed a comic strip town.

And who can forget, the streets filled with chocolate shops (:. The pride of Belgium.
At one of these chocolate and wafers shop, I overheard a very familiar accent. It was a Malaysian couple, asking for the price of wafers. They perpetually have this camcorder on. I was to meet them again, in Brugges, later in the evening.


And finally, I reached a cross-junction where a crowd gathers with its cameras - you know its a tourist attraction.

This was what they all wanted to see, the boy peeing into the pool. Seeing that it is obviously not very spectacular, or cultural, I stayed to ask for a picture from another tourist, and left.

After leaving the famous peeing boy, I explored the city, looking at its architecture and discovering its buildings.

I really do like buildings that elude such quaint feeling. I choose old-fashion charm over modern splendor.

Chancing upon this church, was one of the most mind-boggling experience of all time.

Enlarge it to read. Its the weirdest description I've read in a long time. Well, the inside of the church would be the MOST unexpected from a church. Here's why.
Upon entering the church, what greeted me was a crime-scene dead body outline.

And then, right in front of it, a scale-down replica of it, with the light flashing.

More weird stuffs to come.

Even the Jesus that hangs on the cross, is the oddest ever.

And what's this on the right side? If you imagine that you are facing their direction, well, the bible says that on the right hand of God is Jesus, and on the left is the Law. So I suppose the 2 tablets are the 10 commandments.


And on the left and right side of the church, lay another 2 separate tablets, which I suppose also, is the 10 commandments. My, this weird church is quite binding.

And on the other corner of the church, there's even barb-wire!!

After the church, I took a walk, exploring the town. And saw some rather not eye-catching, but interesting stuffs.

Bicycles for rental. Just insert the coin and ride the bicycle. This is quite common in certain parts of Europe.

As I continued walking, I chanced upon this church. 

What's special about this church? We'll find out (:

1) The most muscle pack Jesus crucified ever. Hundreds of packs.

2) Can you see the fading mosiac of an angel on the brick wall? This looks really spooky and surreal.

3) I suppose this is an ark of the covenant? One of the most beautiful ones I have seen.


After the church, I continued to walk about.

Dont you think the grafitti is really really cool? Plus all the broken wooden planks. My! what happened to his shop?

There was some filming of a comedy at this fountain when I came. A crowed gathered.

Lady with longgggg leg!

4 topless women.

5 strong women.

I would call its buildings, Brussel's pride.

This town's buildings just fascinates me. The details and creativity they put into. The thousands of statues, the minor details, the comic strip, the nude women in seductive poses statues, golden lady with long legs. Brussels could be known as a town of artistic buildings.


I carried on walking, away from the Grand Place, towards the Old England Building - the Musee des Instruments de Musique. Its was quite far away, and I wasnt sure if it was worth it. However, since I had some more time, I decided to give it a try, and boy, I was in for a surprise. Great things awaits!

Trying to remove some grafitti!

The Old England building to the left! But what's that in the middle!

The Old England Building - the Musee des Instruments de Musique - ie the Museum of musical instruments!

I decided to walk further up from the Old England Building to check out the cool building that I saw.

Is it a parliament house? Or another museum? I cant figure out.
Being there brought more surprises! Oh man. Looking around, the sights was awesome, and I discovered even more great architectures nearby!

Looking back, can you see the Grand Place (as mentioned - the 1st place I visited!)
Yep, the protruding tower!

Turn left from here, and you'll get to lots of places as the pictures below! 

A really cool medieval cathedral!

And beside the cathedral, a garden with lots of statues. Europe just loves them.

After the garden, I continued my journey downwards, to this supreme court like place.

At this place, you could see the whole city. Wonderful.

This is the only lift I saw in Brussels. You can take this lift down, to walk the town of Brussels.

I took the lift down, walk down the path as the above picture. Until I chance upon this church, and saw a band playing inside.

Only a short while. They soon finished their rehearsal. I continued my journey down the path, till I see more and more Chocolates.

Until I see some modern buildings.

With really cool reflections. A modern building reflecting old buildings.

Nearby the modern building, is the Brussels Cathedral.

