Le Petit Cochon avec chocolat, cathédrale, et d'autres choses Belge

As some of you may know the main language in Belgium is French, and Brussels is no exception. This was quite nice for me since I was able to read menu, signs, directions and communicate (though on a basic level). I promise with my last post that I would show you some Belgian history, or culture and here it is. Wandering around Brussels you oftentimes just stumble upon history. On such an occasion my friend Allie and I came upon a section of the old city wall.

 Being next to modern buildings and a bustling intersection one almost walks clear past the wall, except if you are looking for Grand Place, and are therefore looking for the narrow street that will take you there. (helpful hint: If you are in Brussels and you see this wall remnant when looking for Grand Place, turn around because you already passed the plaza!)

Despite our slight detour, we found the plaza, Grand Place, when we turned the corner and saw this.

The plaza was absolutely gorgeous, and the pictures simply do not do it justice. To the left is the Hôtel de Ville, which in French means Town Hall. It can not be seen in this picture, but Brussels patron saint, Saint Michael, guards over the top of the city hall with a statue of the archangel slaying the devil.

These buildings are the traditional Guildhalls which are now chocolate and handmade lace shops, along with the occasional cafe. Above the shops are some flats... anyone want to buy one? I know I do!!

 

With the huge French influence in Brussels, there is a large number of French style cafes, though this one is extra special. This picture was taken for Michael my big brother, le gros cochon! (gros cochon is big pig, petit cochon is little pig the rest you can probably put together if not ask)

And of course the promised Belgian world of chocolate! With our class we spend the afternoon at the chocolaterie Planete Chocolat, learning about the process of making chocolate from the bean to your mouth. Of course an essential part of this learning process is consumption of the product!! In addition to eating the chocolate we got to make chocolate in a workshop that they put on for us. I got to make pralines, such as what one sees here. This picture is directly after our workshop, complete with our chocolatier outfits (minus Marykate's hairnet).

The above is, in case you haven't guessed the city Cathedral. Specifically Cathédrale Saints Michel et Gudule. Building on the cathedral started in the beginning of the 13th century, and took 300 years to finish. Being finished in the time of Charles V, it is suffice to say that this Catholic Cathedral was being bearing the weight of mankind for many a year.

Made in the 1600's I can only imagine the speeches that this hand carved wood pulpit has heard. This is the primary pulpit in the Cathedral.

Soon after visiting the Cathedral, our class loaded onto a bus, and drove all night to get back to Copenhagen by nine o'clock  Saturday morning. It has been almost a week since we came back (though it feels like longer). After a busy academic week, I will be going to Lego Land on Sunday! Next week my political adventures continue as I participate in the Danish Model United Nations, as a delegate from the United States of Mexico.