Arriving in Brussels

I was able to sleep on the flight from Chicago to Brussels and woke up in time for breakfast.

My Flight Path from Chicago to Brussels

We were flying above the clouds, with no view below, but as we approached Brussels, I did catch sight of the Atomium, a modernist structure that was the centerpiece of the 1958 Brussels World's Fair.

A View of the Atomium through the Clouds

Due to the new European EES immigration system, I had expected a several-hour wait once we arrived at the Brussels airport, which is exactly what happened. What I found odd, however, was that this new system was not in use there, despite all the kiosks I saw. The agent simply stamped my passport and sent me on my way.

I had arranged for a driver to take me to my hotel, and we passed through the European Union headquarters section before reaching Hotel Amigo.

The Hotel Amigo was lovely and is in a perfect location. Luckily, my room was ready shortly after I arrived, and it is on the top floor with a small balcony. Very, very nice.

Hotel Amigo

After resting for a bit, I wandered over to the Grand Place, the city’s beautiful main square, and I was amazed by how crowded the city was. There were more groups of students, for example, than I’ve ever seen in other cities.

Grand Place

I also found Les Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert, the first monumental shopping arcade built in nineteenth-century Europe. Lots of Belgium’s well-known chocolatiers are located here, but I didn’t sample any goodies today.

Les Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert

Neuhaus Chocolates

Although I was scheduled to take a free walking tour in the afternoon, jetlag started to get to me after wandering around for an hour. So, I reluctantly decided to skip the tour and return to the hotel to rest. I know you’re supposed to resist napping on the first day, but I couldn't help it! I will be spending three nights in Brussels, so I will have time to explore the city.