It is 335 feet high. There are stairs, escalators and an elevator to assist in getting up and down between the spheres. There is a restaurant located in the top sphere. We did have lunch there. Originially the monument was not meant to last past the Fair but it was so popular it became a symbol of Brussels. Renovated in 2006, they added several exhibits to the spheres. Two of those exhibits were closed while we were there due to changes being made to them. But I'm sure we will return, with visitors in tow.
Located nearby is Mini-Europe. This is a place that has iconic buildings made to scale from all over Europe. They did a good job on a lot of the buildings, adding a lot of detail and even figures. But I kept getting this feeling that I should have a little golf club and an orange ball in my hand.
 |
| VIEW OF MINI EUROPE |
MINI EUROPE
Grand Place, Brussels
Antwerp
London
After our lunch at the Atomium. We drove to Belgium to walk around Grand Place and restock our chocolate hoard! Weather was borderline but fear not the rain started in earnest as soon as we left the car and started walking. Popped in and out of a lot of chocolate shops, looking for my favorite chocolate covered biscuit. Once found, I knew life was good again! As you can see the sun was in an out with some good downpours in between. We did get to spend about 15 minutes outside one of the pubs for a beer but then quickly moved inside to watch the rain pour down and clear the square. All in all, a great day, even with the rain.
I'm sure this was Kate Middleton's first choice for her gown and
for Pippa but they didn't have it done in time!
The Palace for Belgian royalty
Well that's it for now. Enjoy the photos!
Loving the photos. You are right about mini-Europe looking like mini-golf :) So that clock with the figures in the recesses - what is the story behind that, and do the figures move? Also where was the gown exhibit. That was not a store window, right? Everyone looks like you are having a good time, and I think I saw a smile on Mark in the photo with him, you and Brian.
ReplyDeleteThe clock is called the Jacquemart clock. It chimes every hour and the figure do move. We did not catch it in time and we passed it twice. It was 10 after each time. I guess one of the figure represents the Brussels mayor and it moves out and he rings a bell. The clock also alternates between French and Flemish songs. Now with regard to the wedding gown...it WAS on a store front!!! Maybe a bride and groom who are HUGE Tim Burton fans.
ReplyDelete