We really enjoyed our short stay in Brugge (see the last two blog entries), but it was now time for:

Brussels:

…where the #1 tourist destination is of course:

Ben’s shop!

The king in his castle…or is that the fool in his foyer?

Above the shop is his home, a great layout!  On floor 2 (of 4) I was treated to dozens of great harp guitar designs by my creative friend.

Ben took us immediately to the Brussels Music Museum in their new quarters in this wonderful old, recently restored building.

As seen in the two previous blogs, Ben had arranged for us to inspect the three off-exhibit harp guitars.

After completing our studies, we spent the rest of the day wandering the vast galleries of this truly impressive collection.

Leaving the museum, which, along with the Art museum, is off of this main square.

The King of Belgium’s royal residence.  He wasn’t home.

Back to our city wanderings.  Giant figures about to be used for the annual Ommegang festival.

Wandering on our own (Ben having grown tired of us), we stumbled upon the gorgeous Church of Sablon.

Parapets

Entryway

Looking up.  Everything is of course much larger than it appears in these photos.

Inside looking left

Center

Right.  I didn’t take the time to properly photograph the incredible stain glass.

The Sunday morning antique flea market area was filled with street musicians, some lame, some great. This Romanian gentleman used a completely chromatic instrument and was absolutely the most amazing cimbalom (early hammered dulcimer) player I’ve ever heard or seen.  Click here for a sequence of 4 unbelievable tunes from his recording!

During our final meal, we were delighted to discover how dog-friendly a city Brussels is.

It’s time to go back!