Exploring Brussels is an experience. I've been to a few places of note in the city. One of the nicest was the La'Roy (short hand for the La Royale d Espagne' - means the King of Spain). It is a famous Tavern in Grand Place (Grote Market) built in 1697. It served as the Bakers' guild building and was named for, of course the King of Spain, Charles II who was ruler of the southern Netherlands, which included Belgium at the time. All the buildings around the Grand Place are gorgeous, this one is full of beautiful wood and a central fireplace.
Note to the older generation of those who love me: Unfortunately, virtually every place of interest in Belgium is connected to drinking in some way. Pubs are greater in number here than Walgreen's back home. Please know that I take my health seriously and will always moderate.
I went out with a local last week who explained to me that there used to be many, many little theatres in Brussels that used marionettes to entertain and inform the locals. Only a couple remain, and of course, they are pubs. He said that the content of the shows was the news of the day and usually presented in the form of comedy with characters poking fun of the politics--Boy, could we use more of that!! The marionettes can be found decorating many places around town, including the La'Roy. They are about 24 inches high and very ornately made.
Part of the character of this city is that they are a bit irreverent of what is happening outside of their daily lives. I am coming to appreciate their point of view.
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