Brussels Christmas Markets

Few weeks ago we were in Brussels for a long weekend with couple of friends. This was mainly to go around the Christmas Markets and little sight seeing. We landed at the airport in the snow and then about half hour for the bus to take us to Brussels and book into the hotel.

The markets is spread around the city little  bit like Manchester. The same set of the little huts down the streets.  The first thing I noticed that the was hardly anyone on them for a Friday afternoon where Manchester would be rammed. The mulled wine was cheaper then Manchester at 2 euros and you did not need to pay a cup deposit.

Our first call was the Grand Place and the moden tree. Abies Electronicus Xmas tree.  In a nut shell a scaffolden tree.covered in white sheets. But at night it was a light show and music.

Leading of the Grand Place takes you though other markets and onto Saint Niclight. Church with a light show being beamed onto at night. From here you head to a Turkish Market where there is a Bamboo sticks structure and again it turns into a light show at night. Then from here you can walk to the final 2km market with its ice rink and large Big wheel at the end.  Plenty of stalls selling gifts and food. One thing I noticed was not many selling sausage that you get in Manchester.  Food was mainly the potatoes with bacon, chilli or pasta dish. No dutch pancakes or sweet food I could see.

Plenty of chocolate shops on every street and gifts of the Manneken Pis. We also visited some nice Belgium bars selling some nice beers.

We also came across the Terracotta Army expo that was on and we had a looked round there on the last day.  Which was amazing to see in a small way.

We did the bus tour around the city and we also took a train to the city of Antwerp.  Another city full of old buildings with gold leaf on them. A very long road from the station to the old part lined with moden shops. Again Christmas markets were on and they had a big wheel which we could view the city. But again not as busy as Manchester and this was on a Saturday. The hot was 3 euros but you got a bigger cup. As we walked back at night we came across some festival that was starting.

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Manchester Markets and John Rylands

With a infection in my foot and out of action for big walks and runs, but needed something to keep the foot moving. We took a visit to Manchester around the markets and to the John Rylands Libary on Deansgate. many times we have walked past it onto the outdoor shops. So today had a quick look round and was impressed with the building. Built in the 1890s, The John Rylands Library is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world; both the building and its collections are of outstanding international significance.

Main Hall in John Rylands

Later on we went around the Christmas markets which are over 8 sites in Manchester. Due to the tablets I could not have any mulled wine. It was the normal stalls that you see each year from food to gifts. Exchange squre was the new area for stalls since the wheel has gone. This was mainly for people who wanted a  stand for few days. Helen had her seafood from the spainish stand on Albert Sq.

Albert Sq

Albert Sq

One of the stalls that I always go back to each year when Helen is not with with me is
Earth Rock and Stone by Holly and her Boyfriend who name has gone out of my head.

They make hand made  Silver Jewellery.  Everything they make is pure silver as that is what they like using. The stones they use they go all the way to India each year to buy. So they are seeing what they buy. They go to the people who cut and polish the stones and gems. Plus they get a chance to walk and backpack in the area. Amazing couple to talk to about their trips.
Everything I have bought from them over the years for Helen has not broken or bent. Where other things I have bought from else where has broken a link or snap.
 It will be too late to find them on the markets now but they do other markets as well though the year. I will find the web site they use to put up here.