This picture, is courtesy of the Indian girl I met. My camera went dead. Thanks.

And while walking inside the Cathedral, I chanced upon what seem to be an undergroud passage. The picture below, suggest that there's a walkway underground. I got excited. Could I be in for a discovery? Some ancient relic? Or a secret?

I soon found a flight of stairs downwards, followed it and saw this. Wooooo. Intriguing. What lies ahead?

Of Ancient Sites, buried underground beneath a famous Cathedral. What's its story.

And Ancient relics.

I escaped from this underground alive. Curious about its story, contented with my final discovery of Brussels. I scattered to Brugges, scheduled to meet Tom.

Goodbye Brussels, its been a truly exciting journey, of stumbling upon your undergrounds after undergrounds. Despite a being straightforward town, it contains underground mysteries.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

I reached Amsterdam in the evening, amazed at the crowd of people at the train station. There were groups of backpackers sleeping on the train station. First thing on my list, is to find the schedule from Amsterdam to Brussels, Belgium. I walked till an information point. There were 2 staff, a man and a woman. There was absolutely no queue for the woman. Hence, I went straight to her and ask. She rested her heavy head on her hand, and didnt even tilt her head up to look at me. She just nodded her head, with her head rested on her hand, at every question that I asked her. I was really really pissed, so I decided to queue up for the male staff. Its absolutely horrible to see work ethics like this, especially in the service industry.

Next, to cut cost, I was contemplating to sleep in the train station. However, I chatted with 2 Dutch blacks at the cafe and was sternly warned by them that past past midnight, the people in Amsterdam would be horribly drunk, violent, and high on marijuana. I decided it would not be wise. So I walked out of the station towards Amsterdam centre, looking for some cheap hostel.

The first impression of Amsterdam was really really good. It was lively, bursting with energy, a really happening atmosphere, locals and tourists. After checking out 2 youth hostels, I made up my mind. For 18 euro, it was rather cheap. Both hostels that I checked out had China Chinese receptionist. Realising that they are from China, I switched from speaking in English, to Mandarin. Language plays such an important role. They gave me a huge smile the moment I switched from English to Mandarin, and were more friendly and helpful towards me.

Now, Im ready for some Amsterdam action. A city so reknowned for its red-light district and legalised marijuana. But Amsterdam is more than just an X-rated theme park for pleasure hunters. Amsterdam also has really really pretty 17th century architecture and water ways. Every part of Amsterdam looks totally different. At its canal grid, you will be forgiven if you think that you're in venice. At its red-light district, you think you're in Thailand. But one thing stays the same. The atmosphere in Amsterdam is full of life, everywhere.

The train station is a fine 17th century architecture example. I was really impressed with its architecture.

A good-looking cathedral beside the train station.

Amsterdam's pretty waters greeted me just 20 metres outside the train station. It looks like Im not the only one that likes Amsterdam's waters. There are many touristy sightseeing boats in demand.

Despite Amsterdam's notorious reputation, one of the first things I saw, was this hotel trying to evangelise to this city. Well, good luck.

Walking towards the city center. The streets are lively, the people happening. Even the Chinese woman that walk past me smiles to me. Well, this city is special.


Showing off his moves and hopefull getting some generous donors. He was good.


I checked in at a hostel above this stall. Dutch fries are really famous.

The sex museum was just 10 metres away from my hoste. Few hours later, I saw an Erotic Museum. Only Amsterdam, has such stuff. The only other place in Europe I saw with a similar museum was in Prague, Czech Republic, which has a sex-toy museum.

The vodka museum was also 10 metres away from my hostel, in another direction. Sex and alcohol. They are proud of their reputation enough to create museums to honor them.

And there was a Casino 15 metres away.


I visited a shopping mall.

All soccer lovers cannot forget, the once-upon-a-time greatest team in Europe - Ajax Amsterdam. With the fall of the team's greatness, so does the price of the jersey.

Sexy Amsterdam underwears selling as soveniours. Something you would expect from this city.

I explore outside my very happening street. And checked out more of Amsterdam's architecture and waterways, while waiting for the night to come. Despite its notorious reputation, the people along the streets are really helpful and nice in giving me directions.

