Chocolate, chocolate everywhere!

We spent the day shopping in the Grand market in the center of town where we bought a ton of chocolate. We watched a man make the most gorgeous raspberry and white chocolate candies at the Godiva shop. Of course we had to stop in and sample a few pieces. We also stopped in at a wonderful scarf shop as well.

Part of the shopping area resembles a flea market, where various locals sell their wares, most of which look remarkably like the same as items available in on the streets of Amsterdam and Luxembourg. There is also a main street called the Rue nouve or new street which is a pedestrian walkway filled with shops and street vendors. It had much of the same feel as Amsterdam only it was louder and there were more tourists.

We only got a little lost trying to find our way back to the hotel but managed to find our way with a little help. One of the Americans who guided us was with a group who were surprised when we spoke English clearly. I suppose it is a rarity around here as most of the people you run into who can speak English do so with a heavy accent.

Laundry was quite challenging, but we managed to get it done. We also got to see an obscured view of a Turkish wedding celebration as we were guided outside as everyone in the area spilled out into the alley to watch. It was very loud. We managed to end up with clean clothes and a fun memory by the end of it all.

We ate at a little cafe near our favorite internet cafe. I had a ham and cheese omelet which wasn't the best I've ever had, but it made me feel a little more at home.

We went back to the hotel for a nightcap after dinner and had the worst time trying to order desert and coffee. The bar didn't want to serve us and the restaurant didn't want to waste a table on us if we weren't ordering a full meal. We finally managed to get a couple cups of coffee but never got around to being able to order desert.

As a side note, we are really not fond of this hotel. From the mildew in the bathroom to the poor service it is our least favorite on the trip so far. Michelle and I would both recommend against staying at the Mercurie Royal Crown if you are ever wandering through Brussels.