Today we had a fun day in Brussels. We first went to the Comic Strip Museum. They had displays of the history of comic strips, and then they had a few different comic strip writers and their works highlighted. What was really fun was that they highlighted the Tintin comics, and the Smurfs comics, which were both written by Belgian writers. Dave loved Tintin when he was younger, and I loved the Smurfs, so it was really fun to see those. :) I have fun memories of trading the little Smurf figurines, and watching the Saturday morning cartoons. Even the theme song came back to me. La la la la la la... Haha.

 As we walked to the museum, we passed this, the Place des Martyrs. From the internet:

The current name of this square refers to the dead of the September days of the Belgian Revolution of 1830. It was laid-out in a uniform neoclassical style in the years 1774-1778 after the designs of Claude Fisco. Over 400 heroes of the Belgian Revolution of 1830 lie buried in a crypt beneath the cobblestones. Many lie not far from where they were shot, in fierce battles amid the Brussels streets and barricades. The Flemish Government cabinet offices are located at this square.

The comic strip museum:

We got some lunch at a Frits (fries) place. I think it was called Rebekah's Frits. Apparently, Belgium is famous for its french fries, as well as its chocolate and waffles!

Check out the size of this burger/fry sandwich! I only ate 1/2 of it.

We found the restaurant district after we ate lunch.

We did a little souvenir shopping and shoe shopping (Janae) as we walked to our next destination, Grand Place, which is a beautiful city square.

Fixing the hair again.

In front of the Town Hall, in Grand Place.

Most of the buildings in this square have gold accents which make it really beautiful. 

The city museum

The amazing Town Hall. Geez, our American cities need to step it up!!

Detail on the Town Hall.

We've had an ongoing joke of winking dramatically at people on this trip. Here's us in action! HAHA.

Another comic strip on a wall.

 We had to go see this famous Belgian statue called Manneken Pis. Translated it's "little peeing man". Apparently it has become symbolic of Brussels' rebelious people. Hm. It was made in 1619, but has been stolen seven times, including once by the English. The one that they have here today is a replica made in 1965. The statue is dressed in all kinds of costumes, several times per week. He has a wardrobe of hundreds of outfits!!

Next we stopped for some Belgian waffles. Oh my! Topped with fruit, whipped cream and melted chocolate. 

The kids with their waffles and a large version of the Manneken Pis.

Josh had a difficult time eating his waffle. He got chocolate and whipped cream all over his hands and face!

Some of the costumes of Manneken Pis.

We went and saw Notre-Dame de Bon Soceurs. It was very beautiful, but hard to get a picture of the outside, because it's tucked right inbetween other buildings.

The inside of the dome.

 Another comic strip on a wall.

It's been fun to use a little French here. I've had to reach way back in my brain to remember words for things, but some is coming back!