Its a wonderful thing. Enjoying a meal with a companion on a boat.


And because Amsterdam's canal and boat houses is so popular, many local have taken it a step further, by turning their boathouse into a tourist attraction. "See a houseboat inside". It doesnt seem too popular though.

This is the Anne Frank Huis. (Anne Frank House). Inside this building, Anne wrote her famous diaries, contexted with a good mix of optimism and silent despair. The building preserved Anne's bedroom, oozing with melancholy. No photos allowed inside.


One of the shops trying to get people's attention. Sex really does sell, especially in Amsterdam.


Not forgetting the Van Gogh Museum.

I checked out some clubs. Some of the clubs have new ways of making money. They create tours themselves. These tours will bring you around a few clubs from 10pm to 4am, and you get a free beer at every club.


This is the most famous club in Amsterdam. Jimmy Woo. Its the most exclusive club. No Tom, Dick, Harry can enter. Not even the beautiful and sexy Jane or Mary. Everyone that enters this club has to be exclusively invited on that day. I chatted with a receptionist from a neighbouring Indian restaurant and he confirmed it, with a bitter grin. Perhaps he had been trying in vain to get in for a long time.

Next, I checked out this area in Amsterdam, full of restaurants.

You know a city is very touristy when it even created a menu for tourist.

By far the most popular restaurant I saw in Amsterdam, is actually this Chinese restaurant.

The most exclusive club is Jimmy Woo, opened by a Chinese. The most popular restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. Seems like the Chinese are doing really well in Amsterdam.


Finally, at around 10pm, the sun sets and night falls.

Where to now? The red-light-district of course. On my way there, I asked a Dutch to reconfirm the direction. He replied "Enjoy your window shopping experience." I was kinda amused and tickled by his reply. Well, window shopping for prostitutes - would you?


They hate people taking pictures of them. You risk having them shouting vulgarities at you, and may even get your camera smashed from the really pissed off ones. Once, a crowd gathered to oogle at this prostitute. She keep rubbing her boobs and smacking her ass at them. I tried to sneak a photo of her. Even with the crowd taking her attention, she noticed me, and hid behind before I could snap. She reappeared, pointed middle finger at me and yelled tons of vulgarities. I ran away. To another shop, I decided to try from a distance, and used a lousy zoom. Even then, they somehow possess some kind of sixth sense that tells them someone is taking pictures of them from far. This one successfully hid behind a few times, and this was the best I managed.
Walking along the red-light-districts, some of them "Ni Hao" me, which was really gross. There were really young ones which I would guess to be below 18, and I saw a really one exfoliating skin one as well. I guess prostitution could be a live-long trade. With people getting more and more mentally needy and sick, even old prostitutes could survive in this trade.

Ironically, there is a Chinese temple beside the red-light-district.
Well, I was glad to get out of the window shopping area, knowing also that it is unwise for me, being alone, to stay for too long. Near this chinese temple, I began searching for food. I walked into this Chinese restaurant, willing to spend some on a good chinese meal. Unfortunately, they just closed. The ladyboss chatted with me. I remarked that the red-light-district experience surprised me at first and she replied in Mandarin "young man, you need to get used to women seducing you." Well.

I got out of the area and went in search of somemore food. I saw another Chinese restaurant which the ladyboss recommended. That restaurant opens past midnight and crowds patronise it. Standing at its door, I looked at the menu. It averages around 10euros for a plate of wanton noodle. I could get it for 10 times less in Singapore, and probably taste way better in Singapore. There's no need for me to pay that much extra for my own local meal being branded as exotic. I decided to walk back to my hostel and catch some famous Dutch fries along the way.

For 4 euro dollar, this is the smallest. But its huge! I had to pay for chilli, tomato and mayo, separately. Nevertheless, they were great fries and the sauces was awesome!

Here, I chatted with the seller, which is an Egyptian. He moved here 5 years ago, and hated Amsterdam like crazy. Amsterdam is a great city to visit. One of a kind. But I share the same sentiments as the Egyptian man. Living in this crazy city would probably not be so ideal.

I am-sterdam-ed. What about you?